Drinking and Driving Penalties in New Zealand: Implications and Consequences

Drinking and driving in New Zealand is a serious offense that carries significant consequences. The penalty varies based on whether an accident was involved, the severity of the accident, and the blood alcohol content (BAC) level of the driver. This comprehensive article explores the legal implications and long-term consequences of such an offense in New Zealand.

Understanding the Consequences

When caught drinking and driving in New Zealand, the primary consequences can include:

Licence Suspension: Your driving license can be suspended for several years. This is often a major issue for individuals who rely on driving to get to work or who have no alternative mode of transportation. Fines: A financial penalty is typically imposed, which is considerable and often a deterrent for repeat offenders. Jail Sentences: If the offense involves personal injury or death, or if the driver is a repeat offender with a high BAC, a jail term may be enforced. Alcohol Interlock Devices: Repeat offenders may be required to install an alcohol interlock device in their vehicle to prevent further offenses. Zero Tolerance Policy: In some situations, a zero-tolerance policy may apply, requiring the removal of driving privileges.

Long-Term Implications

The consequences of drinking and driving in New Zealand extend beyond the immediate legal ramifications:

Employment: Losing your driving license can lead to job loss, particularly for those who require a license to perform their job duties.

Travelling Overseas: International travel becomes extremely challenging due to visa and entry bans. Any conviction can result in a refusal of a visa, and turning up at a border can lead to deportation.

Legal Disputes: Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties, including home detention or even imprisonment. The severity of the penalty may depend on the History of the repeat offenses and the driver's willingness to show remorse.

Real-Life Examples

To illustrate the severity of penalties, let's look at a real-life example:

A close friend of mine, who was on bail for his 7th offense, was caught driving 200 km/h in the morning, without an accident but with a BAC significantly above the legal limit, for his 8th offense. Despite being confident of his appeal, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Although he appealed and was given home detention for the last 2 years of his sentence, the court deemed that he had not learned from his previous offenses and he served 9 months in prison. Such a sentence highlights the severity of drink driving in New Zealand.

Another aspect of this offense is the financial burden. The costs associated with the legal proceedings, the installation of alcohol interlock devices, and the potential loss of employment can be substantial. In my friend's case, he faced significant expenses and time away from his normal life, necessitating sober living to avoid further offenses and to pass the driving test once more.

Furthermore, the support system plays a crucial role in overcoming such challenges. Witnessing the struggles of my friend and other similar cases, the importance of family and peer support becomes evident. The fact that his parents were alcoholics and he has battled with alcoholism most of his life only amplifies the impact of the offense.

Conclusion

Drinking and driving in New Zealand is a serious offense with harsh and lasting consequences. From license suspension to potential imprisonment, the impact of such actions is far-reaching and can have lifelong effects. It is crucial to understand and respect the legal boundaries to avoid these severe penalties. If you or someone you know is in such a situation, seek legal counsel and consider seeking support to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior.