SafeBAC CalculatorInformational BAC Tool

BAC Calculator New Zealand – Blood Alcohol Limit and Driving Risks

New Zealand has strict limits: 0.05% (approx) for adults and zero for under 20s. Estimates are for education only.

Estimate your BAC

Enter your details and drinks to see an approximate blood alcohol concentration. Results are only estimates and must not be used to decide if you can drive.

Use an approximate value if you are not sure. The estimate is sensitive to body weight.

This helps us compare your estimated BAC with commonly cited legal limits in your selected region.

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Count from the first sip of your first drink. The longer you have been drinking, the lower your BAC may be from metabolism.

Drinks you have consumed

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Never use BAC estimates to decide whether you can drive.

Estimated BAC and safety overview

These numbers are only rough estimates. Everyone processes alcohol differently.

Fill in your details and drinks, then select “Estimate BAC” to see estimated values and safety guidance.

Alcohol Limits in New Zealand

New Zealand law sets limits based on age and measures alcohol in breath (mcg/L) or blood (mg/100ml).

Drivers Aged 20 and Over:

  • Breath: 250 micrograms (mcg) per litre of breath.
  • Blood: 50 milligrams (mg) per 100 millilitres of blood (0.05%).
  • Penalty: Testing between 250-400mcg typically incurs an infringement fee and demerit points. Above 400mcg is a criminal offence.

Drivers Under 20 Years Old:

  • Limit: Zero (0.00%)
  • It is illegal to drive with any detectable alcohol in your system if you are under 20.

Repeat Offenders: Stricter penalties, including vehicle confiscation and interlock sentences, apply to repeat offenders.

Safety First

Demerit Points: Even lower-level offences (250-400mcg) result in 50 demerit points. Accumulating 100 points leads to a licence suspension for 3 months.

Metabolism: There is no way to speed up sobriety. Coffee and showers do not work. If you have been drinking heavily properly, do not drive early the next morning.

Alternative Transport: New Zealand has strict enforcement. Always plan a safe ride home before you start drinking.

New Zealand Drink Driving FAQ

The limit was lowered to 0.05% (50mg per 100ml blood) in 2014. It is no longer 0.08%.
No. The limit for drivers under 20 is zero. Even a single drink will likely put you over the limit.
250mcg/L of breath is legally equivalent to 50mg/100ml (0.05%) of blood alcohol. Both are the threshold for penalties.

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