Northland Police are asking motorists to consider their actions before getting behind the wheel after a run of disappointing results at checkpoints and traffic stops.
Road Policing Manager Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett says there's "room for improvement", after some motorists "clearly made poor driving choices" at the weekend.
Staff tested 3043 drivers across five different checkpoints in Whangārei on Friday and Saturday night.
In a media statement, Inspector Fitchett said 20 of those drivers were found to be over the legal breath alcohol limit, before switching on the ignition.
Infringements notices were also issued for four drivers who were impaired by drugs and a further five who had previously been disqualified of suspended from driving.
"Police don't conduct checkpoints for fun. We are ensuring the safety of our communities to make sure everyone is getting home safely this Christmas."
"Don't be the reason your family, or someone else's, doesn't have their loved one home for the holidays."
Police also found evidence of poor driving choices outside of planned checkpoints.
Inspector Fitchett said her officers pulled over an unrestrained driver, only to discover three children who also weren't wearing seatbelts.
"Most concerningly, a two-year-old sitting in the front passenger seat had no seatbelt on".
"A three and a five-year-old were in the back without seatbelts or child seats, which the driver told us she had at home but had chosen not to use".
Police were met with frustration and verbal abuse from the driver who had her vehicle impounded.
Inspector Fitchett says officers across the country will continue to have no tolerance for those caught intoxicated or impacted by drugs while driving or riding on the roads throughout the holiday period.
