Alcohol ignition interlocks Guide
The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program applies to drivers who are convicted of high-risk drink driving offences. The interlock program aims to help drink drivers separate drinking and driving when they get their licence back.
High-risk drink driving offences
You need to participate in the interlock program if you commit and are convicted of any of the following offences:
- drive, or attempt to put in motion or be in charge of a vehicle under the influence of alcohol
- drive, or attempt to put in motion or be in charge of a vehicle with a blood/breath alcohol concentration 0.10 or more
- failing to provide a blood/breath specimen for analysis
- dangerous driving while affected by alcohol
- 2 or more drink driving offences within the 5 years.
You need to have an interlock device installed in the vehicle you drive during your time in the interlock program. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help with interlock costs.
You must meet strict eligibility criteria to apply for an interlock exemption.
If you don't participate you can't drive for 5 years from the end of your disqualification (or the date you were issued a work licence).
Find out more about participating in the program.
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Participating in the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
You will need to participate in the interlock program if you are convicted of a high-risk drink driving offence and your licence is disqualified.
! Important - a restricted (work) licence does not exempt you from the interlock program. To drive while you are on a restricted licence, you will need to fit an interlock to a nominated vehicle or hold a valid interlock exemption.
The interlock program is a performance-based program where your interlock use is monitored and data from your interlock will be sent to us. Your interlock data will need to show that all breath tests have been provided and returned 'no alcohol' readings, and that all scheduled interlock services have been attended—otherwise your time in the program can be extended.
How long am I in the interlock program?
You will need to be in the interlock program for a minimum of 12 months. You are eligible to participate from:
- the day after your driving disqualification ends
or
- the day a court grants you a restricted licence (work licence).
Your time in the program starts once you have obtained a driver licence with an interlock condition and installed an interlock to a nominated vehicle. If you don’t follow the program rules, remove the interlock from your vehicle, or your licence is not current your time in the interlock program will be longer than 12 months.
If you choose not to participate in the interlock program, you won't be able to drive for 5 years from the end of your disqualification or the date you were granted a work licence.
You can use the Plan.Drive.Survive. Hub to track your interlock program progress and see what you need to do to complete the program.
Find out more about the performance-based program (PDF, 282KB).
Interlock costs
It costs approximately $2,600* to have an interlock installed in your vehicle for 12 months. This cost is paid directly to the approved interlock provider you chose and includes:
- installing the interlock in your nominated vehicle
- leasing the interlock
- interlock servicing and data uploads
- removing the interlock when you have finished the program
*This cost is an estimate only which is subject to change. It does not include the cost of getting your licence with an I code or any additional fees that may be charged by your interlock provider if you do not follow the rules of the program.
Help with interlock costs
If you hold a valid Australian Government Healthcare Card or Pensioner Concession Card, your interlock provider will give you a 35% discount on the interlock costs. This discount does not apply to the cost of getting your driver licence with an I code.
How to participate in the program
Under the interlock program you have 2 parts to complete:
- Learning period – the first 8 months of the program
- Performance period – last 4 months of the program
To participate in the program, you must:
- hold a current licence with an interlock condition (your licence must not be expired, cancelled or suspended)
- only drive a nominated vehicle with an interlock installed*
- have a ‘no alcohol’ limit when driving
- attend all interlock service appointments
- not attempt to tamper with or bypass the interlock.
*You are allowed to drive a vehicle without an interlock fitted when you are:
- receiving driver training with an accredited driving school in a vehicle provided by the school
- taking a practical driving test.
During your performance period your use of the interlock will be monitored. If your interlock detects alcohol, or you have a permanent lockout due to a missed scheduled interlock service, your:
- interlock provider will tell us
- 4-month performance period will restart (every time)
- time in the interlock program will be extended.
Interlock service appointments
You must get your interlock serviced so that we can check you are following the performance-based program rules.
You must take your vehicle to have the interlock serviced:
- 1 month after the interlock is installed
- then every 3 months during the program
- at the end of the program (if you don't have a WiFi interlock).
You may choose to have your interlock serviced more frequently. The interlock will remind you when the service is due. If you miss an interlock service, you will receive a permanent lockout. If this occurs during your 4-month performance period, the performance period will be restarted and your time in the interlock program will be extended.
More information about interlocks
Completing the interlock program
Before you can complete the interlock program you must:
- participate for a minimum of 12 months
- have your interlock data verified by us
- complete the repeat drink driving course (if required).
Verifying your interlock data
Your interlock provider needs to send us your data. We will send you a notice letting you know when it's time to request this. Your provider will send us the data after you make the request, which may take a few days.
