Alcohol Interlock Scheme

Alcohol interlocks are electronic breath analysis devices installed in vehicles that prevent the vehicle from being operated unless a breath sample is provided for analysis by the interlock. The alcohol interlock will prevent the vehicle from being started if the interlock detects alcohol equal to or greater than the pre-set 0.02% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in the driver's breath sample provided for analysis. Randomly timed breath tests must be provided when prompted by the interlock whilst driving a vehicle.

Note: Although the interlock is set at 0.02% BAC, alcohol offenders and interlock-restricted drivers are legally required to have a zero percentage BAC when driving. This requirement will remain until you successfully complete the Scheme.

The alcohol interlock records every breath sample provided and any attempt to tamper with the interlock. This information is used to monitor the separation of drinking and driving behaviour and determine if there has been a breach of the scheme requirements.

Only alcohol interlocks approved by the Chief Executive Officer Department of Transport WA, can be used by an interlock-restricted driver in Western Australia.

On or after the 24th October 2016 if a person commits and is convicted in Western Australia of any of the following alcohol interlock offences they will be required to participate in the Alcohol Interlock Scheme. On conviction the person will be disqualified from driving and any driver's licence and/or learners permit held by that person will be cancelled.

Alcohol offenders, on the grant of a driver's licence, will automatically have their licence endorsed with an interlock condition, unless they qualify for an exemption.

A fee is payable to the Department of Transport - Driver and Vehicle Services upon the grant of an interlock-restricted licence to an alcohol offender.

Additional fees and charges associated with installing and servicing of approved alcohol interlocks must be paid by the participant to the Accredited Service Providers and/or Agents.

Refer to the Alcohol interlock - fee section for more details.

Interlock-restricted drivers can only drive motor vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock installed in the vehicle by an accredited service provider.

Applications for a driver's licence can be made at Driver and Vehicle Services Licensing Centres or regional agents. You will need to bring with you your proof of identity.

Exemptions

An alcohol offender may be eligible for an exemption from the Alcohol Interlock Scheme if the Chief Executive Officer, Department of Transport WA is satisfied the person;

• Resides in a place that is more than 150 kilometres from any premises at which services of an accredited service provider are provided. (Distance is calculated in a straight line to the boundary of the property);
• Has a medical condition which prevents the person from operating an approved alcohol interlock. Evidence from a general practitioner (GP) or medical specialist is required as part of the exemption application process.

Distance exemptions

On the grant of the interlock restricted licence the Chief Executive Officer will immediately assess whether you are eligible for a distance exemption. If eligible, you will be granted a driver's licence without the interlock condition.

If you are granted an interlock restricted licence and later move to an area that is more than 150 kilometres away from the nearest accredited service provider, you can make an application for an exemption from the scheme based on distance. Applications for exemptions on distance grounds must be made on the 'Exemption from Alcohol Interlock Scheme' (Form E3) and evidence of your new address will be required as part of the application. If you have been granted an exemption and later move to an area that is within 150 kilometres of a service provider the exemption is still valid unless your licence is cancelled.

Medical exemptions

Applications for exemptions on medical grounds must be made on the 'Exemption from Alcohol Interlock Scheme' (Form E3). Your medical practitioner will need to complete the relevant sections, attach any supporting information and submit the report to the Department of Transport. The Department will review your medical practitioners' recommendations and advise you in writing of the outcome.

Interlock-restricted drivers will need to contact an accredited service provider for the installation of an approved alcohol interlock.

Remember you cannot drive yourself to an accredited service provider, a friend or family member will need to take you. Only after you have had an approved alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle can you legally drive on the road.

The alcohol interlock scheme is a user pays scheme and all other fees and charges associated with the Scheme must be paid by the individual to the Accredited Service Providers and/or Agents.

Each individual must cover all costs associated for use of the interlock device including: installation, rental, servicing and removal costs.

The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600. This estimate is subject to change. In some circumstances further costs may apply.

Note: Driving a vehicle without an approved alcohol interlock installed is an offence against section 49 of the Road Traffic Act 1974 - driving while unlicensed or disqualified and may result in a fine, a period of disqualification and possible imprisonment. In addition, a police officer is required to impound the vehicle in the commission of such an offence.

