Contact Us

INTERLOCK DRIVING PROGRAM

The NSW Alcohol Interlock Program is a relatively recent initiative which allows people who have been convicted of serious drink driving offences to get back on the road at an earlier stage. If you are convicted of a major drink driving offence, with the assistance of an experienced traffic lawyer, the Magistrate hearing your matter may be convinced that you are a suitable person to participate in the Interlock Program. If this is the case, part of any disqualification period imposed on you will be suspended on the condition that you adhere to the strict requirements of the program. Although you will have to comply with the stringent provisions that attach to all Interlock Licenses, at least you will be back on the road at a much earlier stage.

An RTA approved Interlock Device is an electronic breath testing device wired to the ignition of a car. It prevents a car from being started unless the driver passes a breath test. The Interlock Device is programmed to immobilize the vehicle if the owner of the car fails the breath test.

In addition, the driver is required to take tests at random intervals whilst driving. If these random tests are failed by the driver, the ignition will switch off and the vehicle will not start again until the test is retaken and passed. Thus, the best way to think of an Interlock License is as a ‘conditional license’.

If the Magistrate can be convinced that you are a suitable candidate for the Interlock Program, you will be able to serve out a reduced disqualification period, known as the ‘compliance period’, during which you will be an Interlock License Holder. A period, or perhaps, even the entirety, of any court-ordered disqualification period will be suspended on the condition you adhere to the strict requirements of the Interlock Program.

If you need to attend court for a major traffic offence, it is imperative that you retain the legal services of an experienced traffic lawyer who is able to fully familiarize you with the Interlock Program and convince the Magistrate that you are suitable candidate. In addition, if successful, we can assist you in obtaining and drafting all the documents required to apply for an Interlock License.