Truck Drivers in SA Caught Driving Under the Influence Without Number Plates

Two truck drivers have been reported for multiple driving violations after being found operating their vehicles while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, lacking number plates, proper registration, and necessary permits.

Key Points:

Two drivers reported after allegedly testing positive for meth

Police discovered that the trucks had engine defects and unregistered trailers

Both drivers exceeded maximum allowed work hours

On Tuesday at around 5:30 PM, SA Police officers pulled over two road trains on the Barrier Highway, near Oodla Wirra—located roughly midway between Adelaide and Broken Hill—after observing that none of the trailers displayed number plates.

The two drivers, both from Western Australia, allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine in a roadside drug test and were instructed to refrain from driving for 24 hours.

During a vehicle inspection, authorities discovered that the engine control modules had been unlawfully altered, and none of the six trailers were properly registered or equipped with number plates.

The drivers, aged 56 and 58, also failed to present valid permits for their trucks.

Record checks indicated that both drivers had violated maximum permitted work hours in the past week. They were reported for several offenses, including a lack of a work diary, exceeding work hour limits, and failure to comply with regulations. The prime movers were subsequently defected for repairs.

SA Police noted that the drivers might face additional charges pending forensic results, and inquiries were being made with their employer.