Police preparations for the lowered drink-driving limits are in full swing - and a wide-ranging publicity campaign is advising drivers to play safe by avoiding alcohol altogether or arranging alternative transport.
From 1 December the limit for drivers over 20 lowers from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg, and from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.08), to 50mg (0.05).
For drivers under 20, the limit remains zero.
Adult drivers blowing 251-400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath will receive an infringement notice ($200) and 50 demerit points. Those over 400mcg will face criminal charges, as now.
Research indicates an additional 19,000 drivers could fall into the infringement range annually but it's impossible to predict numbers with certainty, says Superintendent Carey Griffiths, National Manager Road Policing.