COLAC police have impounded a car for three months for the first time since the introduction of hoon laws.

A judge has convicted a 21-year-old Colac man of careless driving and other traffic offences three times in two years.

Colac Police Leading Senior Constable Lisa Hill said the driver had his car impounded and also lost his licence for three months.

“He’s now been convicted on three separate occasions under the hoon legislation,” Sen Const Hill said.

“Three convictions in two years entitles us to make an application to seize the vehicle,” she said.

Sen Const Hill said it was a “good result” for Colac police.

“It sets a benchmark because it’s pretty new legislation,” she said.

“It’s quite powerful legislation for this to happen which is good.”

Amendments to hoon driving laws came into force in July 2011, giving police the power to impound cars for 30 days immediately, an increase from two days.

Police can also apply to the court to impound a repeat-offender’s car for three months.

RoadSafe Otway chairman Cliff McAliece said the impoundment was a warning to others.

“It’s an indictment on the person that’s been caught,” Mr McAliece said.

“And let’s be very honest, it’s not a good picture to be seen, that this type of thing is ongoing to the extent this has been necessary,” he said.

Mr McAliece said young drivers should remember they were always learning and refining their driving skills.

“Young drivers need realise that a licence only states the fact you are permitted to drive on the road, it does not give a qualification as to how well you drive,” he said.

“Driving is very similar to life, from the minute you are born to the minute you die, you are always learning.”

Sen Const Hill said the driver handed the Ford XR6 into a Melbourne police-impoundment lot.

“What happens now is it’s going to be impounded for three months from today,” Sen Const Hill said.

“He gets it back after the three months,” she said.