Alcohol Interlock Program

The Alcohol Interlock Program aims to reduce future instances of drink driving in NSW.

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About the Alcohol Interlock Program

The Alcohol Interlock Program is a court-ordered requirement for some drink driving offenders. It is designed to reduce drink driving offending in NSW.

If you've been convicted of a serious drink driving offence, or you've been convicted of more than 1 drink driving offence, you will be restricted to driving vehicles with interlock devices for a period of time after you return to driving. This ensures offenders separate their drinking from driving and do not re-offend.

All drivers convicted of mid-range, high-range, repeat and other serious drink-driving offences in NSW are required to have an interlock installed.

How an interlock works

Interlock devices are electronic breath-testing devices which link to the ignition system of cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles.

Before you can drive your vehicle, you will have to complete a breath test on the interlock. If the device detects that you have alcohol in your body, the vehicle will not start. Random breath tests must also be passed during a journey. The interlock has a camera, which takes a photo of you providing the breath sample.

Interlock offences, disqualifications and interlock periods

If you attempt to drink drive, or interfere with the interlock, it will be recorded by the device.

A zero alcohol limit applies to all interlock drivers. It is illegal to drive without an interlock device when you are on an interlock licence. If you drive another vehicle because you've been drinking, you may be charged with a drink driving offence. Further penalties and licence disqualification may apply.

It is a serious offence for another person to assist you to start a vehicle with an interlock. For example, another person giving a breath sample to start a vehicle so that you can drive.

If you receive an interlock order and do not enter the interlock program, you will be disqualified from holding a licence (other than a learner or interlock licence) for 5 years. Driving while disqualified is a serious offence.

View disqualification and interlock periods that apply

Mandatory interlock offence

Disqualification period

Interlock period

Disqualification period (if exemption order is made)

Applies to offences committed or or after

Low, novice or special range PCA – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 1 month Maximum: 3 months	12 months	Automatic: 12 months (Min: 6 months)	1 Feb 2015
Mid range PCA – first offence	Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 6 months	12 months	Automatic: 12 months (Min: 6 months)	3 Dec 2018
Mid range PCA – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	1 Feb 2015
High range PCA – first offence	Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	1 Feb 2015
High range PCA – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 9 months Maximum: 12 months	48 months	Automatic: 5 years (Min: 2 years)	1 Feb 2015
Drive under the influence of alcohol – first offence	Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	3 Dec 2018
Drive under the influence of alcohol – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 9 months Maximum: 12 months	48 months	Automatic: 5 years (Min. 2 years)	3 Dec 2018
Refuse to provide a sample – first offence	Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	1 Feb 2015
Refuse to provide a sample – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 9 months Maximum: 12 months	48 months	Automatic: 5 years (Min: 2 years)	1 Feb 2015
Combined offence – low, special or novice range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence	Minimum: 1 month Maximum: 3 months	12 months	Automatic: 12 months (Min: 6 months)	28 June 2021
Combined offence – mid range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – first offence	Minimum: 3 month Maximum: 6 months	12 months	Automatic: 12 months (Min: 6 months)	28 June 2021
Combined offence – mid range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 6 month Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	28 June 2021
Combined offence – high range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – first offence	Minimum: 6 month Maximum: 9 months	24 months	Automatic: 3 years (Min: 12 months)	28 June 2021
Combined offence – high range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – second or subsequent offence	Minimum: 9 month Maximum: 12 months	48 months	Automatic: 5 years (Min: 2 years)	28 June 2021

Participating in the program

If you're convicted of a mandatory interlock offence, the court must make either:

an interlock order, or
am interlock exemption order (these may only be applied in exceptional circumstances).

You cannot apply for an exemption order based on living in a regional or remote area.

If an interlock order is made, drivers must complete their interlock period.

Offenders are ordered by the court to complete a:

minimum licence disqualification period, and
period of participation in the interlock program (at least 12 months).

The length of the minimum disqualification and interlock period depends on the offence type. Longer periods apply for more serious offences.

If you do not complete the requirements of the interlock order, you will be disqualified from holding a driver licence (other than an interlock or learner licence) for at least 5 years.

Getting started

When your minimum licence disqualification period is almost complete, Transport for NSW will send you a letter notifying you that you're now eligible to get your interlock licence.

When you receive your letter you need to read the:

These resources outline the steps to get your interlock licence and important information about the program.

