Legislation that will lower the blood alcohol limit for drivers has passed its third and final reading in Parliament on Wednesday night.
The Land Transport Amendment Bill reduces the limit from the current 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood to 50 milligrams for drivers aged over 20 from December this year.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said a breach of the new limit will result in a $200 fine and 50 demerit points.
Testing over 80 milligrams will remain a criminal offence.
In 2010, the Government introduced a zero blood alcohol limit for those aged under 20, but deferred the change for older drivers.
