Driving over the limit is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act — a heavy fine, possible jail, and a long driving ban, even on a first offence. Here's exactly what's on the line, and the simple way to avoid all of it.
Under Section 67 of the Road Traffic Act, you are drink-driving if you are over either of these limits:
| Measure | Legal limit |
|---|---|
| Breath alcohol | 35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath |
| Blood alcohol | 80 milligrams per 100 ml of blood |
There's no reliable way to feel exactly where you are against that line — it depends on your weight, what you ate, how fast you drank and how long ago. The only number you can be sure about before driving is zero.
Drink-driving carries mandatory penalties — these were not softened by the 2025 sentencing changes for dangerous driving. What you face:
| Offence | Fine | Jail | Driving ban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offence | $2,000–$10,000 | Up to 12 months | At least 2 years |
| Repeat offence | $5,000–$20,000 | Up to 2 years | At least 5 years |
| Third offence onwards | Higher still | Longer | Can be for life |
Penalties are steeper again if the driving is dangerous, or if it causes injury or death. Being found in charge of a vehicle while over the limit — even parked — can also be an offence.
The fine and ban are only the visible part. A drink-driving conviction also tends to bring:
Set against all that, the cost of getting home safely is trivial.
You don't have to leave your car in town or gamble on how you feel. A drive-home valet sends a sober driver to you, who drives you home in your own car. You avoid the risk completely, and your car sleeps at home — not in a carpark you'll pay to return to.
Hi Valet does exactly this, islandwide, Monday to Saturday, from $58 — usually less than the taxi back to fetch your car the next day, and a rounding error next to a $2,000+ fine.