A learner driver who had only held their licence for a day has been caught driving an unroadworthy vehicle while under the influence of illicit drugs in Launceston.
The young driver was stopped by police in Mowbray on Friday during a traffic operation focusing on seatbelt and mobile phone use.
Sergeant Ben Kromkamp said the learner was driving the car unaccompanied and tested positive for illicit drugs after an oral fluid test.
“Police issued a major defect notice for the vehicle taking it off the road that day,” he said.
During the two-hour operation, 10 drivers were stopped for using their mobile phones and four drivers and passengers were found not wearing seatbelts.
One of the vehicles stopped for seatbelt offences was also found to be unregistered.
“Not wearing a seat belt and being distracted by using your mobile phone are both ‘Fatal 5’ offences and contribute towards serious and fatal crashes,” Kromkamp said.
“Please always buckle up and keep your eyes on the road….. not on your phone.”
