Motorists warned of “costly Christmas” as police launch Operation Roadwise
Motorists are being urged to slow down, plan ahead, and obey the road rules this festive season, with Victoria Police launching “Operation Roadwise” a 15‑day statewide road safety campaign targeting dangerous driving behaviour.
The operation begins at 12:01am on Thursday, 18 December 2025 and runs until 11:59pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026, with police promising a highly visible presence across major roads, regional highways, and popular holiday destinations.
Police will conduct 24/7 alcohol and drug testing throughout the period, with intelligence showing December as the worst month for drink‑driving offences and alcohol‑related collisions. Drivers are being reminded that they can expect to be tested anywhere, anytime, and are urged to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead or using alternative transport.
Speed enforcement will also be stepped up, particularly on roads leading to coastal and regional areas. Officers will target motorists exceeding the limit, driving carelessly, or failing to wear seatbelts, all common offences recorded during previous operations.
To avoid an expensive end to the year, drivers are reminded of the financial and licence penalties associated with some of the most frequent traffic infringements:
– Speeding 10–25km/h over the limit: $407 fine, 3 demerit points
– Drink driving (0.05–0.07): $611 fine, 3–6 month licence suspension
– Drug driving: $611 fine, 6‑month licence suspension
– Using a mobile phone: $611 fine, 4 demerit points
– Careless driving: $488 fine, 3 demerit points
– Failing to wear a seatbelt: $407 fine, 3 demerit points
Victoria’s road toll currently stands at 282 lives lost, slightly above the 278 deaths recorded at the same time last year. Alarmingly, 20 people have died in the first 16 days of December alone, already surpassing the total 19 fatalities for December 2024.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the operation aimed to prevent further tragedy through strong enforcement and visibility.
“Road safety needs to be everyone’s priority, as the last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said.
“December is a high‑risk period, particularly for impaired driving. There will be a significant focus on those behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs and those caught can expect to face the consequences.”
“While we don’t want to issue penalties, the cost of a fine is far less than the cost of a life lost through road trauma.”
As part of the campaign’s launch, famous Australian photographer Lord Murray Schoorman of Peak Hour Images visited Epworth Hospital to meet Ashley Howlett, 31, who continues her rehabilitation following a serious crash in October 2024.
Ashley is among hundreds of Victorians treated each year for crash‑related injuries.
For more on Ashley’s story, tune into 9 News Melbourne, 7NEWS Melbourne or 10 News Melbourne from 6pm.
The visit, also attended by Victoria Police’s Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir and Dr Kerry O’Meara, Medical Director of Epworth HealthCare, highlighted the ongoing impact of road trauma on individuals, families, and the broader community.
For advice on staying safe this holiday season, visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety
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