TWEED police were "exceptionally unhappy" with the number of drunk drivers caught on the weekend.

Police breath tested more than 1000 drivers from Thursday to Saturday as part of Operation Drink Drive II.

Inspector Darren Steel said 17 people were caught drink driving.

"We were exceptionally unhappy with the result," Insp Steel said.

"The message is just not getting through."

He said these people were putting lives, including their own, at risk.

Highway patrol and general duties officers targeted drink-driving offences as well as other irresponsible driving behaviour during the three-day operation.

Tweed police tested more than 550 drivers resulting in five positive tests on Thursday.

On Friday, police recorded eight positive tests.

Traffic services commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said he was concerned with the attitude of some motorists.

"Unfortunately a small number of people still decided to break the law, which is inevitable," he said.

"There were a few terrible collisions this weekend that have highlighted the need for a focus on road safety.

"The fatality rate is still down, which shows the majority of people are complying with traffic laws, however, two people lost their lives on our roads."

Across NSW police involved in Operation Drink Drive II arrested 146 people for drink driving.