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 NSW 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:
1) Visit your doctor
2) Find an interlock service provider
3) Pay for your interlock device to be installed in your car
4) 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:
1) Visit your doctor
2) Find an interlock service provider
3) Pay for the alcohol interlock device
4) Apply for your 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