WARWICK motorists are being warned to have their cars up to safety standard this Christmas, as police cracked down on unroadworthy vehicles at the weekend.

Senior Constable Dominic Cremasco said Operation Lima Rhino was organised by Warwick police at random.

"We utilised the expertise of the transport inspectors to check for safety standards, which is especially important for the festive season," he said.

"A roadworthy vehicle could mean the difference between having a safe holiday, or being off the road or worse."

Police issued 34 traffic infringement notices over the operation, which was active from Thursday to Saturday.

One of the infringement notices included a motorcycle which was travelling 115kmph in a 60 zone.

28 defects and repair notices were given, while two vehicles were ordered off the road due to defects.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said transport inspectors from Toowoomba assisted the police operation.

"During the four-hour operation, about 25 light vehicles were inspected by TMR staff and checked to ensure lights, brakes and tyres were in safe working condition," she said.

"As a result of these inspections, 14 defect notices were issued to vehicle owners.

"The main causes of defects were lights and tyres.

"Anyone driving a vehicle on the road is required to ensure it's safe and free from defects.

"A vehicle which is not in good condition could be involved in crashes resulting in injury to the driver, passengers and other road users."

The spokeswoman said transport inspectors have a vital role to play in ensuring the safety of our roads and all who use them.

"When inspecting vehicles, some of the common areas they pay attention to include major components such as steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, lighting and windscreen condition," she said. "This is because these items impact most on the safe use and handling of the vehicle. The inspection also covers driver and passenger safety items, such as the condition of seat belts and loose or broken seat mounts.

"Some of the common defects inspectors see on passenger vehicles include tyres below minimum tread depth or worn through to canvas or steel, cracked and damaged windscreens, and broken and inoperative lights."

Senior Constable Cremasco said now was a good time to also remind drivers of the importance of driving safely as the year comes to an end.

"If there is any doubt in your mind whether you can drive after having a few drinks, take a taxi or walk," he said.

"Warwick is not that big that you can't walk anywhere. Another big thing I have noticed with drivers is keeping a safe following distance.

"You need to have a bare minimum of two seconds between you and the other car.

"The faster your speed, the longer the distance needs to be."