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.