A Bill that will pave the way for the introduction of lower drink-driving limits is being published today.
The Road Traffic No 2 Bill will allow for mandatory breath testing at the new limits, which are due to be introduced next month.
It will reduce the legal blood alcohol limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg per 100ml.
Instead of the current ban, those found over the new 50mg limit will be given three penalty points and an on-the-spot fine of €200.
However, if they are found to be over the existing limit of 80mg they will be automatically disqualified from driving for six months and fined €400.
The option of taking a fine and points rather than going to court can only be availed of once in a three-year period.
Those who drive for a living and learner drivers will be subject to a 'virtually zero' limit of 20mg per 100ml of blood.
If they are caught over the limit they will be disqualified for three months and fined €200.
Dr Denis Cusack of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in UCD says that the only way people can guarantee not being over the new limits is not to drink and drive.
Testing equipment calibrated for the new limits is due to become available in the comings weeks.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar will then announce a date for the introduction of the new limits, which is expected to be in October.
All 64 Garda stations that currently have evidential equipment to test for drink driving will get new machines by next month.
A further 22 will be introduced thereafter.
But only half of the 1,000 breathalyzers will be rolled out in time for the changeover.
However, the Medical Bureau of Road Safety say the remainder will be delivered within weeks and that all Garda stations will have a minimum amount of breathalyzers to allow them to test for drink driving.
Gardai are currently being trained to use the equipment and say they will be fully trained in time.
Mr Varadkar said the new system would stand up to scrutiny and that he was confident there wouldn't be any loopholes.
