Crackdown on crooks who evade Tas police

Running from the law will prove more costly for Tasmanian road users.

Parliament has approved harsher penalties for motorists who evade police in a car or on a motorcycle. They face a minimum $1540 fine and a six-month licence disqualification for first offences while repeat evaders face possible prison terms.

"These changes allow a more common-sense approach in line with community expectations while sending a stronger message to criminals that if you evade police, you will face the appropriate consequences," Police Minister Rene Hidding said on Wednesday as the penalties came into effect.