A Whangarei police officer has pleaded guilty to drink driving.

Senior Constable Ross Kneebone is Northland's police recruitment officer. He pleaded guilty in Whangarei District Court yesterday, to driving with nearly twice the legal breath alcohol limit in September last year.

A charge of failing to remain stopped for a police officer was later thrown out, after Kneebone provided a satisfactory explanation for his actions.

He is on restricted police duties while the matter is before the courts and an application for him to be discharged without conviction will be heard in court tomorrow.