The Victoria Alcohol Interlock Scheme
Guardian was the first company approved by the Roads
Corporation to supply, install and maintain alcohol
interlocks in Victoria in support of the legislation
which now applies to certain drink drivers who seek
to their driving privileges.
What is an Alcohol Interlock Device?
An Alcohol Interlock is an electronic breath testing
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. They can be fitted to
cars, trucks and motorcycles.
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 information about the use of the
vehicle, including 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 available to Vicroads and the courts.
What else is Required?
There is a Vicroads brochure entitled "The Next
Step For Driving Offenders" that lays out all of
the requirements, and further information is available
from Vicroads on 131171.
Concessions for Low Income Participants
If you hold a Health Care Card, you will be eligible
for a concession of $50.00 per month off the normal
charges, however, you will need to pay the full cost
of any other fees such as callouts or extra servicing.
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 ensure that you keep out of trouble for minimal costs
- call Guardian or contact your Bosch dealer
|
Is
there a nominated vehicle?
You don't have to nominate a particular vehicle, but
you can only drive a vehicle equipped with an approved
interlock device fitted, and working. There are severe
penalties for not using an interlock as intended. If
you have an interlock fitted, other drivers may drive
your vehicle, however they must comply with the Program
conditions, including all testing requested by the interlock,
and their results may be attributed to you when you
seek removal of the interlock.
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 program at the minimum cost to you, while providing
you with quality service.
Services
Guardian has committed itself to providing interlocks
throughout Victoria at uniform prices. Any Bosch dealer
will be able to provide advice on interlock, although
not all are qualified to fit them initially.
Service centres are established at Wodonga, Portland,
Echuca, Shepparton, Geelong, Sunbury, Kingsbury, Clayton
North and Horsham. More will come on line as demand
grows. 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 several parts to the costs:
 |
Fitting
of the interlock, which includes a vehicle electrical
check and user training (about $130)
|
|
Monthly
hire and servicing costs (about $140 per month);
|
|
Removal of the Interlock and
provision of the appropriate court required documentation
(about $66); and
|
|
Concessions
of $50.00 per month on the production of a valid
Health Care Card for each participant
|
What
are the Benefits?
A licence is essential these days - interlocks let you
drive within the law, with minimum inconvenience.
Who is Eligible?
Interlocks will apply to repeat drink drive offenders
and some serious first time offenders. All must:
|
complete
the period of disqualification
|
|
obtain
a license restoration order from the court
|
|
obtain
an interlock-endorsed license from Vicroads
|
|
Victorian
Dealers Murray Valley
Auto Electrical
35 Pine St
Mildura Vic 3500
Ph: 03 5023 3622
Alcotek
Auto Electrical
22/35 Garden Rd
Clayton North Vic 3168
Ph: 03 9547 4039
Sale Auto Electrics
30 Bond st
Sale Vic 3850
Ph: 03 5144 1245
Darryl Robertson Auto Service
28-30 Dimboola Rd
Horsham Vic 3400
Ph: 03 5381 1532
Gowtys
1 Rutland St
Newtown (Geelong) Vic 3220
Ph: 03 5229 5245
McBean & Lawson
25 High St
Wodonga Vic 3690
Ph: 02 6024 1478
MJ Auto Electrical
6/1 Sussex Crt
Sunbury Vic 3429
Ph: 03 9744 1300
Portland Mechanical and Electrical Service
Kanura Cresent & Ring Rd
Portland Vic 3305
Ph: 03 5523 5562
Kingsbury Auto Electrical
931 Plenty Rd
Kingsbury Vic 3083
Ph: 03 9470 4914
Grants Auto Electrical
217 Lexton St
Wendouree (Ballarat) Vic 3355
Ph: 03 5338 1466
Rod Wild Auto Electrics
12 Keppel St
Shepparton Vic 3630
Ph: 03 5821 9992
Lilydale Auto Electrics
54 John St
Lilydale Vic 3141
Ph: 03 9735 1461
R&J Moss Auto
315 Eaglehawk Rd
Eaglehawk (Bendigo) Vic 3556
Ph: 03 5446 7244
Bayside
Auto Electrical
14 Harnett Drive
Seaford Vic 3198
Ph: 03 9776 8899
Narre Warren Auto Electrical
2/4 Vesper Ave
Narre Warren Vic 3805
Ph: 03 9704 7207
Membreys Auto Electrical
108 Griggs Road
Koondrook Vic 3580
Ph 03 5453 1688
G
C Auto Electrical
109-113 McIntyre Rd
Sunshine Vic 3020
Ph: 03 93118835
Berwick
Auto Electrical
29 Enterprise Rd
Berwick Vic 3806
Ph: 03 9707 3617
Auto
– Lec Solutions
57 Oxford Way
Wonthaggi VIC 3995
Phone: 0421 973 007
Mathesons
Auto Electrical Pty Ltd
CNR Edgecombe and Saleyards Rds
Kyneton
VIC 3444
Phone:
03 5422 2000
Phillips Auto Spark
1/25 Grant Road
Somerville VIC 3912
Ph: (03) 5977 7166
|
