VICTORIA. — Police are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads as wet and wintry conditions are expected over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The warning comes as Victoria Police launches Operation Regal, a four-day blitz across the state’s roads that will see police highly visible and enforcing in an effort to reduce road trauma, Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Mick Hermans told the media.
“It’s been a cold, wet start to winter this week, with challenging conditions like slippery roads and poor visibility increasing the likelihood of a collision,” Hermans said.
There have been 109 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2026, and while this is currently trending down compared to last year, police are pleading with motorists to avoid being complacent over the coming weeks.
A total of 63 lives were lost on Victorian roads during winter (June to August) last year, including 15 pedestrians and 12 motorcyclists.
With winter officially getting underway this week, police are urging motorists to take extra care and pay attention behind the wheel, particularly with reduced daylight hours and wet weather impacting road visibility and conditions.
“We’re expecting these conditions to continue into the weekend, so if you’re and out about over the King’s Birthday, please take extra care on the roads and be sure to drive to the conditions – particularly if there is rain, ice or snow to contend with.
“Last year we issued more than 6000 infringements during Operation Regal, so if you’re caught doing the wrong thing and put other road users at risk, you will be penalised,” Hermans said.
Police will be focused on speeding, distraction and impaired driving this King’s Birthday long weekend, which has been identified as a high-risk period on Victoria’s roads.
With the state’s snow season kicking off this weekend, major roads heading to alpine areas will be targeted, as well as highways and freeways to regional holiday hotspots.
Those heading to the snow are being urged to monitor conditions prior to travelling and ensure they’re carrying and using appropriate wheel chains as required.
Failing to carry wheel chains in Victoria may result in a $407 fine, while failing to fit wheel chains when directed can incur a $1018 fine.
With several events and festivals scheduled across the state over the weekend, police will also prioritise roadside alcohol and drug testing, with motorists warned to expect to be tested anywhere, anytime.
During last year’s Operation Regal enforcement period, police issued more than 6000 infringements.
Operation Regal starts at 12:01am on Friday, June 6, and ends at 11:59pm on Monday, June 8, 2026.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
“Police will be highly visible and enforcing across the state’s road during this high-risk period over the King’s Birthday long weekend,” Hermans said.
