Police in the Northern Region are launching Operation Chrome this weekend, in order to reduce road trauma and save lives on rural roads.

Operation Chrome is a state-wide regional campaign being conducted in northern, southern and western regions on Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18.

It will utilise police from all districts within the northern region, working alongside officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command.

Police are targeting poor driving behaviours on rural roads - including speeding, drink and drug-driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and fatigue.

Drivers and riders should expect to see more police on rural roads and highways over the weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, Commander of the Northern Region, said reducing rural road trauma was a top priority for everyone.

"During Operation Chrome, it won't just be officers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol that will be tasked with keeping everyone safe on our roads," he explained.

"If you are on the road and doing something wrong, you can expect to be stopped by police in an unmarked car, general duties police, or one of our highway patrol officers.

"Our main aim is to stop fatal crashes before they happen.

"Road safety is everyone's responsibility.

"If everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions, it will save lives.

"It's that simple."

Chief Inspector Amanda Calder, Northern Region Traffic Tactician, said if everyone did their part, the roads would be a safer place.

"Sadly, we have already lost 45 lives on Northern NSW roads this year," she added.

"Most crashes happen in rural and regional areas, which is why you will see us in numbers this weekend.

"We make no apologies for taking licences away from anyone who puts themselves and other road users at risk through dangerous driving behaviours."