The days of overtaking Wicked Campers vehicles with offensive slogans may be numbered, after the federal government indicated it would move to close legal loopholes that have prevented states taking action against the company.

The minister for women, Kelly O’Dwyer, has written to state and territory governments urging them to support a national approach forcing the company to comply with community standards.

“We have no tolerance for sexist, misogynistic and offensive slogans on camper vans, or those displayed anywhere else for that matter, no matter how hard some try to justify their existence,” she told ABC radio.

Motor registries in Queensland and Tasmania have been granted the power to deregister any vehicle that does not comply with advertising standards.

But the company had been able to circumvent penalties by changing vehicle registrations to other states once complaints had been made.

Slogans painted on the hire vans have included “In every princess there is a little slut who wants to try it just once” and “Drink till she’s pretty”.

The deputy prime minister and transport minister, Michael McCormack, said the roads should be family-friendly.

“These vehicles are offensive and belong in a junkyard, not on Australian roads,” he said.

He encouraged backpackers to shun vehicles with offensive slogans.

“By choosing to avoid these vehicles, you’re also choosing to ensure parents or grandparents won’t have to explain the vile meaning of these disgusting signs or images to their children or grandchildren while driving on our roads,” McCormack said.