Vehicles being driven by disqualified or unlicensed drivers will be impounded under a new bill tabled in the House of Assembly.

Police officers will have the power to seize and impound a vehicle when the driver fails to produce a driver's licence, insurance certificate or vehicle licence, as part of the Motor Car Amendment Bill 2008.

Officers will be required to give a notice of seizure to the driver and a separate copy to the owner where applicable.

The vehicle can be released if the owner can produce a valid driver's licence, vehicle licence and insurance to Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown, and pays the towing and impoundment charges.

Any owner who did not know the vehicle was being driven by somebody else would not be liable for the charges, but the unlicensed driver would be.

The Premier will be able to dispose of a vehicle if its release has not been requested within 60 days and must publish a notice in the Gazette after the first 30 days.

The act, if passed by the House of Assembly and the Senate, will come into operation on a day appointed by Dr. Brown.