Drunk drivers face ignition interlocks

3 May 2002: New laws which come into force in Victoria, Australia, later this month will involve drunk driving offenders having alcohol sensors in their cars which will lock out the ignition if they try to drive.

The systems will cost the offenders up to A$140 a month for up to three years when they are ordered installed by a court at the end of a convicted drunk driver’s disqualification.

The interlocks require a driver blowing into the device prior to ignition and prevents the car from being started if alcohol is detected. The requirement for having the interlock will be noted on the driver’s licence, and jail terms are proposed for attempts to by-pass it, or for driving another car without an interlock.

Information, including failed attempts, or attempts at tampering or disconnection, is stored in the unit. The courts will examine readings to decide whether repeat and serious offenders have been rehabilitated, in conjunction with alcohol education courses and clinical assessments.

The authorities expect that up to 2,700 of the devices will have to be installed each year in the state of Victoria.

May 2002