Prime Minister John Key has reassured New Zealanders that the Government's plan to lower the blood alcohol limit for drivers aged 20 and over should not impede their ability to “engage in normal social activity”. The first reading of the legislation, which would see the blood alcohol limit lowered from 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood to 50 milligrams for drivers aged 20 and up, is expected to pass before Parliament rises for the Christmas break. “You will still be able to have a couple of drinks with dinner when you go out,” Key vowed. The penalty for being over the limit from 51 to 80 milligrams will be a fine of $200 and 50 demerit points, but testing over 80 milligrams will remain a criminal offence. The blood alcohol limit for under-20s has been zero since 2010.
4 Nov 2013
