Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says a ban on cruising will help remove the city's unwanted reputation as a hot spot for anti-social drivers.
City council members have voted to hold public consultation on a draft bylaw banning cruising.
Under the bylaw, drivers caught driving repeatedly on the same stretch of road, drawing attention to the sound of the engine, or in convoy, could be fined or given infringement tickets.
Mr Parker says it will help deal with bad behaviour on the roads.