A National Police Agency panel on Monday proposed improving a counseling system for hot-rodders and penalties for those who illegally soup up cars.
"Problems involving hot-rodders are a concern to communities," the panel said in a report, adding it is important that public awareness of the problem is increased.
The report was submitted to Jiro Bando, the NPA's traffic bureau chief.
Hot-rodders, called "bosozoku" in Japanese, hang out in informal gangs and typically ride around in souped-up cars or motorcycles to create as much noise as possible by revving their engines. They also have engaged in vandalism and intimidation.
The panel, led by Tokai University professor Itta Kobayashi, proposed that the NPA expand the counseling system from Miyagi and Hiroshima to other parts of Japan.
The panel also called on local governments to draft ordinances to help root out hot-rodders.
The report describes the counseling system as the core of the private sector's efforts to address the problem and suggests counselors help on a voluntary basis.
The report also calls for revising the law to punish those illegally altering cars.
The panel alluded to the importance of urging operators of video game centers and karaoke parlors to pay close attention to hot-rodders as they often gather at such establishments.