FAQ - QLD

What are the basic rules and guidelines under the program?

Your interlock licence conditions are that you:

Must have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of zero at all times while driving
Only drive your nominated vehicle which is fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device
Meet all requirements from the alcohol interlock device
Ensure that your interlock is serviced when required under your program. Servicing is required after the first month and then every three months
Complete any other courses required under the program
Only drive the vehicle if you have personally provided the breath sample required by the interlock
Do not drive any motor vehicle if you know that the interlock is not working properly, or has been circumvented or interfered with
Do not tamper with the device
Cannot refuse to allow a police officer to inspect the interlock

What is my legal blood alcohol limit when driving?

You must have zero alcohol in your system while driving (BAC 0.000).

Who should I contact about the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program (AIIP)?

The AIIP is managed by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can contact them via their website or phone 13 23 80

Have there been any recent updates to the drink driving laws?

As of the 10th September 2021, people convicted of serious or repeat drink driving offences face stricter penalties, including the requirement to install an Alcohol Interlock Device in their vehicle.

What happens if I don’t follow the rules of the program?

Not following the program rules can result in a violation. Violations will be recorded in your user data and may result in your program being extended. If a certain amount of violations are recorded, the device will request an unscheduled service within 7 days (see Q on violation limits). It is an offence to drive a vehicle without an approved Alcohol Interlock Device installed.

What is considered a violation?

Violations include:

Failing any requested breath tests:
- After failing an initial breath test you will be locked out for 5 or 30 minutes,
- If you fail a random/rolling retest it is considered a violation. Warning lights and a horn alarm will sound once this happens. To stop the alarm, you must retest successfully. If you fail retest it is considered another violation and the alarm will continue until the engine is turned off.
Failure to attend a scheduled service:
- The date of your next scheduled service will be programmed into your device before you leave the service centre. You can attend your scheduled service from 7 days before to 7 days after the programmed date. Failure to attend within this timeframe will result in a violation.
Any tampering with or circumvention of the Alcohol Interlock Device:
- Circumvention is when you drive a vehicle without first providing a breath sample. This is a serious violation.
- If your car battery is disconnected for 20 minutes or more this can record as a violation. When doing work on your car make sure that the mechanic is aware of this.

What amount of violations will cause an early unscheduled service (violation limit)?

Type of Violation

Failed breath sample

Missed Random/Rolling Re-Test Violation

Circumvention

Emergency over-ride

Violation Limit

Caused by

Providing a breath sample with any BAC

Providing a breath sample with a BAC above 0.05

Failing to provide a breath sample when requested

Attempting to circumvent or tamper with the Interlock Device

Use of an emergency Over-Ride function

Once violation limits have been reached, the unit will display a 7 day count down. You must return for an unscheduled service within the 7-day period or the device will permanently lock and you will be required to either tow your vehicle or obtain an unlock code from Smart Start. A maximum of 2 unlock codes can be issued per service period.

You will need to contact Support Centre to be issued with an unlock code 1800 343 166.

What sort of violations will cause my program to be extended?

Any failed breath test or a missed scheduled service in the performance period (last 4 months of your program) will result in your program being extended. An attempt to circumvent or tamper with the device at any time during your program will result in a 4 month extension.

To complete the program successfully, you will need to record no violations in your final 4 months of the program. Even a single violation recorded can cause a program extension. See Q above for a list of violations.

How can I avoid violations?

Avoid consuming food and drinks (apart from water) for 10 minutes prior to a breath test and at all times while driving. Before giving a breath sample, drinking water will help to remove trace amounts of contaminants in your mouth.
Do not use mouth wash in the 10 minutes prior to providing a breath test.
Avoid using hand sanitiser at least 10 minutes prior to using the device.
Only drive with zero BAC
Never use the Alcohol Interlock Device as a personal breath tester. Failed tests will be recorded and may be considered violations
Consider purchasing a personal breath tester. This will allow you to check your Breath Alcohol Content before attempting to drive. If you do opt for a personal breath tester, ensure that it is regularly sent for calibration to ensure accuracy
The Alcohol Interlock Device will continue to request tests randomly so long as the vehicle is running. Even if you have arrived at your destination, if the device asks for a breath sample you must provide it. Turning off the vehicle will be considered a refused breath test and recorded as a violation. Do not leave your car running and unattended as you may miss a breath test and record a violation

Can I contest recorded violations?

TMR is responsible for assessing your interlock data and assessment results. If you would like to dispute a violation, you will need to contact TMR.

How long do I need to participate in the program for?

The length that you will need to drive with an alcohol interlock device will be a minimum of 12 months. The first 8 months of the interlock program is considered a learning period. The last 4 months is a performance period. To remove the interlock condition after 12 months, you must meet all program requirements and not record any violations in the last 4 months of your interlock period.

How can I get my full licence back?

TMR will advise you to return to our service agent for final data download at the completion of the performance period. TMR will then review all the data and confirm completion of the interlock program. After this you may go to a Smart Start Service Agent and have the interlock removed.

How do I get the Interlock Device removed?

After you have received advice that you have successfully completed your program, you can book an appointment at one of our Service Centres to have your Interlock Device removed.

What if I remove the Interlock Device early or without approval?

It is possible to have your Interlock Device removed early without completing your interlock program. If you wish to take this option, you can book a removal appointment at your service centre and will be asked to complete an Interlock Removal Form. Keep in mind that the interlock condition will not be removed from your licence, and you will not be able to drive any car without an Interlock Device installed.

Can someone else attend the interlock servicing in my place?

Although it is expected that you attend scheduled services in person every period, if this is not practical, there will be no sanctions if someone else attends in your place.

Can two drivers who both participate in the program use the same vehicle?

Two drivers with the Interlock ‘I’ condition on their licence are able to use the same vehicle in Queensland. Please check by contacting your local service agent or call 1300 256 900

Can the 30-day servicing period be extended?

After your first month service, your servicing requirement is every 3 months.

You can choose to service more frequently but you may incur additional costs and there is an increased risk of being extended in the program for missing a scheduled service.

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Choosing how often to service your interlock

If you choose to get your interlock serviced more often:

You can make smaller, more manageable payments
Unscheduled services ($65 each) may be avoided
For example, you need a service after 10 failed attempts to start the vehicle

Please be aware:

The 3-month service discount won't apply
You will have more services to attend
Missing a scheduled service may extend your time in the program and cost $55 (to unlock the device)

What happens when I move states?

If you are moving from Queensland to another State or Territory, you will be withdrawing from the QLD Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. Depending on the State or Territory you are moving to, you may or may not be able to get a licence. Discuss your options with the State or Territory to which you are moving.

If you are moving to Queensland and wish to convert your interstate interlock licence, you will still have an interlock condition on your new licence. To remove this condition, you will have to participate in the QLD Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. Please call TMR on
13 23 80.

What is the random/rolling re-test schedule in QLD?

After you pass the initial test and the engine starts running, the device will continue to request breath samples randomly. The first random retest will occur between 3 – 10 minutes after starting the engine. After this the device will continue to request retests between 15 – 60 minutes after the previous random retest has been passed.

You will be given 7 minutes to safely pull over and provide a breath sample after each random/rolling retest is requested.

Am I eligible for a discount?

Participants with the following cards are entitled to a 35% discount on the monthly lease and installation.

Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card endorsed as:
- TPI (totally and permanently incapacitated)
- EDA (extreme disablement adjustment)
- War widow or war widower.

Where can I find more information?

The TMR website has further information

For after-hours support please call 1800 343 166 option 2.