More than eight learner and restricted drivers breach their licence conditions every day in Northland.
Police statistics obtained by the Northern Advocate have revealed 2979 tickets were issued to drivers on either a restricted or learners licence for breaking the law during 2011 - which meant they contributed nearly
$300,000 in fines to government coffers.
The alarming statistics come after Northland coroner Brandt Shortland called for a campaign, targeted at young people, about the dangers of getting into cars with inexperienced drivers.
He held an inquest into the death of 16-year-old Josef James Humphrey who died instantly when the car he was a passenger in collided with a 12-tonne stock truck on State Highway 14 near Maungatapere on January 10, 2010.
The driver of the Honda Civic was a 16-year-old Northland girl who was on a restricted licence and was breaching her conditions by having passengers in the car.
Mr Shortland said: "In my view a media campaign that empowers young people to say 'no' to the enticement to get into a vehicle against their better judgment is required.
"It is the social pressure that persuades a teenager, often against their better judgment, to get into a car when they don't need to."
The greatest number of tickets - 1381 - were for unaccompanied learner drivers followed by drivers not displaying L plates - 942 offences - and restricted drivers carrying unauthorised passengers - 498 tickets.
Not only do the breaches hit the drivers in the pocket at $100 per offence but it earned them 35 demerit points.
Northland's top traffic officer, Clifford Paxton, said police were aware of the risks taken by young people when getting into cars.
He acknowledged there was a need for young drivers to be empowered to make good decisions about who they get into vehicles with.
"Unfortunately the decisions made by young people at times can have dire consequences and we strongly encourage them and our communities to ensure their own safety and the safety of others when considering whether or not to get into a vehicle with other people," Mr Paxton said.
Northland police were working with a number of partners to implement a driver licensing operation where those who are stopped for breaching the conditions of their licence were given the opportunity to comply and move to the next step in their graduated driver licence.
If they could prove they had made that step then their infringement notice was cancelled.
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Kaipara and Whangarei Road Safety campaigner Gillian Archer said parents and caregivers had to play a role in educating young drivers and take some responsibility by setting a good example.
She said there were plenty of education programmes on offer in Northland that taught young drivers about the dangers of peer pressure and getting into cars with drivers who were breaking the law.
"It's a distraction having other people in the car for young drivers and at 16 you're not old enough to have had the experience to drive in wet conditions either."