Police have issued 70 infringement notices and ordered more than 50 drivers directed to rectify vehicle defects, during a two-day joint operation targeting dangerous vehicles in the Illawarra.
Operation Spoiler targets highly modified and defective vehicles that have been involved in anti-social driving behaviours in the Illawarra. The operation also targeted vehicles which breached noise standards. The cars were identified in areas known for anti-social behaviour including Mount Keria, Darkes Forest, Knights Hill, and the Wollongong CBD.
The operation led by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command; with assistance from the Environment Protection Authority and Transport for New South Wales, ran from 2pm until 11pm on Thursday 30 July 2026 and Friday 31 July 2026.
The following results of the operation were achieved;
58 Defect Infringement Notices issued (where legal action/fines issued)
12 Other Infringement Notices issued
56 Defect Notices were issued (where compliance measures need to be taken to make the car roadworthy)
25 Major grounded defect red labels (the cars were unable to be driven and towed from the showgrounds)
23 Minor defect yellow labels
5 Positive RDT
2 Drive whilst suspended charges laid
21 vehicles inspected by EPA with action to be taken against 18 of those vehicles
42 Roadside Breath Test (RBT) and Roadside Drug Test (RDT) conducted
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Inspector Michael McKechnie said the operation was a success in taking dangerous cars off our roads.
“The operation saw 70 infringements notices issued, including 58 defect infringement notices, in which drivers have been fined for cars which don’t comply, including vehicles which have breached noise standards,” Inspector McKechnie said.
“The operation was not only static. During these times, Highway Patrol officers were deployed to hotspots known for dangerous driving offences.
“Two drivers were allegedly detected doing burn outs in Stuart Park, Wollongong. These drivers were directed straight to the Bulli Showground site, where they were issued with traffic infringement notices for sustained loss of traction, and yellow labels of other defects allegedly detected during the inspections.
“Police and the community are sick of these cars doing burnouts, driving dangerously, and creating excessive noise. If you attend these locations, expect to be stopped on the night by police, or directed to present your car for inspection.”
