A Canberra truck driver has been charged after allegedly recording a blood-alcohol reading more than five times the legal limit while driving on the Monaro Highway on Christmas Eve morning, an act police say put the public at "serious risk".
Alleged Swerving Leads to Dramatic Stop
ACT Road Policing officers pulled over a southbound Isuzu truck on the Monaro Highway in Hume at approximately 7am on December 24, 2025. The decision to stop the vehicle came after officers allegedly observed the truck swerving within its lane on multiple occasions.
Upon speaking to the driver, a 39-year-old man from Forde, police were given a startling explanation. "He told the officers he had been trying to switch seats with his passenger after driving all night," an ACT Policing spokeswoman revealed.
Shocking Reading and Immediate Consequences
The driver was subjected to a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a reading of 0.273. This is more than five times the legal blood-alcohol concentration limit for fully licensed drivers in the ACT.
As a result, the man's driver's licence was immediately suspended for 90 days. He has been charged with high-range drink-driving and other related driving offences. The Forde man is scheduled to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court in March 2026 to answer to the charges.
Police Issue Stern Warning During Double Demerits Period
In response to the incident, ACT Policing issued a strong reminder to all motorists, particularly with double demerit points in effect over the Christmas holiday period. "Driving impaired places every road user at serious risk and will not be tolerated," the police spokeswoman stated.
She emphasised the long-term impact of poor decisions, noting "one poor decision can have lifelong consequences." The police message was clear: plan ahead, do not drink and drive, and help keep Canberra's roads safe for everyone during the festive season.
