We consult the experts to determine what dangerous driving looks like, how to report it in each state and territory, and what evidence you’ll need.
It seems as though every day we spend on Australian roads we come away with a new story of questionable road-user behaviour, but what if you see something that is just plain dangerous?
RELATED: Is it illegal to flash your headlights to warn of police?
Often it can be difficult to determine what exactly constitutes dangerous driving, but we’ve questioned the relevant authorities on what’s worth reporting, and what they’ll do about it.
What constitutes dangerous driving in Australia?
First-up, we queried Australian police forces on what constitutes dangerous driving. Broadly speaking, if you see things such as speeding, racing, burnouts, tailgating, and running red lights, be sure to report it to the relevant authorities.
Penalties for careless and reckless driving can be significant and could include fines, demerit points, vehicle impoundment, loss of licence, and potential jail time.
“There are defined aggravating circumstances for sentencing which include if at the time the driver is adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, excessively speeding or taking part in an unlawful race or speed trial,” a Queensland Police Service spokesperson told Drive.
“Each dangerous driving report is investigated on its own merits, taking into regard all circumstances at the time to determine if the report warrants a charge of dangerous driving.”
If you’re still in doubt, footage of dangerous driving examples can be seen on the Crime Stoppers website.
What do you need to report dangerous driving?
Once it’s safe and you’ve pulled over, try to obtain details such as the vehicle’s registration, make, and model. It also helps to give a description of the driver’s gender and age, as well as where the event took place, and what the weather conditions look like.
Video footage, whether it be dashcam recordings or filmed by a passenger, of an event taking place is excellent evidence to supply to the authorities too.
“It is important that drivers understand that they never know who’s watching and risk-taking behaviour can be recorded at any time, shared with Crime Stoppers and investigated by police,” said Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith.
“Whether it’s hooning, deliberately ignoring traffic signals or driving distracted, careless and reckless driving won’t be tolerated. These drivers show a clear disregard for not only their own safety, but for the safety of all road users.
Now that we understand what constitutes dangerous driving, here are the ways you can report it in each state and territory in Australia. Most processes are similar, but there are subtle differences worth noting if you intend on reporting dangerous driving.
How do I report dangerous driving in Victoria?
Lives lost on Victorian roads, as of mid-way through 2023, were up nearly 30 per cent year on year, prompting Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police to issue a dangerous driving blitz.
The simplest way to report dangerous driving is to submit an online report through Crime Stoppers or call them directly on 1800 333 000. This can also be done to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, the phone number designated for non-urgent crimes and events.
Naturally, if there’s an imminent risk of injury or death to your or other road users, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
How do I report dangerous driving in New South Wales?
The process works in much the same way in New South Wales. Call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if a driver is driving dangerously.
This can also be done by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or by visiting nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Crime Stoppers has described the Four Ds to look out for: Drink, Drug, Distracted, or Dangerous driving.
If there’s dangerous driving occurring in real time which could risk you or another person’s life, call Triple Zero (000).
How do I report dangerous driving in Queensland?
Queensland Police has several ways you can report dangerous driving.
Firstly, if you or others are in imminent danger call Triple Zero (000) to report an incident.
According to Queensland Police, types of dangerous driving include hooning (such as burnouts, fishtails, drifting, revving engines, screeching tyres), street racing, reckless driving endangering others, dangerous weaving in and out of traffic, and blatant disregard for road rules and signage.
If the above events occurred in the past, dangerous driving can be reported online to Queensland Police or by phoning 13 HOON (13 46 66).
How do I report dangerous driving in South Australia?
South Australians are directed to report dangerous driving such as tailgating, running red lights, speeding, burnouts, and donuts.
This can be achieved through an online form found here, or it can be done in the SAPOL mobile phone app. Members of the public might also choose to report it via phone at 131 444, or by visiting a police station in person.
While notifying authorities it’s worth trying to note down the time, date and location of the incident, vehicle details including make, model, and registration number, the details of the dangerous driving behaviour, and any contact details of witnesses.
How do I report dangerous driving in Western Australia?
The Western Australian government strongly recommends the reporting of dangerous driving and hoon behaviour.
Western Australian Police has an online form to report hooning and dangerous driving behaviour and asks for details such as a description of the behaviour, description of the driver, date and time of the behaviour, location and weather conditions, and vehicle details such as make, model, and colour.
It’s worth trying to note down the above details on paper if possible, or on video, as long as it does not put you at risk while gathering this evidence.
The Police Assistance Line can be called on 131 444 if the event requires police attendance.
How do I report dangerous driving in Tasmania?
Members of the public are encouraged to help Tasmanian Police by reporting dangerous driving witnessed on Tasmanian roads.
As a first port of call, report emergencies and life-threatening situations to Triple Zero (000). If you are reporting dangerous driving occurring in real time and don’t have photographic evidence to share, stop driving and phone the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
If a dangerous driving matter has occurred in the past, digital evidence can be supplied to Tasmanian Police through its online reporting portal.
How do I report dangerous driving in the Northern Territory?
Members of the public can report dangerous driving to Northern Territory Police in a similar fashion to the above.
Of course, always phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or life-threatening situation.
In non-emergencies, dangerous driving can be reported through NT Police’s online police reporting form. Evidence can be attached to the police report, too.
Members of the public are advised to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to report incidents that don’t require immediate police presence.
How do I report dangerous driving in the Australian Capital Territory?
Canberrans can report anti-social driving behaviour including speeding, burnouts, tailgating, menacing driving, and street racing.
Call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 if you see dangerous driving occurring, or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you have information about anti-social driving.
Illegal driving activities can be reported by visiting the Crime Stoppers website and its online reporting form. Select “Traffic Offence”. Police need details such as a description of the dangerous driving behaviour, time and location of the offence, and details of the cars involved such as make, model, colour, and registration details.
The post How do you report dangerous driving in Australia? appeared first on Drive.