Actor Nick Nolte has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Police said his car was seen swerving across a highway in California.

The Oscar nominated actor was taken into custody in Malibu after failing to complete a breath test.

He was released on Wednesday evening, following blood tests to determine whether he had drugs or alcohol in his system. The results will not be known for several days.

"An officer heard tyres squealing and saw the vehicle driven by Nolte approaching rapidly, weaving across all lanes and into opposing traffic," said police spokesman Leland Tang.

'Co-operative'

"He was extremely pleasant and co-operative," said Mr Tang. "Apparently there were even a few passers-by and one of them stopped and took pictures.

Nolte appeared at the Toronto Film Festival last week

Nolte battled with a drink problem for many years, but is said to have become a health and fitness buff after giving up alcohol in the 1990s.

The Nebraska-born actor found fame on the hit TV series Rich Man Poor Man in the 1970s, which landed him an Emmy nomination.

He received Oscar nominations for 1991's The Prince Of Tides, and for Affliction in 1999.

His other film appearances include 48 Hours and its sequel, Another 48 Hours, Cape Fear, Simpatico and The Thin Red Line.

He will be seen next year in Hulk, based on The Incredible Hulk character, and recently attended the Toronto Film Festival to promote his latest film, The Good Thief.

Nolte's publicist, Arnold Robinson, said he had no immediate comment to make over the actor's arrest.