Solomons' drink drivers face steep penalties

The first lot of drunk drivers to be tried under new traffic laws in Solomon Islands could be facing hefty fines and imprisonment if found guilty.

The Solomon Star newspaper reported 10 people had been arrested and charged by police after failing the country's first breathalyzer tests.

First time offenders can be imprisoned for up to a year and/or be fined more than $US1200 which is equivalent to about four months income for the average family in Solomon Islands.

Repeat offenders can be imprisoned for up to two years and/or be fined more than $US2400.

The tougher laws were introduced last June with the aim to to curb the high number of alcohol related crashes and fatalities.

The legal limit of blood alcohol content for drivers in Solomon Islands is 0.05 percent.