Drink-drive laws could change for R-plate drivers

Wed, 12 Jan 2011

The drink-drive limit could be about to be lowered for people driving on R-plates.

The legal blood/alcohol limit at the moment for all drivers is 80mg.

However, there are proposals to create a two-tier system, meaning the limit for people who've just passed their tests and those with provisional licences would be 46mg.

The level for mature drivers would stay at 80mg.

The Isle of Man Government says young people are at greater risk of crashing after drinking alcohol because of their inexperience behind the wheel.

The Department of Infrastructure says research carried out in other areas shows that lowering the limit has reduced deaths among 18-20 year old drivers by 14%.

The planned changes to the Road Traffic and Highways Bill are currently open for public consultation until the end of week.