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Legal guides: drink-driving, licences and court

Barrister Melanie Coxon answers the questions people ask most about drink-driving, breath tests and getting back on the road.

Alcohol interlocks and getting your licence back

What an interlock is, who has to have one, the costs involved, and what happens after the programme.

10 questions answered

  1. What is an alcohol interlock?
  2. Who has to have an alcohol interlock?
  3. Will I lose my licence before I can use an interlock?
  4. Can I get a work licence during the disqualification?
  5. How much does an alcohol interlock cost?
  6. How long do I have to use an alcohol interlock?
  7. Can I drive my employer's vehicle?
  8. What happens after I complete the alcohol interlock programme?
  9. Can the court decide not to impose an alcohol interlock?
  10. Should I speak to a lawyer before my court appearance?
Read the whole guide: Alcohol interlocks and getting your licence back

The drink-driving limit and breath tests

The legal limits, what each reading means, what happens when Police stop you, and what comes next.

12 questions answered

  1. What is the legal drink-driving limit in New Zealand?
  2. What happens if I blow between 251 and 400?
  3. What happens if I blow over 400?
  4. What happens if I blow over 800?
  5. What happens if this is my second drink-driving offence?
  6. What happens when Police stop me for a breath test?
  7. Can I refuse to take a breath test?
  8. Can Police suspend my licence immediately?
  9. What if I need my licence for work?
  10. Can I avoid a criminal conviction for drink-driving?
  11. What can I do before my sentencing hearing?
  12. Do I need a lawyer for a first drink-driving offence?
Read the whole guide: The drink-driving limit and breath tests

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