Tyler Whitney was high on meth when he went on a high speed, dangerous driving spree across the Sunshine Coast

A 19-year-old man caught driving at high speeds and crossing onto the wrong side of the road managed to evade police until his fuel tank ran out.

Judge Glen Cash sentenced Tyler Whitney to prison after he pleaded guilty to a string of charges including dangerous operation a drug possession. File photo.

A 19-year-old man was "grossly" high on meth when he went on a high speed joy ride across the Sunshine Coast, which came to a sudden stop when he ran out of petrol, a court has heard.

Tyler Grant Whitney, now 20, pleaded guilty in Maroochydore District Court on Thursday to a long list of offences, including dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, possession of a dangerous drug, evasion, driving unregistered, driving uninsured, driving unlicensed and failing to take reasonable care in respect of a syringe or needle.

The court heard he was so high that he was "almost asleep" when police arrested him on August 8, 2020.

The court heard Triple 0 received 11 calls between 4.24pm and 5.40pm from witnesses reporting Whitney was speeding, tailgating and crossing onto the wrong side of the road on the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way and King Street in Buderim.

The learner driver was clocked at speeds of up 140km/h and was estimated to be travelling at 120km/h in a road works zone on the Bruce Highway.

Police chased Whitney for a short period in Buderim but he did not stop.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Cook said the car ran out of petrol on Commercial Road and police arrested Whitney, who "was almost asleep".

A blood test showed Whitney had 1.1mg of methamphetamine per litre in his blood.

Police also found Xanax and a syringe in the car.

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Whitney was released on parole just 46 days before, having been sentenced for 16 offences including stealing, arson, drug possession and unlawful use of a vehicle, the court heard.

Mr Cook said Whitney had been involved in a "mutiny" over COVID restrictions at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre while on remand for these offences in April last year.

The court heard Whitney did not instigate the protest but took food to the prisoners and stayed on the roof for a period.

Mr Cook said Whitney had also never held a licence above a learner's permit.

"He shouldn't have been driving at all that day, let alone the way he was," he said.

"The threat to the public on that day was significant … Mr Whitney is lucky the damage was none on that day."

Defence barrister David Crews said Whitney had started using meth at age 16.

"At the time of the offence, unsurprisingly he was using meth quite heavily," he said.

"To his credit he did seek some help, he did seek intervention."

The court heard Whitney had received a job offer and planned to live with his mother or grandparents upon his release.

Judge Glen Cash said Whitney was "grossly intoxicated" by meth at the time of the offence, indicative of him using a large amount before driving.

"You know what's ahead of you if you start getting back into ice," he said.

"You'll go back to jail or kill yourself."

He gave Whitney a head sentence of two years imprisonment to commence at the end of his current sentence on August 22, 2022.

He said two days of pre-sentence custody could be declared time served on this order.

Without conviction, Whitney was "discharged absolutely" on the driving uninsured and unregistered offences.

Whitney's licence was disqualified for two years.

He will be eligible for parole on December 3.

Whitney's mother and grandmother supported him in court, telling him to "stay strong" and "we'll see you for Christmas" as he was led away.

Originally published as Tyler Whitney was high on meth when he went on a high speed, dangerous driving spree across the Sunshine Coast