A drink-driving charge — driving with excess breath or blood alcohol — is one of the most common reasons people from Greymouth, Hokitika, Westport and across the Coast end up in front of a judge. The law is the same right across New Zealand, set out in the Land Transport Act 1998, but for you it plays out close to home: almost every West Coast charge is heard at the Greymouth (Māwhera) District Court on Guinness Street. You don't have to face it confused. This page explains, in plain English, what you've actually been charged with, the real penalties, and where to get free legal help on the Coast. This is general legal information, not legal advice, and it doesn't create a lawyer-client relationship.
Free legal information. Not legal advice. Available 24/7 across West Coast.
Do this first: read your summons carefully and note your court date — your first appearance will almost certainly be at the Greymouth District Court, 60 Guinness Street, Greymouth. You must attend. Before that date, get advice: if you cannot afford a lawyer you can apply for criminal legal aid (apply as soon as you are charged, do not wait for the first hearing), and there is a free duty lawyer at the District Court on the day. Community Law Canterbury runs a free clinic in Greymouth, and a drink-driving conviction carries a mandatory minimum disqualification of 6 months, so getting early advice genuinely matters. Don't just turn up and plead — understand your options first.
Here's what blindsides many West Coast drivers: if your reading is over the criminal threshold, a 6-month disqualification is not a maximum the judge might impose — it is a mandatory minimum the judge must impose on conviction. People plan their plea around the fine or the small chance of jail and forget that losing their licence for at least half a year is the near-certain outcome. On the Coast, where distances are long and public transport is thin, that can mean losing your job or your ability to get to work, the doctor or your kids' school. That is exactly why getting advice before your Greymouth court date matters — there may be options (an alcohol interlock licence, the timing and structure of your plea) that change how badly this lands. Free help is available; our free phone line on 0800 461 100 and the local Community Law clinic are good places to start.
If you can't afford a private lawyer, these New Zealand services can help with a drink-driving charge on the West Coast — for free. Legal aid covers your defence if you qualify on income; the duty lawyer and Community Law give free guidance. Legal Hotline is not a law firm and does not provide these services — we point you to them and give general information, not legal advice.
I've been charged with drink-driving on the West Coast — which court will I go to?
Almost certainly the Greymouth (Māwhera) District Court at 60 Guinness Street, Greymouth, which handles criminal matters for the West Coast region. Your summons will state the date and time — you must attend. There's a free duty lawyer at the court who can give you advice on the day before you appear.
What's the legal alcohol limit for driving in New Zealand?
For adult drivers (20 and over) the limit is 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. These lower limits have applied since 1 December 2014. For drivers under 20 the limit is zero — any alcohol at all is an offence.
What's the difference between an infringement and a criminal drink-driving charge?
If your breath reading is between 251 and 400 micrograms (blood 51–80mg), it's an infringement — a $200 fee and 50 demerit points, but no conviction and no court. Over 400 micrograms of breath (or 80mg of blood) is the criminal offence under section 56 of the Land Transport Act 1998, which brings you before the Greymouth District Court and a likely conviction and disqualification.
Will I lose my licence for a first drink-driving offence?
If you're convicted of the criminal offence (over 400mcg breath / 80mg blood), yes — the court must disqualify you for a minimum of 6 months. It is a mandatory minimum, not a maximum, so a disqualification is the near-certain outcome of a conviction. This is exactly why getting advice before your court date matters.
What are the penalties for a first criminal drink-driving conviction?
Up to 3 months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $4,500, plus the mandatory minimum 6-month disqualification. Most first offenders are fined rather than jailed, but the conviction and licence loss are the parts that bite. Your exact outcome depends on your reading and circumstances.
What happens if my reading was very high?
If your breath reading is at or over 800 micrograms (160mg of blood), or you've had a drink-drive conviction in the last five years, the judge must order an alcohol interlock sentence. You drive only a vehicle fitted with an interlock device for at least 12 months before you can apply to move to a zero-alcohol licence.
I refused the breath test — is that better than blowing over?
No. Refusing or failing to give a breath or blood specimen when lawfully required is its own serious offence, carrying penalties similar to a high-reading drink-drive charge — including a minimum 6-month disqualification. Refusing the test does not help you avoid the consequences.
Can I get free legal help on the West Coast?
Yes. There's a free duty lawyer at the Greymouth District Court on hearing days, Community Law Canterbury runs a free clinic in Greymouth (1st and 3rd Tuesday, by appointment), and you may qualify for criminal legal aid. The Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 367 222) can also point you in the right direction.
Should I just plead guilty at my first court appearance?
Not without advice. The first appearance is your chance to understand the charge, the evidence and your options — and you can ask for time to get a lawyer. Talk to the free duty lawyer at the court or Community Law first. A rushed guilty plea can lock in consequences, like the length of your disqualification, that you might have been able to address.
How do I apply for legal aid for a drink-driving charge?
Apply as soon as you're charged — don't wait for your first hearing. Whether you qualify depends on your income, your assets and the charge. You can get the application form and free help to fill it in from the Greymouth court duty lawyer, a local legal aid office, or Community Law Canterbury.
Is this page legal advice?
No. This is general legal information to help you understand a drink-driving charge on the West Coast and where to get help. It is not legal advice and it doesn't create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, speak to the free duty lawyer, Community Law, or your own lawyer.
We connect West Coast drivers facing a drink-driving charge at the Greymouth District Court with local lawyers who can help. If you're a New Zealand-qualified lawyer who handles drink-driving and traffic matters on the Coast, we'd like to send ready-to-consult clients your way. This is a referral path for vetted lawyers, separate from the free information above. Reach out to learn how to join.
General legal information, not legal advice. We research every page from primary sources — legislation, the courts, and government legal-aid bodies — and check it for accuracy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at admin@platfirm.ai.
A drink-driving charge can feel overwhelming, but the law is clear and there is free help close to home. Your case will be heard at the Greymouth District Court, the penalties under the Land Transport Act 1998 are set ranges, and a free duty lawyer and the local Community Law clinic are there to help before you ever stand up in front of a judge. Call our free, plain-English phone line for New Zealand on 0800 461 100, any hour, and use the local resources on this page too. This is general legal information, not legal advice, and it doesn't create a lawyer-client relationship.
Free legal information. Not legal advice.