The South Australian
Alcohol Interlock Scheme
Guardian was the first company approved by the Minister for Transport
to provide and install alcohol interlocks in South Australia. This
created the opportunity for drivers to regain their license earlier
under the Interlock Scheme conditions.
What is an Alcohol Interlock Device?
An Alcohol Interlock Device is wired into the ignition system of a
vehicle. The driver must blow into the handset before the vehicle can
be started. If no alcohol is detected, then the vehicle can be
started; if the test is not passed, then the vehicle cannot be
started. Once the vehicle has been started, the interlock requests
subsequent tests at random intervals. This is known as a "running
retest", and is designed to ensure that the driver is still alcohol
free.
Information recorded by the Alcohol Interlock Device
The interlock records BAC information on all tests against date and
time, samples, attempts to bypass or tamper with the device, and
failures to undertake "running retests". This information is
downloaded during compulsory servicing and is reported to TSA.
What is a nominated vehicle?
You nominate to TSA which vehicle you will be driving during the
period that you have your Interlock License, and this vehicle is the
only vehicle that you are permitted to drive under the conditions of
Interlock License. Other drivers may drive your vehicle, however they
must comply with the Scheme conditions, including all testing
requested by the interlock. If you have more than one nominated
vehicle, then an interlock must be installed in each vehicle, and the
details of each vehicle provided to TSA.
What
is an Alcohol and Drug Assessment?
A
person can be referred to the Driver Assessment Clinic
by the Courts or the Registrar where:
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a
person has committed two alcohol offences in a three
year period;
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If
two alcohol offences are committed within five years
and both offences are equal to or more than 0.15%
BAC;
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If
a person commits a further alcohol offence after
having previously been assessed by a Clinic.
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About Guardian
Guardian has been providing interlocks in Canada, USA and Sweden for
many years now, and has been providing them in South Australia for the
last 18 months without a single complaint. Guardian is experienced in
the interlock business, and can offer hassle free service using the
licensed auto-electricians of Bosch to ensure that your system works
without any difficulty, and provides the best service to you at the
lowest cost.
Guardian's aim is to ensure that you come in and out of the Scheme at
the minimum cost to you, while providing you with quality service.
Services
Guardian has committed itself to providing interlocks throughout South
Australia at uniform prices. Any Bosch dealer will be able to provide
advice on interlock, although not all are qualified to fit them
initially. For information contact your Bosch dealer, or call Guardian
on 1 300 881 005 or at interlocks@bigpond.com
What
are the Costs?
There are three parts to the costs:
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Fitting and removal of
the interlock, which includes a vehicle electrical check, user
training and removal of the unit (about $120)
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Monthly hire and
servicing costs(about $120 per month); and
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Government charges
($22 or $30 per month)
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What
are the Benefits?
A license is essential these days - interlocks let you
drive within the law, with minimum inconvenience.
Who
is Eligible?
Anyone convicted of a relevant drink driving offence,
and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver's
license for six months or more, will be eligible to
apply any time after the half-way point of the disqualification.
A person may not be eligible if they:
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don't
meet Motor Vehicles Act requirements
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they
committed the offence on learner's permit
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A
disqualification is in force when applying
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A
separate disqualification is to commence later
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have
been assessed as being dependent on alcohol/drugs
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have
a medical reason why a license should not be issued
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have
any other reason why a license should not be issued.
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When
do you have the Assessment?
There are rules that apply where a person is required
to undertake an Alcohol and Drug Assessment. To avoid
any unnecessary delays, contact Registration and Licensing
on (08) 8226-5946 to arrange an assessment prior to your
eligibility to apply to participate.
Subsidies for Low Income Participants
You could be eligible for a subsidy to meet the monthly
cost of your participation, however, you will need to
pay the full cost of installing and removing the device,
and any other fees such as callouts or extra servicing.
No subsidy is provided for license fees and counseling
sessions.
Interlocks in the Workplace?
Alcohol interlocks are perfectly suited to contributing
to workplace safety. They are ideal preventative devices
for expensive plant, especially where it is operated away
from direct supervision. Guardian interlocks are used
in hundreds of buses and heavy goods vehicles in Sweden,
and in a similar number of taxis.
Personal Applications
Interlocks are ideal for those who have employment that
keeps them in contact with alcohol. They are an economical
way to keep the young, and young at heart, out of trouble
for minimal costs - call Guardian or contact your Bosch
dealer.
Guardian
Interlock Systems
15A
Conmurra Ave
Edwardstown
SA 5039
Ph:
08 8177 0055
South
Australian Dealers
Clisby Auto Electrical
107 Main North Road
Nailsworth SA 5083
ph: 08 8344 5409
Cary Jennings Auto Electrical
332 Commercial Street West
Mount Gambier SA 5290
ph: 08 87230311
Berri Auto Electrics
22 Mortimer Street
Berri SA 5343
ph: 08 8582 2077
Jukes & Altman
87 Liverpool Street
Port Lincoln SA 5606
ph: 08 86830870
GP Auto Electrical
13 Victoria Pde
Port Augusta SA 5700
Ph: 08 8641 2500
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