Steps Involved In An Alcohol Interlock Program
If you have committed a drink driving offence, you may lose your licence and be disqualified from driving for a specified period of time. After this disqualification period, you may be required by the Road Traffic Authority or courts to participate in an offender alcohol interlock program as mandated by your state authority, to demonstrate that you can separate drinking from driving.
As part of your offender alcohol interlock program, you will be given a new licence with an interlock condition, meaning you cannot legally drive a vehicle without a breathalyser for car ignition device fitted. If you own multiple vehicles and wish to drive them, you must have an alcohol interlock fitted to each vehicle. In some states you will be required to nominate the vehicle you will have the alcohol interlock fitted to.
Offender driving behaviour will be monitored for the duration of the program. To complete the program, you must demonstrate the ability to separate drinking and driving over a specified period. However, significant or repeated violations, such as attempting to drink and drive, missed or failed retests or tampering with the breathalyser for car ignition, may lead to extended time on the program and additional penalties.
Below is an outline of the steps involved in an alcohol interlock program or scheme. These steps are intended to be a general overview of the program, as each state has different eligibility requirements. Details provided by your state government will offer more specific information than we can cover here.
STEP 1: Schedule An Install
Most participants choose to select a service centre, often based on convenience. For example, access to their residence or workplace. You can also shop around in order to seek out the best cost of installation, service and removal.
STEP 2: Installation And Training
An interlock can be installed in virtually any vehicle provided there is an ignition switch. Some vehicles will require extra work and/or extra parts, which results in extra cost. Your chosen service centre can provide you with a quote for installation and how long they will require your vehicle. Training is completed at the service centre during installation and we encourage all users of the vehicle to attend. You will need to organise someone to drive you to your installation appointment as your driving privileges will have been suspended.
Training will cover; how the interlock works, general advice on compliance to clarify any questions about the information provided by the government, and a demonstration by the participant on their ability to use the device. On completion of installation and training, you will be given a User Manual and Compliance Guide to keep. Your next appointment date will also be made.
STEP 3: Complete Mandated Period
The minimum and maximum program period will vary depending on program requirements for your state. Offenders will only complete the program when they have demonstrated sufficient and prolonged responsible driving behaviour.
The duration of a participant’s program will also depend upon their performance on the alcohol interlock. After each interlock service, the data downloaded is transmitted to the authority, who will then assess the performance log. Any violations of the program can extend the period of participation.
In regards to servicing your alcohol interlock device, it must be serviced at regular intervals, pre-set by the individual state program. For example, in Victoria, interlock servicing is every 30 days, while in other states, after the initial 30 day service the service period can go up to 60 or 90 days.
Alcohol interlock servicing is simple, requiring the participant to present their vehicle at their appointment time. The interlock is checked, calibrated, device data is downloaded, and the next service appointment date is set. There are fees payable at each interlock service including lease fees for the next month. A fee list can be found on this website.
STEP 4: Removal Of Interlock Device
Upon completing an alcohol interlock program, participants can have the device removed (fees apply) by one of Guardians Service Centres. Ensure that you bring your Government Authority Advice if required.
Choose Guardian Interlock for your ignition interlock device!
At Guardian Interlock, we understand you have options for ignition interlock providers. Guardian Interlock is an Australian independent, family-owned company that has provided alcohol ignition interlock services for people on offender programs and to safety-conscious individuals, private companies, and state authorities for over twenty years, preventing the operation of vehicles by impaired drivers.
Guardian Interlock provides alcohol interlocks for private and commercial customers who voluntarily install a Guardian alcohol interlock. These customers range from businesses enhancing their road safety posture to private individuals who believe they may be susceptible to problematic drinking and driving.
Guardian offers flexible payment options for private interlocks including outright purchase, rent to buy or lease to ensure the alcohol installation cost is accessible to all. Feel free to contact our friendly Guardian team for personalised quotes on private and commercial interlock device costs. Whether for offender programs or private/commercial use, the best way to keep costs down is to follow instructions in order to avoid additional servicing costs.
Guardian understands your need for a vehicle, whether for work, commuting, family, or other responsibilities. We’re dedicated to assisting clients to remain compliant and on the road. That is why our customer care representatives are available to take your calls 8:30 am-5:00 pm Monday to Friday. We also have an assistance line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in an emergency. Please bear in mind that during COVID-19, the number of enquiries has increased, so delays may be experienced.
Guardian Interlock is one of Australia’s most reputable interlock suppliers, with locations in every state in Australia. Therefore, you can be confident that your Guardian approved service centre is qualified for interlock device installation, servicing and removing interlock devices, and our breathalyser for car ignition devices complies with your state’s regulations. Email admin@guardianinterlock.com.au or call 1300 881 005 today to get started with your alcohol interlock program.
