PSNI launch winter anti-drink and drug drive operation for 2025

Drink or drug drive, and you are risking lives. This is the stark warning from Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson, speaking at the launch of The PSNI's winter anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

“There is no excuse for driving with drink or drugs,” he says. “If you get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having a drink, or taken drugs, you are putting yourself and everyone else at risk.”

Chief Superintendent Donaldson says a proactive policing operation will run across Northern Ireland to increase roadside testing, and with targeted vehicle stops for drivers suspected of being under the influence.

“We’ll also coordinate road safety operations in border counties, with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp. Our Road Policing Unit and Interceptor Teams, local and neighbourhood policing teams will be working alongside Tactical Support Group colleagues. Authorised vehicle checkpoints will be in operation as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving,” he says.  

During last year’s anti drink and drug drive campaign, there were 6,265 preliminary breath tests conducted between 1st December 2024 and 1st January 2025, with 298 people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving during this time.

Between January 1 and November 30 2025, there were 2,582 arrests for drink/drug driving offences in Northern Ireland.

“These figures show that people are still willing to take the risk, that some people on our roads simply don’t care about how their selfish and reckless decisions can harm others and that is really disturbing. Driving with drink or drugs is a crime and drastically increases the chances of causing a collision. It only takes one drink.

“Our appeal is to anyone planning a night out, planning to drive, is don’t drink any alcohol or take any drugs at all. 

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“Drink or drug driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’, which are the main reasons people are dying on our roads. If convicted of drink or drug driving, you will face the prospect of starting the New Year with a court appearance and losing your driving licence. This can have a huge impact on your life and that of your family.”

Chief Superintendent Donaldson is also appealing for the public to report anyone they suspect of drink or drug driving.

“Report it immediately on 101, or in an emergency dial 999,” he added: “If you prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. By reporting could help save a life on the roads.”

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Crimestoppers supports this campaign to help make Northern Ireland’s roads safer.

“If you know someone who is drink or drug driving regularly, and you prefer to stay anonymous, our charity is here to support you. Please let us know either via our website (Crimestoppers-uk.org) or by calling our 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, where you will stay completely anonymous.

"No one will ever know you communicated with our charity.”

Chief Superintendent Donaldson added: “This year a number of our Roads Policing, Tactical Support Group and local District officers will also have Drugwipes at their disposal.

“This will allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for the safety of fellow citizens. Our pilot commenced in August 2024, since then officers have conducted approximately 150 tests, 79 have tested positive for cannabis and/or cocaine.

"These figures evidence that when the circumstance allow for officers to conduct a drugs wipe test there is approximately a 50 per cent positive return rate, which is really concerning. The equipment is also in addition to Preliminary Impairment Tests.

“In addition, every driver or motorcyclist stopped by police for any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed. Anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs will also be tested.

“We are also supporting the Department of Infrastructure’s anti-drug driving campaign and appeal to drivers to make good choices to ensure they and everyone on the roads get home safely.”

For more information go to https://www.psni.police.uk/fatal-five and follow the Police Service of Northern Ireland social media accounts.