If you get caught by police for drunk driving this New Year's Eve expect very little sympathy from the boys and girls in blue.

Police are currently out in force across the entire city and they'll be checking vehicles and drivers right up until tomorrow morning.

Police will be out on force tonight so don't be silly and drink then drive. Photo: Tracy Hardy

Acting senior sergeant Wayne Hunter says two major checkpoints plus traffic alcohol group units from Tauranga and Rotorua will be in operation.

'Each unit has 15 staff and we are going all night,” says Wayne. 'There's a lot of traffic out and about tonight but the last couple of days have been really good and no major issues.”

Police will be checking everything tonight – from drunk and drug driving right down to noisy and defective vehicles.

While police are expecting to be kept on their toes tonight, Wayne says he's been very pleased with how locals have responded to recent lowering of the blood alcohol limit.

On December 1 the breath alcohol limit reduced from 400mcg to 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath for drivers over 20. The limit for those under 20 stays at zero.

'I've seen good changes, people are actually not drinking if they are going to drive and have said that when we stop them.

'They don't drink because they're unsure now what will push them over the limit and I must admit, I do the same thing now because I wouldn't risk it.”

That's not to say everyone has been an angel and Wayne says he's still had to hand out tickets, mainly for speeding, but says the majority have mainly been issued to out-of-towners.

Everyone knows the new speed laws so there are no excuses, says Wayne.

'I hope everyone has a great time but just remember, be safe with whatever you do tonight.”