Victoria Police is warning motorists there will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving this AFL Grand Final long weekend as it launches a major road policing blitz across the state’s roads.
It comes as new police data reveals almost 1,000 motorists have now been nabbed drink or drug driving over the AFL Grand Final long weekend period over the past four years.
Operation Scoreboard, which kicks off on Friday, will see police highly visible and enforcing on Victorian roads in an effort to reduce road trauma.
There will be a significant focus on impaired drivers, with increased roadside alcohol and drug testing to be conducted.
Police roadside testing data has revealed 571 drivers were detected over the limit for alcohol, and a further 412 drivers were detected with drugs in their system over the AFL Grand Final long weekend since 2022.
There were 156 caught drink driving, and 100 detected drug driving in 2025 alone.
The majority of detections occurred on Grand Final Saturday, with 4pm through to 2am the most common time for drink drivers to be nabbed, while drug drivers are most commonly caught between midday and 10pm.
Half of drivers detected had a blood alcohol reading between 0.050 and 0.099, with 39 per cent blowing two or more times over the legal limit (0.100 up to 0.299), while methamphetamine was detected in over 53 per cent of drug drivers caught.
Male drivers made up three quarters of all drink and drug driving detections on AFL Grand Final weekend, with drivers aged 25 to 34 most commonly caught over the alcohol limit, while those aged 35 to 44 were detected for the most drug driving offences.
There have also been 74 collisions over the AFL Grand Final weekend where the driver was impaired by alcohol, drugs or both – most commonly on Grand Final Saturday between 8pm and 4am.
Miscalculation of alcohol consumption continues to the most common reason cited by drivers who are caught by police over the limit, suggesting that many people are prepared to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Police are reminding motorists that they should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime this weekend, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Victorians celebrating the AFL Grand Final festivities are being urged to plan ahead, utilise alternative transport or arrange a designated driver.
With the long weekend in Victoria also coinciding with the school holidays and an RDO for the industrial sector, police will also be highly visible on major arterials heading to the state’s regional areas and holiday hotspots.
Those heading away for the weekend are being urged to stick to the speed limits, take plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.
Operation Scoreboard runs from 12:01am Friday 25 September to 11:59pm on Monday 28 September 2026.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Mick Hermans:
“There is absolutely no excuse for drink and drug driving over the AFL Grand Final long weekend – it is completely unacceptable, and an avoidable risk.
“Enjoy the long weekend and the festivities, but please plan ahead – leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport options.
“We will have a significant presence on Victorian roads this weekend and be testing drivers at every opportunity, so expect to be tested – anywhere, anytime.
“Don’t drop the ball on the roads this Grand Final long weekend – let’s ensure it remains memorable for the right reasons.”
