A 43-year-old man has been detected drink-driving at more than four times the legal alcohol limit and charged with driving with an open container of liquor in his vehicle after a police road safety operation in the state’s North-West.

As part of a King’s Birthday long weekend road safety initiative, officers from Devonport division conducted a three-hour operation on Friday evening aimed at detecting and deterring unsafe driving behaviour.

Acting Inspector Martin Parker said police conducted traffic enforcement activities focused on drink and drug-driving, and speeding offences.

During the random breath test operations, police allege a 43-year-old man from Forth was detected on Victoria Parade, Devonport, driving with an open container of liquor in the vehicle. He underwent a breath analysis which returned a result of 0.233 per cent.

He was charged with driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit and possessing an opened or unsealed container of liquor in public street. He was bailed to appear at the Devonport Magistrates Court in October 2026.

In other results from the road safety operation, there were:
• 530 random breath tests
• 16 speeding infringements
• 1 unregistered vehicle
• 1 fail to maintain proper control of motor vehicle
• 1 defect vehicle notice
• 1 disobey road sign
• 1 fail to stop at orange light
• 1 positive oral fluid test
• 1 disqualified driver

Acting Inspector Parker said Tasmania Police was committed to ensuring the safety of all road users.

“It is disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours, such as speeding, drink-driving and driving under the influence of drugs,” Acting Inspector Parker said.

“Tasmania Police urge members of the community to enjoy the King’s Birthday long weekend and to stay safe on the roads.

“Police operations will continue across the long weekend, and we will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania’s roads to curb high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink-driving, inattention, using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts. These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.”

Members of the public can report dangerous driving and traffic offences to police on 131 444, or call 000 (triple zero) in an emergency.