The government of New Caledonia has decided to tighten drink drive laws as part of efforts to improve road safety.
Drivers who haven't had a licence for two years yet will only be allowed to have one beer before driving.
The measure comes amid a high accident rate and after yet another fatal car crash in which three young men died.
Per capita, New Caledonia has a road toll four times higher than France.
Most accidents involve alcohol and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Figures also show that about a third of accidents involve drivers without a licence.
To improve the situation, the government plans to subsidise the cost of getting a licence for young people doing an apprenticeship.