A teenager has had his car impounded after being caught hooning by police in Alice Springs.

Members of the Southern Traffic Unit were driving inbound on Larapinta Drive just before 10pm on Friday night when they saw a car doing burnouts two kilometres west of Flynns Grave.

The 17-year-old male driver was apprehended and the Nissan Exa Coupe impounded for 48 hours. A search of the vehicle also resulted in police seizing two deal bags of Cannabis weighing approximately 1.5grams.

The teenager was taken to the Alice Springs Hospital to undergo a blood test for drug analysis.

Sergeant Conan Robertson said the incident should prove a timely reminder to motorists that police have the capacity to compel drivers to be tested for drugs as well as alcohol.

"People seem to forget that not only are there inherent dangers in drink driving, but to drive under the influence of drugs is also extremely risky, especially if you decide to do burnouts in a car in that condition," Sgt Robertson said.

"We will continue to be vigilant when it comes to dangerous drivers, no matter what they are under the influence of. Drivers need to be aware that if they decide to take the risk and drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they'll probably be caught. "

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