NSW Police have started a statewide road safety operation targeting drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

Operation RAID, short for Remove All Impaired Drivers, began at midnight and will continue until 4am on Sunday.

Drivers in Ballina and across the Northern Rivers should expect roadside alcohol and drug testing through the weekend, including on major routes and local roads.

Police say the operation is aimed at reducing serious crashes and deaths on NSW roads.

It will focus on drink driving, drug driving, speeding, fatigue, mobile phone use and drivers with a history of traffic offences.

NSW Police said 24 per cent of road deaths in the state involved the presence of illicit substances. Police also said one in 10 drivers tested for drugs during 2025 and 2026 had illicit substances in their system.

The latest operation follows the Anzac Day long weekend road blitz, when NSW Police recorded 209 positive drug-driving tests in the Northern Region from 1,696 drug tests.

Statewide, there were 777 positive drug-driving tests from 9,463 drug tests.

The Northern Region includes Ballina and the Northern Rivers, but also covers a much wider area of northern NSW.

Drivers urged not to risk it

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said Operation RAID had returned because people were still being killed by drivers affected by alcohol or drugs.

“Earlier this year, during Operation RAID, police conducted more than 121,000 breath tests and more than 9,000 drug tests – with 604 people allegedly returning positive drug samples and 167 drink-driving offences detected,” Minister Catley said.

“This targeted operation means police will be out in force again. If you are doing the wrong thing, there is every chance you will be stopped, tested, and put before the courts.

“But do not forget: the responsibility starts with the person behind the wheel and the safest decision is also the simplest one: don’t risk it.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner David Driver said drivers who chose to drive after drinking or taking drugs should expect to be stopped and tested.

“We will not tolerate drivers who choose to put others in danger and we make no apologies for intervening before reckless behaviour turns into tragedy,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“During Operation RAID and every day, drivers need to make good choices while behind the wheel.”

For Ballina Shire drivers, the advice is simple: organise a lift, choose a designated driver, use public transport where available, or stay where you are if alcohol or drugs may affect your driving.