Once we have checked your interlock data, we will send you a notice to let you know:
- you have successfully completed the interlock program
or
- your performance period has been restarted.
Removing an interlock device
Before you remove the interlock from your vehicle, you should wait until you have received a program completion notice. If you choose to remove the interlock before receiving the notice and you haven't completed the program, you will need to pay to reinstall it.
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Getting an interlock
How interlocks work
An interlock is a device that is connected to a vehicle's ignition. To start the vehicle, the driver must provide a breath sample. The vehicle only starts if no alcohol is detected. A random breath sample may be requested during a journey.
The interlock has a camera that takes photos which are used to monitor the driver’s use of the interlock including:
- a reference photo when the interlock is first installed; and
- a photo each time a breath sample is provided
It is important that the camera can take a clear image of the person providing the breath sample to the interlock. If the camera is blocked or obscured in any way and the interlock detects alcohol, your time in the interlock program can be extended.
The interlock records data including:
- a reference photo when the interlock is installed
- photos that are taken
- all breath sample results (including when the vehicle doesn't start)
- when the vehicle is used
- interlock service information.
This data will be sent to us as authorised by the Transport Operations Road Use Management Act 1995 to help administer the interlock program.
Note: A vehicle with an interlock installed can be driven by others, such as family members. Whoever is driving will need to provide breath samples to the interlock and have their photo taken to start and continue driving the vehicle.
Your interlock provider will give you training on how to use the interlock.
Before using an interlock to provide a breath sample, you should:
- wash your hands thoroughly
- drink water.
In the 15 minutes before providing a breath sample, do not:
- eat or drink anything except water
- smoke or use a vaping device
- use perfume, cologne or hand sanitiser
- use windshield washer fluid, disinfectants or aerosol air fresheners.
Getting an interlock installed
You will need to complete steps 1, 2 and 3 before you can drive.
Step 1: Wait for your disqualification period to end
- You can apply for your licence the day after your disqualification ends (or the date you are granted a restricted (work) licence).
- You may also need to complete a drink driving short course.
Step 2: Apply to get your driver licence
You will need to apply for your licence with an interlock condition at a transport and motoring customer service centre, a participating QGAP office or licence-issuing police station (in rural or remote areas of Queensland).
You will need to:
- bring your evidence of identity
- if needed, bring a medical certificate stating you are fit to drive from your doctor
- pay the interlock condition fee plus the licence fee.
You will be issued with a receipt for a probationary licence with code 'I'. This will be your licence until you receive your physical card in the mail. If you have signed up to get emails we will email you when your licence is posted and send you a reminder when it's due to be renewed.
Your interlock must be installed before you drive.
Step 3: Get an interlock installed
After you get your licence you will need to have an interlock installed in the vehicle you want to drive. You cannot drive the vehicle to get the interlock installed—you will need to arrange to have someone else drive the vehicle for you. If you don’t own the vehicle that you want to drive, you must get permission from the owner to install the interlock.
Find an approved interlock provider and make an appointment to get your interlock installed. You will need to pay all installation costs. You can have an interlock on more than one vehicle if needed.
There are different types of interlocks available and the way they operate can differ. Before fitting an interlock, we recommend you check with each approved interlock provider to help decide which interlock is best for you.
Vehicle nomination
At your appointment you will be asked to nominate which vehicle/s you want an interlock installed in. Your interlock provider will tell us which vehicle/s you nominate. You can only drive the vehicle/s you have nominated.
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Approved interlock providers
Interlocks can only be installed by an approved interlock provider. You can't buy and install your own interlock.
You will have to pay for all costs including the installation, rental, servicing and removal of your interlock.
Take your Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program notice to your appointment.
Interlock program providers
Affordable Interlock Systems (as Approved Party for Alcolock AU Pty Ltd)
Phone: 1800 252 656
Email: enquiries@affordableinterlocks.com.auDraeger Australia Pty Ltd
Phone: 1300 780 689
Email: interlock.australia@draeger.comSmartStart Australia (Trading name for Ajen Monitoring Systems)
Phone: 1300 256 900
Email info@smartstartinterlocks.com.au
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Financial assistance for the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
On this page:
- Eligibility for financial assistance
- Income and asset limits for your circumstance
- How to apply for financial assistance
You may be able to apply for financial assistance to help with the cost of participating in the interlock program.
If your application is approved your interlock provider receives the money to help pay for the cost of:
- fitting an interlock
- interlock rental and scheduled servicing
- removing the interlock.
