One in every 70 motorists tested was caught drink driving during a weekend operation on Melbourne's Monash Freeway.
The alarming result - detected on Friday and Saturday night - included some drivers who shouldn't have any alcohol in their system at all.
The strike rate is well above the figure police usually see.
One in every 301 motorists tested was caught drink driving during Victoria Police's most recent statewide operation across the Australia Day weekend.
There were 41 drink drivers detected from 2893 preliminary breath tests during Operation Colossus, which ran on the evenings of 10-11 February.
Twelve of those caught were required to have zero blood alcohol content.
They included a probationary driver who recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.192. The driver's vehicle was immediately impounded, and their licence suspended.
Motorists required to have no alcohol in their system include probationary and learner drivers, anyone operating a bus or commercial passenger vehicle and those who have gotten their licence back after a drink driving or drug driving cancellation.
Operation Colossus - conducted by Southern Metro Division 3 Highway Patrol with support from the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section and Transport Branch - saw police targeting impaired drivers on the Monash Freeway.
An additional six drivers were detected on drugs from 79 preliminary oral fluid tests.
Police also impounded 16 vehicles and detected 18 unauthorised drivers who were either unlicenced, disqualified or suspended.
Victoria Police is issuing a zero-tolerance warning following the high number of drink driving detections on the weekend.
First-time offenders who go even a little bit over the blood alcohol limit face fines, loss of licence and disqualification.
The penalties are significantly more severe for drivers with high readings and repeat offenders.
They include potential jail time for the most serious offences.
Police will continue enforcing against drink and drug drivers in an effort to reduce road trauma.
There have been 49 lives lost on Victoria's roads this year, up from 37 at the same time last year and the five-year average of 31.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Southern Metro Division 3 Superintendent Jo Stafford:
"These results are shocking.
"To detect so many drink drivers in just two nights is extremely concerning.
"Even worse, many of those caught shouldn't have had any alcohol in their system whatsoever.
"Choosing to drink and drive demonstrates blatant disregard not only for your own safety but the safety of your passengers and all road users.
"There is absolutely no excuse for drink driving.
"Police are conducting alcohol tests at every opportunity and if you think you won't get caught - think again.
"We won't hesitate to remove drink drivers from the roads - even if you're only a little bit over"
