Cops amazed teen at wheel

Police are shocked a teenage driver nabbed behind the wheel - with fives time the legal adult alcohol level - was able to actually drive with such a high alcohol level.

An 18-year-old man, from Morningside in Whangarei, was stopped on Fourth Ave about 1am on Wednesday.

He was breath tested and allegedly recorded a level of 1301 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath. The limit for motorists under 20 is zero and for drivers aged 20 and over the legal limit is 250mcg.

Northland police traffic boss Inspector Murray Hodson said the case indicated there was still a bit more work to do to persuade young drivers not to get into vehicles after they had been drinking.

"This reading is extremely high for a young person who should have zero alcohol if he is driving. I'm amazed that person could drive and it put other road users at significant risk," Mr Hodson said.

"The person is incapable of making decisions and the reaction time would have been severely reduced."

Mr Hodson said it also raised concern over who he had been drinking with and why they hadn't stopped him from driving.

"There needs to be social responsibility."

The teenager appeared in Whangarei District Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody to appear again on March 4.