Young driver caught with suspended licence and an unrestrained passenger, say police

Wagga Police charged a man for allegedly driving with a suspended licence. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A 20-year-old P-plater is set to face court after he was caught allegedly driving with a suspended licence and an unrestrained passenger over the long weekend.

Police said Wagga Wagga Traffic and Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Ranger on the Sturt Highway, Collingullie, at around 4 pm on Sunday (28 January) as part of Operation Australia Day 2024.

Police allege the driver was unable to produce a licence and checks revealed his P2 licence was suspended.

The man was arrested and taken to Wagga Police Station, where his identification was confirmed. He was charged with driving while suspended and not having the passenger seatbelt adjusted/fastened.

He is due to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court on 17 April.

Many drivers were caught over the long weekend exhibiting poor driver behaviour.

Riverina Police conducted 2500 breath tests and 151 drug tests and issued more than 300 infringement notices during the operation period.

NSW Police is urging the community to think of others on the road after a significant number of dangerous driving incidents across the state during the Australia Day long weekend and summer holiday period.

Across the state, police issued 3682 speed infringements, conducted 122,617 breath tests with 244 people charged with drink-driving, 543 positive roadside drug detections, and attended 302 major crashes, resulting in 110 people injured.