Police say they do not want to prosecute anyone under new drink-driving limits, pleading with people to change their habits instead, Radio New Zealand reports.
The new rules, which came into effect first thing this morning, nearly halve the blood alcohol limit, from 80 milligrams down to 50 milligrams per millilitre of blood.
The average adult can now only have two standard drinks over two hours before they are over the limit.
Those who breach the limit but are still under 80 milligrams per millilitre of blood will not lose their licence, but they will get a $200 fine and 50 demerit points.
LISTEN to Radio New Zealand journalist Kate Newton's report: