My teenager has been arrested, will they go to the adult court?
- 03.08.2026
After a work function I was stopped at a checkpoint and my breath alcohol reading was over the legal limit. I have not been charged yet but I got a notice. I rely on my licence to do my job. What are the penalties and can I challenge the result?
For drivers aged 20 and over, the legal breath alcohol limit is 250 micrograms per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Penalties depend on the reading and your history. Under the Land Transport Act 1998, a first offence may include a fine, a mandatory disqualification of at least six months, and in some cases a period of supervision or community work, although a court may impose a limited licence in limited circumstances for people who can show that disqualification would cause extreme hardship. If your reading was high or you have prior offences, penalties escalate significantly. Whether the result can be challenged depends on procedure, such as the accuracy of the evidential breath test and whether the officer followed the required steps. Get advice from a lawyer as soon as you can.
This website uses cookies to personalize content and advertising messages, collect analytics, and for other purposes. You can read our cookie policy. If you agree to the use of cookies, click "Accept".