The Government will consider lowering the blood-alcohol limit as part of a road safety strategy, says Transport Minister Steven Joyce.
Mr Joyce says the idea is one option up for consideration as officials develop a 10-year plan, to take effect next year.
Alcohol Healthwatch says New Zealand's alcohol limit of 80 milligrams for every litre of blood is unsafe for drivers.
Director Rebecca Williams says drivers cannot concentrate enough to drive safely with that much alcohol in their system.
Ms Williams says road deaths in Queensland fell by 18% when its blood-alcohol limit was dropped to 50 milligrams in the 1980s.
She says a limit of 50 milligrams has saved lives in Australia and could do the same in New Zealand.
Mr Joyce says the proposal will be examined, although it is likely that tougher blood-alcohol limits will be just part of the solution.
He says the public will be asked for its feedback in April or May.
