All drivers convicted of a repeat or serious drink driving offence committed on or after 1 February 2015 will receive an alcohol interlock in NSW order that requires them to participate in the Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program (unless the court determines an exemption applies).

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A person who receives an interlock order and does not enter the interlock program will be disqualified from holding a licence (other than a learner or interlock licence) for a period of five years from the date of their conviction.

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​This program involves a device being fitted to your vehicle that requires a sample of breath for the ignition to start. It’s designed to allow convicted drivers to continue driving legally after rendering their short period of disqualification.  The exact period of disqualification will vary depending on the offence charged. 

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Once you are mandated to have this device fitted in your car, an RMS approved Interlock Device is fitted to your car, at your expense. Before you can start and use your vehicle, you need to pass the breath test. If you are over the legal limit, the engine simply will not start, however even once moving the device will require retakes of breath samples at random intervals. If you fail one of these retakes, the device will sound an alarm using both the horn and lights until the ignition is turned off. A breath test is then required to restart the car.

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Although the interlock device sounds daunting – remember that it is a small price to pay to get you back on the road and on with your life.

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Drink driving reforms launched to improve road safety

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Under the new legislation:

• First time mid-range drink-driving offenders will need to have an alcohol interlock device installed to show that they can separate their drinking from driving.

• Police will be able to apply vehicle sanctions, including confiscating number plates or impounding the vehicle of high-risk, repeat drink driving offenders.