Police in Gisborne will be cracking down on pre-loading and drink driving over Rhythm and Vines that starts on Saturday.
Checkpoints will be set up at the northern and southern entrances to the city.
Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said all traffic will be stopped and drivers caught with excess breath alcohol readings will be processed for drink-driving.
He said each year police come across a number of people who arrive at the festival drunk, and they may well have driven in that state for some time.
Inspector Aberahama said there is a zero tolerance approach to this, and any alcohol-related crime.
He said police are also urging festival-goers to take responsibility for their safety as it is a big festival, so people should be aware of the situations they could get themselves into.
Upwards of 25,000 people are expected for the event.