If you have questions, or have not received a letter from Transport, call 13 22 13.

Installing your interlock device

Once you have read through the resources, you'll be required to have your interlock device installed by an accredited interlock service provider. Interlocks can be installed into any vehicle type, including cars, heavy vehicles and motorcycles.

The device must be installed before an interlock licence can be issued. When your device is installed, the provider will explain how to use it.

The current accredited interlock service providers in NSW are:

Visit the interlock provider's website for more information about the devices, service locations and costs. You are also required to ensure the interlock device is regularly serviced by an interlock service provider during your time in the program.

These services may be scheduled every 60 days, or every 90 days if you don't live near your provider.

Getting your interlock licence

Once you've chosen your provider you can now apply for your interlock licence.

To get your interlock licence you must complete a:

Interlock medical consultation certificate (PDF, 253.85 KB)

– completed by you and your doctor at your mandatory doctor's appointment before enrolling in the program
Interlock Installation Certificate (PDF, 365.02 KB)

– completed by you and your chosen provider
Interlock Driver Licence Statement and Privacy Declaration (PDF, 261.73 KB)

– completed by you and a Service NSW officer.

After you have completed these forms you need to attend a service centre in person and bring:

the completed forms listed above
the letter you received from Transport about the program
proof of identity.

Completing the program

Transport for NSW monitor data from the interlock device during the whole interlock period. You may be sent warning letters or referrals to the doctor if the device records attempts to drink and drive.

In the last six months of the interlock period, you must demonstrate that you can separate drinking and driving before you are eligible to hold a licence without an interlock condition.

Failing breath tests (even at a low level), or tampering with the device, may mean you don't meet the requirements to complete the program.

If you do not meet these requirements, you must go to your doctor for a mandatory 'fitness to drive' assessment. Based on the doctor’s advice, and your interlock program performance, your interlock period may be extended by 6 months.

If you do not complete your mandatory medical assessment, your interlock licence will be suspended and you will not be allowed to drive at all.

Program fees

There are costs involved with participating in the program. These costs are estimated* to be between $2200–$2500 per year and must be paid by the participant.

The estimated costs will include:

interlock device installation
monthly device leasing
regular device servicing (monthly or bi-monthly)
device removal at the end of the mandatory interlock period.

The Alcohol Interlock Program administration fee is not included in this estimate. It is a one-off fee that you pay at the beginning of the program when you are issued an interlock licence.

*Note: these are estimates only, to provide an indication of program costs. They are subject to change.

Administration fees

There is a one-off administration fee that you must pay when you are issued with your interlock licence.

The administration fee for issuing an interlock licence is $167.

This is in addition to your estimated costs of participating in the program.

Concessions and financial assistance

Concessions are available to eligible participants in the Alcohol Interlock Program. Interlock service providers offer a concession of 35% off the full cost of installing, leasing, scheduled servicing and device removal.

To be eligible you must hold one of the following:

Pensioner Concession Card – full rate pension recipients only
Low Income Health Care Card – the letters LI must be printed on the card
Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card endorsed as:
- Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI)
- Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA)
- War widow or war widower.

To receive the concession rate, you need to provide your concession card and details to your interlock service provider.

Severe financial hardship

Transport for NSW provides financial assistance to participants of the program experiencing financial hardship.

The accredited severe financial hardship assessment agency is The Salvation Army. They can be contacted on 8878 0151.

The assistance ranges from partial to full financial support for the money you owe to the interlock service provider. Assistance is provided for 3-month periods at a time.

If you are a participant in the program and believe you qualify for assistance, you must submit an application.

Transport for NSW will refer you to an assessment agency that will assess your financial situation and your eligibility for assistance. Transport for NSW will advise you in writing about the outcome of your application.

To access more information, see the Participant Guide (PDF, 655.46 KB) or contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Information for doctors and health professionals

General Practitioners (GPs) and health professionals play an important role in the Alcohol Interlock Program.

There are 3 stages where participants in the program need to visit their GP. Information packs have been developed to help GPs and other health professionals, understand their role in the program across these 3 stages.

Show all

Stage 1 – GP consult before enrolling

All participants must visit their GP before enrolling in the program

Important information for GPs and health professionals:

General Practitioners: Medical consultation before entering program (PDF, 64.25 KB)

At the appointment, the GP and program participant must complete a Medical Consultation Certificate [PDF].

