Driver with Licence Expired Since 2009 Allegedly Hits 218kmh on Hume Highway
A 47-year-old man, whose driver's licence had been expired since 2009, was allegedly caught driving at a staggering 218 kilometres per hour in a 100kmh zone while under the influence of alcohol and drugs on the Hume Highway near Yass. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 22, 2026, and has raised serious concerns about road safety and enforcement.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest
At approximately 12:27 AM on Sunday, police officers attached to the Yass Highway Patrol detected a silver Lexus sedan travelling south on the Hume Highway in Manton at an alarming speed of 218kmh. The vehicle was immediately stopped by authorities, and the driver, a 47-year-old male, informed police that he did not possess a valid driver's licence. Subsequent checks confirmed that his licence had indeed expired back in 2009, meaning he had been driving without legal authorisation for over 17 years.
Alcohol and Drugs Implicated in Dangerous Driving
The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result for alcohol consumption. He was promptly arrested and transported to Yass Police Station for further testing. At the station, a breath analysis revealed a reading of 0.088, indicating a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol. Additionally, a subsequent drug test showed positive indications for both cannabis and methamphetamine, highlighting a severe impairment that likely contributed to the reckless driving behaviour.
Multiple Charges Laid Against Unlicensed Driver
As a result of the incident, the driver has been charged with several serious offences, including:
- Driving at a dangerous speed
- Reckless driving
- Driving while unlicensed
- Driving with a mid-range prescribed concentration of alcohol
- Driving with illicit drugs in his system
He was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Yass Local Court on March 26, 2026. Notably, the silver Lexus sedan was not impounded by police, as the driver was not the registered owner of the vehicle.
Community and Safety Implications
This case underscores the critical importance of road safety measures and the dangers posed by unlicensed and impaired drivers. The alleged actions of the driver, combining excessive speed with substance abuse, represent a significant risk to public safety on major highways like the Hume. Authorities are urging motorists to adhere to speed limits and ensure they hold valid licences, while also highlighting the severe legal consequences for those who flout the law.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating dangerous driving behaviours and the need for continued vigilance on Australian roads.
