Officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command breath-tested almost 700 drivers, and carried out almost 200 random drug tests as part of Operation Fume.

The teen driver came to police attention after members of the public reported a black BMW being driven erratically in the Fairy Meadow area about 2pm.

Police stopped the car on Pioneer Road at Towradgi a short time later, allegedly finding an unaccompanied 16-year-old boy at the wheel.

The teen provided a positive breath result and was taken to Wollongong Police Station, where he allegedly returned a reading of 0.153.

The boy's learner licence was suspended, and he was issued a court attendance notice for learner not accompanied, high range PCA, and learner not display P plates.

A 43-year-old man also received a penalty infringement notice for allowing his passenger to travel, unrestrained, in the boot of his car. The man told police his friend needed a lift down the road and was subsequently issued a ticket.

Meantime, 12 people returned positive drug tests, another five charges were laid and 27 penalty infringement notices were issued for offences including disqualified driving, speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelts.

Police will continue to enforce and target driver behaviour to ensure all road users have a safe start to 2021.