Young people driving to their end-of-school formals this month should remember to behave responsibly, as ACT Policing will be watching.
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Standing before a wall of confiscated cars, officer in charge of Traffic Operations Rod Anderson warned students not to behave stupidly on the roads.
"This is a reminder to the students of the ACT," he said. "If they or anyone dropping them off at a formal want to do a burnout or drive in a dangerous way, police will be out in force and we will be seizing vehicles."
Students who commit an offence could have their cars impounded for up to 90 days, meaning some mightn't see them again untill February 2014.
For a second offence, the car could be confiscated permanently, and sold at auction.
"A motor vehicle allows young people a lot of freedom, a lot of interaction and we don't want to spoil that," said Mr Anderson. "But they need to do the right thing and act responsibly."
ACT Policing said there has been an increase in the number of cars confiscated for burnouts and street-racing in the past 18 months.
All up, more than 60 cars have been impounded since July last year.
Daramalan College student Sam Whitney said there was definitely pressure among young men in Canberra to show off.
"When you're with your mates you're always trying to out do each other - who's the toughest? Who's the baddest?," he said.
As an 18-year-old probationary driver, Mr Whitney said losing his car would ruin his life.
"If I lost my car for three months, it would have a huge impact on my life because I rely on it heavily to get to work, to school, to friends' houses," he said.
Dickson College student Geneva Schofield had a simple message for her fellow students.
"I know everyone is very excited for the formal and people get carried away in the moment, but organize transport beforehand," she said.
Mr Anderson said police know where all school formals are being held over the next two months and will be keeping a close eye on proceedings.
"We're not there to spoil anyone's fun," he said. "We want to make sure everyone has a safe time when they get dropped off at these social events, but we're definitely not going to put up with people doing burnouts."