Stage 2 – Consulting during the program

Some participants may be asked to see their GP at certain stages of the program. This can happen if a participant makes several attempts to drive after drinking alcohol.

GPs and health professionals should refer to the following factsheet and ensure the participant is given a copy at the appointment: General Practitioners - Consultations during the progam (PDF, 78.98 KB)

The GP and program participant must complete another Interlock medical consultation certificate

Receptionists and practice managers should refer to this fact sheet on Practice managers and receptionsists - Consultations during the program (PDF, 58.81 KB)

Stage 3 – Final consultation to complete the program

Some participants may be required to see their GP before completing the program to have their driving fitness assessed.

At the appointment the participant and GP must complete a:

Medical Consultation Certificate [PDF]
Fitness to drive medical assessment.

GPs and health professionals should refer to the General Practitioners-Fitness to driver nearing program completion (PDF, 177.48 KB) fact sheet, and ensure the participant is given a copy at the appointment.

Alcohol Interlock Program overview

This video is designed to help you if you’ve been convicted of a drink driving offence and ordered by a court in NSW to complete the Alcohol Interlock Program.

Video transcript

Alcohol Interlock Program overview

Alcohol Interlock Program.

This video is designed to help you if you’ve been convicted of a drink driving offence and ordered by a court in New South Wales to complete the Alcohol Interlock Program.

This means that, after serving an initial licence disqualification period, you must have an interlock fitted to your car to make sure you don’t drink and drive.

An alcohol interlock is a breath test device that attaches to the vehicle and prevents it from starting if the driver has been drinking.

Interlock licence holders in New South Wales are required to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero.

If you’ve been ordered to complete the Alcohol Interlock Program, and you’ve served your licence disqualification period, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will send you a letter saying you can apply for an interlock licence.

There are four key steps for getting started on the program.

You need to:

Visit your doctor.
Find an interlock service provider.
Pay for your interlock device to be installed in your car.
Apply for an interlock licence.

Your doctor may ask about your alcohol use, and offer extra help if you need it.

You and your doctor must both complete the Medical Consultation Certificate entry into the Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program form.

The next step is to find an accredited interlock service provider.

These are listed online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/interlock.

You can choose any provider you prefer.

The provider will explain the costs, and arrange a time to install the interlock device.

They’ll give you an Interlock Installation Certificate – be sure to keep this.

The provider will also explain the device to you, and show you how to use it.

It’s important that you and anyone else who drives your car understand how to use the device.

You are responsible for paying for the interlock.

This includes the cost of installing, servicing and removing it.

Concession rates may be available from your provider if you hold a valid concession card.

If you are in severe financial hardship, assistance may also be provided to you after an assessment of your needs.

To apply for your interlock licence, visit a Service NSW Centre.

To find your closest centre, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.

There you’ll need to pay for your interlock licence, and depending on how long you have been disqualified, and your offence, you may also need to pass licence tests.

Take your three forms, which are all available here: www.rms.nsw.gov.au/interlock.

Now you are ready to drive with your interlock.

So, remember:

Visit your doctor.
Find an interlock service provider.
Pay for the alcohol interlock device.
Apply for an interlock licence.

You’ll need to blow into the interlock before the car will start.

You’ll also have to do repeat tests during your drive.

Your interlock will let you know when you need to do these, and you have 10 minutes to find a safe place to pull over and take the test.

If you fail or miss tests, it will be recorded along with your photo, and you may be locked out from using your car.

This information is sent to Roads and Maritime Services.

You’ll also need to get your interlock serviced regularly.

This can be arranged between you and your service provider.

If you prove that you can separate drinking from driving, you’ll only need to have the interlock for the period ordered by the court.

If you’ve repeatedly tried to drink and drive, you’ll be required to go to your doctor for an assessment of your fitness to drive, and your interlock period may be extended by six months.

The program is designed to help you separate drinking from driving, and to get you back on the road after a drink-driving offence.

For more information about the program, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/interlock.

Alcohol Interlock Program

About the Alcohol Interlock Program

How an interlock works

Interlock offences, disqualifications and interlock periods

Participating in the program

Program fees

Information for doctors and health professionals

Stage 1 – GP consult before enrolling

Stage 2 – Consulting during the program

Stage 3 – Final consultation to complete the program

Alcohol Interlock Program overview

Alcohol Interlock Program overview

Related information