A Canberra man was arrested after first urinating in Civic and then escaping custody, but police have said the capital's New Year's Eve revellers were generally well-behaved.
While there were no major incidents during the celebrations, police said they were kept busy throughout the night targeting underage drinking, drink- and drug-drivers and anti-social behaviour.
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Twenty-six young people were taken into protective custody for being drunk and returned to the care of a guardian or parent.
Of more than 800 random breath tests performed by police on Saturday night, just one driver was over the prescribed alcohol limit. But eight drivers returned positive readings for the presence of drugs, police said. The results were awaiting further analysis.
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"Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to themselves and everyone else on the road. Police will continue to target drug and alcohol impaired driving throughout the day ... so if you know you've taken drugs or you could still be effected by alcohol, do not get behind the wheel," criminal investigations Superintendent Ben Cartwright said.
"It's important to remember that after a late night you can be fatigued. Give yourself a good rest before you drive anywhere."
Double demerits remain in effect until midnight on Monday, January 2 and apply to offences for speeding, seatbelts and mobile phones. All other offences will incur an additional demerit point.
Police were "disappointed" to see a number of drunk teenagers.
"A dedicated Youth Reception team took 26 young people into protective custody for intoxication and returned them into the care of a parent or guardian," Superintendent Cartwright said.
One young person was arrested for drug possession and one adult will be called to face court for possessing a knife in a public place.
Police issued six infringement notices, including for urinating in a public place and drinking alcohol in a prescribed place. Six adults were taken into custody for being drunk.
"While it was a busy night for police, we were pleased to see families and groups of friends enjoying the alcohol-free events in the city and cheering in 2017 with the fireworks at midnight," Superintendent Cartwright said.
The officer said ACT Policing had appreciated the support of paramedics, SES, firefighters, events management and St John's.
"I'd like to thank our officers and members of other emergency and support services who gave up their New Year's Eve to make sure that everyone else had an enjoyable and safe night," he said.
"I'd also like to thank the members of the community who enjoyed themselves safely – happy New Year from ACT Policing."