The Government of Western Australia (WA) has implemented new laws to penalise people caught driving any vehicle equipped with a device that can disrupt the normal operations of the speed cameras installed on the roads.

The state government has made amendments to the Road Traffic Code 2000 to enact the rules.

With the new laws in place, it will now be an offence to fit a vehicle with a laser jammer or scrambler known to interfere with speed cameras.

WA Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said: “We’ve given ample warning of these new laws coming into effect. Drivers caught with one of these gadgets face hefty fines and demerit point penalties.

“These new laws show the state government won’t tolerate people who use this technology to travel at excessive speeds and put themselves and other road users at risk.”

“Speed is a significant factor in too many fatal and serious injury crashes in Western Australia, with 67 people killed in speed-related crashes in 2016.

“These new laws show the state government won’t tolerate people who use this technology to travel at excessive speeds and put themselves and other road users at risk.”

Anyone caught with a physical barrier preventing detection device will be penalised A$1,200 ($920), as well as lose seven demerit points which will double to 14 demerit points on a holiday weekend.

The fine increases to A$1,500 ($1,150) for those driving a heavy vehicle.

WA Police Force has also decided to issue infringements to the drivers who are found avoiding a speed camera through unscrupulous driving.