Eligibility for financial assistance
You may be able to apply if you:
- hold a valid Queensland driver licence with an interlock condition or you have a pending licence application
- are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- have an annual income and bank balance (liquid assets) under the maximum allowable limits, that apply to your circumstances (refer to the Income and assets limit table)
- have not received financial assistance for the interlock program in the last 5 years.
Income and asset limits for your circumstance
- Single (single or separated)—not in workforce
- Single (single or separated)—in workforce
- Couple (married or de facto)—neither in workforce
- Couple (married or de facto)—either/both in workforce
If you have a partner, their income and bank balance will also be assessed.
If you are a dependent child, your parent(s)/guardian(s)’ income and liquid assets will be assessed.
Circumstances Maximum annual income Maximum liquid assets Single (single or separated)—not in workforce $27,824.24 $3,000 1 dependent child $36,857.16 $3,000 2 dependent children $45,465.24 $3,000 3 dependent children $54,073.32 $3,000 4+ dependent children $62,681.40 $3,000 Single (single or separated)—in workforce $33,848.44 $3,000 1 dependent child $42,887.08 $3,000 2 dependent children $51,489.44 $3,000 3 dependent children $60,097.52 $3,000 4+ dependent children $68,705.60 $3,000 Couple (married or de facto)—neither in workforce $38,579.92 $5,000 1 dependent child $47,188.00 $5,000 2 dependent children $55,796.08 $5,000 3 dependent children $64,404.68 $5,000 4+ dependent children $73,012.76 $5,000 Couple (married or de facto)—either/both in workforce $44,604.12 $5,000 1 dependent child $53,212.20 $5,000 2 dependent children $61,820.28 $5,000 3 dependent children $70,428.36 $5,000 4+ dependent children $79,036.44 $5,000 These table thresholds are subject to change and are current as at 31 March 2024. These figures are derived from the Henderson Poverty Line, which is updated quarterly.
How to apply for financial assistance
You can apply for financial assistance up to 6 weeks before your drink driving disqualification period ends or once your interlock program starts.
You can complete your application for financial assistance online.
Apply by email
Complete the alcohol ignition interlock financial assistance application (form F4899). The form will tell you what supporting documents you need to provide for your situation.
Email your completed application and copies of your supporting documentation to AIIP.IPU@tmr.qld.gov.au
Apply in person
You need to complete the alcohol ignition interlock financial assistance application (form F4899) and take your supporting documentation to your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre.
Apply by mail
Complete the alcohol ignition interlock financial assistance application (form F4899). The form will tell you what supporting documents you need to provide for your situation.
Send your application and supporting documentation to:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Interlock Processing Unit
GPO Box 5232
Brisbane QLD 4001
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Exemptions in the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
If you meet strict eligibility criteria, you can apply for an exemption from installing an interlock in a nominated vehicle.
An exemption will not be granted if you are unable to install the interlock for employment, educational or financial reasons.
Restricted licences
If you have been granted a restricted (work) licence by a court, it does not automatically exempt you from having to install an interlock.
If you do not meet the criteria for an interlock exemption, and you have been granted a restricted licence, you will need to install an interlock in a nominated vehicle.
Driving with an exemption
If granted an exemption, you must carry your approved exemption certificate with you at all times and produce it if asked to by a police officer. You can be fined if you drive without your approved exemption certificate.
Apply for an exemption
You can apply for an exemption up to 6 weeks before your drink driving disqualification period ends or once your interlock program starts. If you have been granted a restricted licence (work licence) by a court, you can apply straight away.
Eligibility criteria
You may apply for an exemption from having an interlock installed for any of the following reasons:
- You live in a remote location.
- You live on an island.
- You have a medical condition that stops you from providing enough breath to operate an interlock.
- You or your family member will experience severe hardship if you are not granted an exemption.
How to apply for an exemption
You can complete your application for an interlock exemption online.
Apply in person
Complete and lodge an interlock exemption application (F4862) at your nearest transport and motoring customer service centre. You will need to pay the application fee. If your application relates to a medical condition you will also need to lodge a medical certificate exemption form (F4864).
Apply by mail
You can post your completed interlock exemption application (F4862), medical certificate exemption form (F4864) (if applicable), and fee (cheque or money order payable to the Department of Transport and Main Roads) to:
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Interlock Processing Unit
GPO Box 5253
Brisbane QLD 4001
Alcohol ignition interlocks, 22 Jan 2024, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/transport/safety/road-safety/drink-driving/interlocks]
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