Alcohol Interlock Program
The Alcohol Interlock Program aims to reduce future instances of drink driving in NSW.
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 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 | 12 months | Automatic: 12 months | 1 Feb 2015 |
Mid range PCA – first offence | Minimum: 3 months | 12 months | Automatic: 12 months | 3 Dec 2018 |
Mid range PCA – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 6 months | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 1 Feb 2015 |
High range PCA – first offence | Minimum: 6 months | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 1 Feb 2015 |
High range PCA – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 9 months | 48 months | Automatic: 5 years | 1 Feb 2015 |
Drive under the influence of alcohol – first offence | Minimum: 6 months | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 3 Dec 2018 |
Drive under the influence of alcohol – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 9 months | 48 months | Automatic: 5 years | 3 Dec 2018 |
Refuse to provide a sample – first offence | Minimum: 6 months | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 1 Feb 2015 |
Refuse to provide a sample – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 9 months | 48 months | Automatic: 5 years | 1 Feb 2015 |
Combined offence – low, special or novice range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence | Minimum: 1 month | 12 months | Automatic: 12 months | 28 June 2021 |
Combined offence – mid range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – first offence | Minimum: 3 month | 12 months | Automatic: 12 months | 28 June 2021 |
Combined offence – mid range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 6 month | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 28 June 2021 |
Combined offence – high range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – first offence | Minimum: 6 month | 24 months | Automatic: 3 years | 28 June 2021 |
Combined offence – high range PCA with prescribed illicit drug presence – second or subsequent offence | Minimum: 9 month | 48 months | Automatic: 5 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
- an 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 for at least 5 years.
Getting started
Transport for NSW will send you a letter with information about applying for the interlock program and how to be issued an interlock licence. Before taking any steps to apply for your interlock licence you must call 13 22 13 to confirm your eligibility for a licence.
When you receive your letter you need to read the:
- Participant Guide (PDF 1.13MB)
- Getting Started – Quick Start Guide (PDF 776.54KB) (PDF 776.54KB)
- Tips for completing the Alcohol Interlock Program (PDF 75.27KB), and
- watch this short video.
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:
- Guardian Interlock Systems
- Draeger Australia Pty Ltd
- Smart Start Interlocks
- Affordable Interlock Systems.
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 30 or 60 days. If you meet certain eligibility criteria you may be eligible for 90 day servicing, you will need to discuss this with your interlock provider.
Getting your interlock licence
You can apply for your interlock licence after you have confirmed your eligibility, served all required disqualification periods and passed any required tests
To get your interlock licence you must complete a:
– completed by you and your doctor at your mandatory doctor's appointment before enrolling in the program – completed by you and your chosen provider Interlock Driver Licence Statement and Privacy Declaration (PDF, 261.73 KB)
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
In the last six months of your interlock period, you must demonstrate that you can separate drinking and driving before you will be eligible to hold a licence without an interlock condition.
Failed breath tests (even at low range) can result in Transport for NSW determining that you need to undergo an Interlock Medical Examination (IME) with a doctor before your interlock condition can be removed. This examination is conducted in accordance with the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines.
Based on the outcome of this examination and the review of your interlock data, Transport for NSW can extend your interlock period for a further six months. At the end of this period, you will need to undertake another mandatory Interlock Medical Examination before you can complete the program.
Transport for NSW will advise you when your interlock participation period has been completed. When you successfully complete the program, you will need to visit a Service NSW centre to obtain a driver licence that does not carry the interlock condition. You can then organise for your interlock service provider to remove the interlock from your vehicle.
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.
*Note: these are estimates only, to provide an indication of program costs. They are subject to change.
Administration fees
There is an administration fee that you must pay when you are issued your interlock licence. This fee may be waived for eligible concession card holders or participants approved for Severe Financial Hardship.
The administration fee for issuing an interlock licence is $171.
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 8775 7951.
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 1.13MB) 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.
All participants must visit their GP before enrolling in the program
Important information for GPs and health professionals:
At the appointment, the GP and program participant must complete a Medical Consultation Certificate [PDF].
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 program (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 receptionists - Consultations during the program (PDF, 58.81 KB)
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
Customer Experience Survey
Transport for NSW have engaged the Centre for Evidence and Information (CEI) to conduct a survey about participants’ experiences with the Alcohol Interlock Program. Survey results will be used by Transport for NSW to make improvements to the program.
CEI have contacted people who have been involved with the Alcohol Interlock Program to invite them to participate in the survey. This includes anyone who has received an Alcohol Interlock Order, including those who have not installed an interlock device on their vehicle. The Survey is voluntary and personal information will be de-identified before being used by Transport for NSW. Please note that it is permitted by law to use information recorded in the NSW driver licence register to contact participants for the purpose of evaluating this program.
If you would like to read more detail about the survey, please click here.