Teen caught allegedly drink driving with seven passengers in his ute

A 17-year-old driver has been charged with multiple offences after being caught allegedly drink driving with seven passengers in his ute on the Gold Coast. The incident occurred just before 2am on Wednesday, when the young driver was pulled over by police on Ridgevale Drive in Helensvale. The police found three passengers unrestrained in the rear tray of the ute, which raised concerns about their safety.

A roadside breath test revealed the teenager had a breath alcohol reading of 0.022 per cent, which is higher than the limit allowed for a P1 licence holder. Police bodycam footage captured the driver being questioned about his decision to drive with so many passengers and while over the alcohol limit. The teenager told police they didn't want to pay for an Uber, but he was still in violation of the law.

During the stop, one of the passengers was asked to retrieve a fast food drink that had been thrown out of the vehicle just before it was pulled over by the police. The 17-year-old has now been charged for carrying passengers in the tray of the vehicle and for driving over the alcohol limit. He was also issued multiple traffic infringement notices, with a total cost of $966. The teenager is set to face the Southport Children's Court on September 14.