Previous limits :
400mcg/L (or ug/L). That is equal to .080% BAC reading on our devices.
New Limit : ( Effective Dec 1, 2014 )
In New Zealand, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits when driving are:
** Drivers 20 years and over
- 0.05% BAC (50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood)
- Equivalent to 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath
* You must not drive if you exceed these limits.
** Drivers under 20 years
Zero alcohol limit — any detectable alcohol in breath or blood means you can be charged with drink-driving.
These limits apply to drivers of all vehicles on public roads.
If you go over these limits, you can face fines, demerit points, licence disqualification, or even imprisonment depending on how far over the limit you are and your driving history.
Tip: BAC can be measured by a breath or blood test — the different measurements (breath vs blood) reflect the same level of alcohol impairment.