Police caught 40 drink and drug drivers during a major road policing operation on the Princes Freeway over the weekend.
Operation Leviathan, which was conducted over Friday and Saturday night, saw police conducting high volume alcohol and drug testing on the Princes Freeway at Altona, targeting impaired drivers.
Police conducted 3998 preliminary breath tests, with 40 caught exceeding the alcohol limit, including two drivers who returned the highest readings of .136 and .170
Victoria Police is warning motorists there is a zero tolerance to drink and drug driving, with significant penalties for those who disregard the rules.
First time offenders who are fully licenced and over 26 years of age caught with a blood alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.07 will receive a $611 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension.
The penalties increase substantially for those under 26 years of age, those required to have a zero blood or breath alcohol level, those caught for second or subsequent drink driving offences, and those caught over 0.07 or above - including larger fines, longer licence suspensions, alcohol interlocks, attendance at court and even jail time for the most serious offences.
Exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs while driving carries a $611 penalty and a six-month licence suspension.
Police also detected five unauthorised drivers and impounded 20 cars over the two nights.
A 16-year-old male unlicenced driver also entered the site. Police searched his vehicle, locating a machete and a small amount of drugs. He is expected to be charged on summons with drugs, weapons and traffic offences.
Operation Leviathan was conducted by North West Metro Division Highway Patrol members, with support from uniform police and Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
Victoria Police will continue to conduct several major road policing operations targeting impaired drivers over the coming months, with November and December historically the worst months for drink and drug driving detections.
Motorists should expect to be tested - anywhere, anytime.
