Crusher taken to hoon cars

File photo / APN.

The South Australian government has crushed the first two cars under its tough hoon driving laws.

The Toyota Cressida and a Nissan Pintara were flattened in a metal crusher today to send a message to hoon drivers.

"All I can say is the hoons that owned these cars are lucky their cars haven't been crushed in a car smash that could have killed them and others," Road Safety Minister Jack Snelling said.

"Hoon driving is foolish and deadly and puts the lives of innocent people at serious risk."

Under the new rules, police have the power to clamp, confiscate and ultimately crush or sell cars used by hoon drivers.

More than 11,000 vehicles have either been impounded or clamped since the laws came into effect in 2005.

Later this month, the regulations will be extended to allow police to clamp or impound a vehicle for up to 28 days - presently it is seven days.

The government has introduced tougher jail sentences for illegal street racing, including a maximum of life in jail if a racer causes a death or serious harm.

Police say not all cars forfeited by hoon drivers will be crushed - more valuable models will likely be sold with the proceeds going to victims of crime.

Assistant Commissioner Tony Harrison said police decide on a case-by-case basis.

- AAP