Police are disappointed by the decision of a young provisional driver detected driving overnight with a significant blood alcohol reading of more than 3 times the legal limit.
Shortly after midnight on Saturday 14 November 2026, police observed a vehicle travelling on the Tasman Highway at St Helens that failed to dip its headlights as a police vehicle approached.
The vehicle was intercepted and the driver, a 19 year old woman who held a provisional licence, returned a positive roadside breath test.
She was subsequently conveyed to the St Helens police station, where she underwent evidentiary breath analysis and recorded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.159, more than three times the legal limit for a full licence holder. As a provisional licence holder, she was required to maintain a zero-blood alcohol concentration while driving.
Inspector Danny Jackson said the result was extremely disappointing and represented a serious risk to both the driver and other road users.
"Rural roads can create a false sense of security, however Tasmania Police conduct regular patrols throughout regional areas and motorists should expect to see police on country roads at any time, day or night," Inspector Jackson said.
"Our message remains simple: if you're drinking, don't drive. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgement, and are far more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash."
Police continue to target high risk road users, in the lead up to the holiday season and beyond.
Anyone planning to consume alcohol should arrange alternative transport, nominate a sober driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or stay where they are.
Police urge all road users to make safe and responsible decisions to help prevent serious injury and loss of life on Tasmania's roads.
