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When you’re driving on Aussie roads, there are few things more stress-inducing than seeing Highway Patrol creep up in your rear mirror. In 2026, numerous state police have already ramped up their road surveillance duties by enforcing safety blitzes tackling hoon drivers.
The NSW Highway Patrol unit conducted a two-day operation between 15 and 16 May 2026 following community and Parliament member complaints relating to “anti-social behaviour and/or unlawfully modified vehicles”.
During the two-day blitz, 57 vehicles were inspected, of which nine required tow trucks after they weren't allowed to be moved following the operation.
Additionally, NSW Highway Patrol officers issued 11 minor ‘yellow label’ defect notices, while a further 35 minor defects were detected. The NSW EPA also issued 26 defect notices and 23 infringement notices as part of the operation.
Similarly, Victoria Police ordered more than 150 drivers – with alleged links to recent hoon meets in Truganina in April 2026 – to have their vehicles inspected at Werribee Police station on 9 May 2026.
Though authorities are on the hunt for hooning behaviour such as aggressive and reckless driving, burnouts, street racing and general road offending, what do police actually look for when inspecting a car?
To avoid accidentally purchasing a non-compliant vehicle or running afoul of the law, these are the things to look out for.
A spokesperson for Queensland Police Service said officers generally target a range of different car parts during road patrols.
“Officers look at many different vehicle components, including but not limited to tyres, exhaust systems, suspension, window tinting, lights, seats and seatbelts, engine modifications, wheel rim size and the structural integrity and general overall condition of the vehicle, such as rust and oil leaks,” a QPS spokesperson told Drive.
Spokespeople for both Victoria and NSW Police said officers enforce a range of vehicle standards that include similar components, as well as cosmetic and performance modifications.
In Victoria, a police spokesperson told Drive, “If police inspect a vehicle and consider it to be unroadworthy, a defect notice can be issued. Defect notices are commonly issued for mechanical faults, engine modifications, window tinting and tyre issues”.
“Every defect notice issued will require owners to have these defects in their vehicles either repaired or replaced, then present their vehicles to VicRoads for clearance. If the owner fails to obtain clearance within four weeks, the registration of the vehicle may be suspended,” they added.
Additionally, Victoria Police look for general defects, such as balding tyres or car lights that don’t work.
Unless you’re a car enthusiast, it’s hard to determine what vehicle component could be deemed non-compliant. But various state police utilise a combination of the law, mechanical knowledge, and partnerships with other government agencies to determine a car’s compliance.
“Vehicle compliance is a normal operational task for Highway Patrol operatives on a daily basis,” a NSW Police spokesperson told Drive.
“In addition, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command conduct a number of operations under Operation Spoiler/Trance, which targets modified vehicles, driving behaviour and vehicle compliance. A number of these operations are conducted using Regulatory Compliance and Investigation officers from Transport NSW and the Environmental Protection Authority."
In Queensland, the police force has a more rigorous process for its Highway Patrol officers.
“All officers have access to the services traffic enforcement handbook, which provides extensive operational guidance regarding defects and modifications,” a QPS spokesperson explained.
“Highway Patrol officers also receive further training in vehicle standards, safety legislation and enforcement. For example, officers may receive training in the use of sound level meters, allowing them to conduct exhaust noise tests on vehicles with modified exhausts or in high-lift suspension modifications.
“The QPS works in partnership with vehicle inspectors attached to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, via regular joint operations. In some instances, some Highway Patrol Officers also hold, or have previously held, trade qualifications as a mechanic."
Queensland car owners suspected of equipping their vehicles with “complex modifications or extensive defects” may be ordered by local police to have their vehicles inspected in depth at an approved inspection site.
Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.
