P-plate plonker: teen drink-driving with seven in ute

A teenager has been caught drink-driving with seven passengers including three unrestrained in a ute's back tray because they "didn't want to pay for an Uber".

The 17-year-old P-plater has been charged with multiple offences and issued fines totalling almost $1000 after being intercepted by police on the Gold Coast.

Police body-cam footage shows officers driving behind the utility, which can be seen drifting between lanes at Helensvale about 1.45am on Wednesday.

"Not sure how mum would feel about him driving it like that," an officer is heard saying before the driver is asked to pull over.

As police approach the packed vehicle, an officer can be heard saying to the driver: "Are you serious right now, far out. This is ridiculous mate."

The teen returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.022 per cent, but P-platers have a zero alcohol limit in Queensland.

Asked why there were people sitting unrestrained in the back tray, the driver says: "We didn't want to pay for an Uber."

"We are losing too many lives on the road and you've just put three of your mates in the back of a tray."

The teen was charged with multiple offences, issued three traffic infringement notices, totalling $966 and is set to appear in Southport Childrens Court on September 14.

"This alleged behaviour was incredibly dangerous, and it could have easily ended in tragedy," Acting Senior Sergeant Fletcher said.

"When you overload a vehicle and drive impaired, you're removing every safety margin - if something goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic."