2025 New Zealand BAC Laws - Legal Limits & Drink-Driving Penalties
New Zealand BAC limits: Zero for under 20; 0.05 for 20+. Penalty bands by breath/blood thresholds; drug-driving offences and interlock options.
New Zealand Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits
0.05%Drivers aged 20+
0.00%Under 20 years: zero alcohol limit
Last Updated: 2025
Land Transport Act and NZTA Rules
Land Transport Act and regulations
Under 20: zero alcohol. 20+: 250µg/L breath or 50mg/100mL blood. Police conduct roadside screening, evidential breath tests, and blood tests.
Under 20
Any alcohol detected can lead to fines, demerit points, and disqualification.
20+
251–400µg/L breath (or 51–80 mg/100mL blood) leads to fines/demerits; higher levels trigger disqualification, fines or imprisonment.
Penalties (Indicative)
| Category | Key measures |
|---|---|
| Common outcomes | Under 20: fines, 50 demerit points, and disqualification for higher levels / 20+: fines and 50 demerit points at lower band; disqualification, fines or imprisonment at higher bands / Repeat high-range offences may trigger interlock or zero alcohol licence conditions |
Common outcomes
- Under 20: fines, 50 demerit points, and disqualification for higher levels
- 20+: fines and 50 demerit points at lower band; disqualification, fines or imprisonment at higher bands
- Repeat high-range offences may trigger interlock or zero alcohol licence conditions
Additional Information
Drug-driving
Specified drugs above legal limits and impairment offences carry penalties; compulsory impairment testing applies.
On-the-spot suspension
Licence may be suspended roadside for certain high breath/blood levels or refusals.