Drink-driving offenders could be breath-tested every time they start their car, with courts able to require them to have alcohol interlock devices fitted in their vehicles from next month.
From September 10, repeat drink-drive offenders and first-time offenders convicted of driving with blood alcohol levels twice the adult limit could be given an alcohol interlock disqualification.
Drivers will have to provide a breath sample into the interlock device, which is similar to a breathalyser, connected to their vehicle's starting system.
The pre-programmed breath-alcohol limit will be set at zero, and any analysed result over that level means the vehicle won't start.
Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges says interlocks are an important new measure to reduce deaths and injuries caused by drink-drivers.
"The alcohol interlocks disqualification will help stop them from re-offending and make the roads safer for everyone."
After a mandatory three-month disqualification from driving, those on the alcohol interlock disqualification will be able to apply for a licence to drive a vehicle fitted with an interlock device.
Offenders will have to pay for the devices to be fitted and monitored.
From September 10, courts will also have the power to issue zero alcohol disqualifications to drivers, which require them to maintain a zero alcohol limit for three years.
Drivers approved to exit the interlock programme after completing an alcohol interlock disqualification will also be subject to zero alcohol disqualifications.
The government introduced the new sanctions as part of law changes last year, alongside a zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers aged under 20, and a doubled maximum penalty for drink or drugged driving causing death.
NZN