Courts will have powers to stop people driving and even seize their cars if they have unpaid vehicle-related bills, under proposals from the Ministry of Justice.
The proposals would see people automatically referred to court when fines get to a certain amount.
Minister of Justice Rick Barker said
this would allow a judge to ensure fines did not get to unaffordable levels.
Penalties would include suspending drivers' licences of people with overdue fines and allowing the court to seize vehicles that are heavily financed or are of low value.
"Proposals will be progressively introduced that will make it more difficult to avoid payment," Mr Barker said.
"Vehicle owners will be made responsible for fines incurred in their vehicle regardless of who was driving.
"Currently people seem to think fines are soft credit and they put other priorities ahead of getting them resolved. This is what we intend to change."
Priority will also be given to fines and reparations in cases where a creditor had the ability to know the person's debts before extending credit.
"If you knew your fines might affect your ability to put a new TV on hire purchase, you might be more likely to call up the court and make an arrangement to pay," Mr Barker said.
The moves follow a review of the infringement system and are designed to address the 2.7 million infringements issued last year and the outstanding fines.
It is proposed the measures be included in a Courts and Criminal Matters Bill that the Government looks to introduce some time next year.
