Police ran a three-night divisional operation in Ballarat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in an effort to take impaired drivers off the roads.

Highway patrol officers, assisted by uniform and state resources, focused their attention around areas with licensed premises.

The operation was undertaken in response to a recent trend of drink driving, with police detecting numerous high range drink drivers.

Highway patrol senior sergeant, Stuart Gale, said police conducted more than 480 breath tests and 366 drug tests throughout the operation.

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Of these, three drink drivers and three drug drivers were detected.

A number of infringements were also issued for unregistered and unroadworthy vehicles.

Senior Sergeant Gale said police would continue to monitor the area and would continue to focus on impaired driving if it continues to be an issue.

To get home safely after enjoying a few drinks, he encouraged people to opt to use public transport where available or call a taxi instead of driving home and putting themselves and others at risk on the roads.

An alternative is selecting a responsible designated driver for the night.