The AA is calling for in-car breathalysers to be used more often in sentencing for those who are convicted of drink driving. 

The in-car breathalyser, known as an alcohol interlock, were introduced as a sentencing option three years ago. 

Since their introduction more than 2000 attempts by convicted drink-drivers to get behind the wheel after drinking have been thwarted by alcohol interlocks.

This comes from just 270 of the devices, which stop the car from starting if they detect alcohol, currently being used in New Zealand.

AA Motoring Affairs boss Mike Noon is calling for all those caught at twice the criminal level, or who have been caught before, to have them installed as part of their sentencing.

Noon believes it's proving to be an effective way to keep New Zealand roads safe.

"Those people who have used them tell us they are the hardest option because if they want to drive basically they have to change their drinking so that they are not drinking at all, otherwise the interlock will pick it up and they can't drive."

It is hoped the breathalysers could encourage offenders to reconsider their drinking habits and lower chances of re-offending. 

"They may not intend to drink and drive, but what happens is that they start drinking, they lose control of that decision making and they do end up driving...this means that if that happens they can't actually start their car and they can't drive."

The government's currently reviewing penalties for drink driving.