New Zealand alcohol limits for drivers
Drivers under 20 have a zero-alcohol limit. For drivers aged 20 or over, the limit is 250 micrograms per litre of breath or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. An adult result from 251–400 breath or 51–80 blood is an infringement band with a fine and 50 demerit points; higher results can lead to criminal charges and disqualification. No number of drinks reliably guarantees a result below the limit.
The legal thresholds are measurements of breath or blood, not a permitted number of drinks. Two people drinking the same glass can produce different results, and the same person can produce a different result depending on timing, food and other factors.
Under 20 means zero
A driver under 20 must not drive after consuming alcohol. The rule is not softened by holding a full licence or feeling unaffected. Planning needs to happen before the first drink: a sober driver, public transport, taxi or a place to stay.
Age 20 or over
The adult maximum is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. A result above the relevant maximum is not made lawful by being close.
NZTA describes a lower adult excess band of 251–400 micrograms per litre of breath or 51–80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. It can produce an infringement fee and 50 demerit points. Results above 400 breath or 80 blood enter the criminal-offence range, where court, disqualification, fines or imprisonment may apply according to the offence and history.
KiwiVehicle will not provide a “drinks until legal” calculator. The inputs cannot establish your actual breath or blood result, and a number that looks precise could encourage a dangerous trip. If you drink, arrange not to drive.
Legal is not the same as unimpaired
NZTA and Police both emphasise that even small amounts can affect driving. Fatigue, medication, other drugs and the demands of the trip are not erased by a result under one alcohol threshold. Workplace or commercial-driving policies may also be stricter.
If Police require a screening or evidential test, follow the instructions given. The drink-driving guide explains the broad enforcement stages but cannot interpret an individual result or replace legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the breath alcohol limit in NZ?
What is the blood alcohol limit?
How many drinks can I have and drive?
Do learner and restricted drivers have a zero limit?
Sources and verification
- NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Alcohol and drug limits, checked 2026-08-12.
- New Zealand Police. Being safe on the road — alcohol limits and breath testing, checked 2026-08-12.
Checked against the sources above. If something has changed, tell us.