Drink-drivers who were up to four times over the limit and could barely walk were caught by police in Tayside during a festive crackdown.
More than 3,000 people were breathalysed over the Christmas and New Year period, and 25 drivers were found to be unfit through drink or drugs.
The four-week national campaign saw a total of 434 drivers taken off the roads in Scotland and Tayside Division was the second most proactive force area.
Inspector Grant Edwards, head of the Tayside Division road policing unit, said that throughout the campaign there had been a number of very high readings and incidents where people had crashed.
He said: “It is disappointing that, despite all the warnings, there were 25 people prepared to flout the law in Tayside. Most of these people were nowhere near the limit.
“They were at least double, triple and even four times over the limit in the extreme cases. These are people who can barely walk, so why would they decide to drive a vehicle?
“Most had been out drinking and driving home or, even worse, were driving from one pub to another. We even had some where people were going out to buy more drink.”
There were 21 men arrested and four women, caught at all times of the day and night, and Mr Edwards said it was alarming that many more younger people were caught this year.
He said officers also saw a lot of “silly” offenders who were caught trying to move their car relatively short distances.
Mr Edwards added: “There has been a lot of stupidity shown by those involved but I have got little sympathy for them.
“These are people who are willing to put their lives and the lives of others at risk.”
Some of those detected were involved in collisions and police also carried out roadside checks on drivers for a number of motoring offences, breathalysing everyone stopped.
However, the majority of those caught were reported by concerned members of the public.
Police have also requested the procurator fiscal to ask for the forfeiture of vehicles when accused drivers appear in court.
As well as a criminal record, which will stay with them for at least 20 years, and a minimum 12-month disqualification, those convicted could see further consequences of their actions.
They could lose their car, their livelihood and pay much higher insurance premiums if they ever get back on the road.
Mr Edwards said: “Driving under the influence is like hitting the self-destruct button. It will ruin your life.
“There are serious consequences and the simple message is don’t risk it. There are plenty of other options available, such as public transport, taxis or designated drivers. If you are going out to have a drink, just don’t take your car.”
Mr Edwards said police will continue to target this kind of road safety offence in the coming year.
He pledged: “This is not just a one-off. We are determined to make sure Scotland’s roads are safe, and very much appreciate the public’s assistance.”
Anyone who wants to report a motoring offence can contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
However, Mr Edwards stressed that anyone getting behind the wheel while under the influence, or while disqualified, is an immediate danger to others on the road and can be reported on the emergency number, 999.