Tassie driver fined for 'Des-ing for dollars'

A Tasmanian man who drove drunk people home for money has been fined for running an illegal taxi.

The 21-year-old Devonport man is accused of offering to drive people home in the early hours of Sunday morning in a practice known as "Des-ing for dollars".

Police said the practice is not to be confused with nominating a designated driver among friends when planning a night out.

The man has been sent a fine under the Taxi and Hire Vehicle Industries Act.

Sergeant Craig Harvey said there was no problem with friends making a financial contribution to designated drivers to help with the costs of a ride home, but that "Des-ing for dollars" is illegal.

"This practice leads to concerns regarding safety issues for both passengers and drivers of vehicles that may be `Des-ing for dollars'," he said.