Accredited Service Providers

The following companies are approved as Accredited Service Providers in Western Australia.

• Ajen-Smart Start.
• Draeger Australia.
• Guardian Interlock.

Approved alcohol interlock devices

• Ajen-Smart Start - SSI 20/20 and SSI 20/30.
• Dräger - Interlock 7000.
• Guardian - SSI 20/30.

Prospective alcohol interlock service agents

If you are interested in becoming a service agent, approved to install alcohol interlock devices, please contact the providers below for further information.

Interlock-restricted drivers can only drive vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock from an accredited service provider. To comply with the law interlock-restricted drivers have two options;

Option A: Participate in the Alcohol Interlock Scheme

Interlock-restricted drivers electing to participate in the scheme will enter into a contract with an accredited service provider for the leasing, installation and removal of an approved alcohol interlock.

You will be required to personally present the vehicle for all accredited service provider services, including scheduled inspections every month to have data downloaded from the interlock. Data downloaded from the interlock will be assessed by the Department of Transport to monitor your drinking and driving behaviour. Please note that failing to attend in person may result in a breach of the scheme.

You must comply with all the requirements of the Scheme including participating for a minimum period and demonstrate the separation of drinking and driving behaviour for a minimum of 180 continuous days immediately prior to exiting the scheme.

Upon your successful completion of the scheme, the interlock condition will be removed from your driver's licence and your status as an interlock-restricted driver and an alcohol offender will be revoked.

Option B: Not participating in the Alcohol Interlock Scheme

If you elect not to participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme, you will by law, only be permitted to drive a vehicle fitted with an approved alcohol interlock installed by an accredited service provider. An approved alcohol interlock may be leased from an accredited service provider. You will be required to attend the accredited service provider at regular intervals (to be determined by the service provider) who will inspect and calibrate the interlock.

The interlock condition will remain on your driver's licence indefinitely and your status as an alcohol offender and interlock-restricted driver will remain, unless you participate in and successfully complete the requirements of the scheme.

Note: Although the interlock is set at 0.02% BAC, alcohol offenders and interlock-restricted drivers are legally required to have a zero percentage BAC when driving. This requirement will remain until you successfully complete the Scheme.

A fee is payable to the Department of Transport - Driver and Vehicle Services upon the grant of an interlock-restricted licence to an alcohol offender.

The alcohol interlock scheme is a user pays scheme and all other fees and charges associated with the Scheme must be paid by the individual to the Accredited Service Providers and/or Agents.

Each individual must cover all costs associated for use of the interlock device including: installation, rental, servicing and removal costs.

The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600. This estimate is subject to change. In some circumstances further costs may apply.

Contact your nearest accredited service provider for more information on applicable fees and charges.

Participants in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme can only exit the scheme when they have demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving behaviour.

The following criteria must be satisfied:

• Completed the minimum restricted driving period;
• Any period of disqualification has ended (if applicable);
• Completed Alcohol Assessment and Treatment (if applicable).
  • For queries regarding Alcohol Assessment and Treatment please refer to the Mental Health Commission website below or contact the Mental Health Commission on (08) 6553 0600.
• Demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving for a continuous period of 180 days (no breach events recorded).

Demonstrating the separation of drinking and driving can only be completed immediately prior to exiting the Scheme. The periods are listed below:

• Permanently disqualified alcohol offenders granted an extraordinary licence - in the last 180 days of the 3 year restricted driving period.
• Disqualified alcohol offenders granted an extraordinary licence - in the last 180 days the extraordinary licence was granted.
• Driver's licence holders (not previously granted an extraordinary licence) - a continuous 180 days immediately after being granted their driver's licence.

Upon being satisfied that the above criteria has been met, the Chief Executive Officer, Department of Transport WA will:

• Remove the interlock condition from your driver's licence;
• Notify you in writing of the successful completion of the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme and that you may have the approved alcohol interlock removed from your vehicle by an accredited service provider.

Note: If you are convicted of a subsequent alcohol interlock offence and your licence is cancelled you will be required to complete the scheme again.