MORE than 7000 drivers will face enforcement action following a statewide traffic operation over the weekend.
New South Wales Police issued over 7000 infringements during Operation RAID.
Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday (3 September 2026) and concluded at 4am on Sunday (6 September 2026), targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs, and fatigue.
During the operation, police conducted 6420 drug tests, with 774 people returning positive samples and conducted more than 162,027 breath tests, with 212 drink driving offences detected.
In the Northern Region, police issued a total of 1781 infringements, including 649 for speeding. Almost 28,000 breath tests were performed, resulting in 76 PCA charges. Of the 1629 drug tests, 249 were positive.
There were also 69 major crashes in the Northern Region during the period.
While the operation focused on detecting drivers operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, the high-visibility operation saw police across the state issue more than 7113 traffic infringement notices, including 2251 for speed-related offences, 344 for mobile phone use, and 106 restraint-related offences.
Two people lost their lives on NSW roads over the four days.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Paul Scully said these numbers represent potential lives saved.
“Operation RAID is about finding impaired drivers and getting them off the roads,” he said.
“There is simply no excuse for driving impaired. It is selfish, it is dangerous, and the consequences can last a lifetime.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and NSW Police are doing their part every day to keep people safe.“
Assistant Commissioner David Driver, Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, said officers stopped thousands of vehicles across the weekend.
“Concerningly, we found 212 drivers to be driving well beyond the legal blood alcohol limit and 774 who tested positive to roadside drug tests,” he said.
“Those drivers could have gone on to cause tragedies in their communities.
“The message is simple: People need to understand their legal and moral obligation when they get behind the wheel and not put others at risk.
“We’re not just apprehending drivers impacted by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue during this operation. Our officers will continue to be out there every day and night working to prevent deaths and serious injury on NSW roads.”
Northern Region statistics:
Total infringements: 1781
Speed infringements: 649
Breath tests: 27,622
PCA charges: 76
Drug tests: 1629
Positive drug-driving tests: 249
Major crashes: 69
Fatalities: nil
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