QUEENSLAND

How the Alcohol Interlock Device Works in Qld

By Joshua Boorman · Published · QLD posts

In shortDrink driving is a serious cause for concern in Queensland, contributing to many car crashes every year. This is why drink driving laws are strictly enforced and convicted drink drivers are subjected to stiff penalties including licence disqualification and installation of alcohol ignition interlocks.

  • How alcohol ignition interlocks work
  • Persons required to install alcohol interlock devices
  • Requirements of alcohol ignition interlock program

Queensland law · law checked 21 Oct 2026

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How the Alcohol Interlock Device Works in Qld

This article was written before Queensland drink and drug driving penalties changed on 31 August 2026 (with further changes from 1 December 2026), so the penalties discussed here may not reflect current law.

What's on this page

Drink driving is a serious cause for concern in Queensland, contributing to many car crashes every year. This is why drink driving laws are strictly enforced and convicted drink drivers are subjected to stiff penalties including licence disqualification and installation of alcohol ignition interlocks.

How alcohol ignition interlocks work

The logic behind ignition locks is that drivers should not take the wheel when they have been drinking alcohol. Thus, the interlock device is installed to a vehicle’s ignition system and is equipped with a breathalyzer that collects breath samples of the vehicle’s driver. The sample is instantly analysed and measured for blood alcohol content (BAC). If alcohol is detected, the interlock device prevents the vehicle from starting. This type of device has been around for decades and is proven to be effective in preventing further drink driving offences and reducing alcohol-related mishaps.

The interlock device will also require the driver to provide periodic breath samples at random times during the vehicle’s journey to ensure the accuracy of the pre-ignition breath analysis.

Persons required to install alcohol interlock devices

In Queensland, persons who have been convicted of the following offences must undergo the Alcohol Ignition Interlock program:

  • Driving with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of at least 0.15;
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol;
  • Dangerous driving while affected by alcohol;
  • Failing to provide a specimen for blood alcohol analysis;
  • Conviction of two or more drink driving offences within five years.

Requirements of alcohol ignition interlock program

Anyone who is required to undergo the interlock program must fill out appropriate forms for:

  • Application of a valid driver licence with an “I” condition;
  • Nomination of a vehicle for fitting the interlock device.

Costs involved for alcohol ignition interlock program

The ignition interlock program involves costs for the licence with the “I” condition and for the service agreement covering installation, rental, servicing and removal of the interlock device. These costs are set by the approved providers and can change, so check current costs with an approved provider and TMR.

You may refuse to install the interlock device but you won’t be able to drive a vehicle for two years after the end of your licence disqualification. If you undergo the interlock device program, you may be able to have the device removed after 12 months and restore your usual driving privileges.

The alcohol ignition interlock device can be burdensome for anyone required to install it. In addition to the driving restrictions, and the costs involved, installing the device on a particular vehicle will also subject other drivers, regardless of their driving licence status, to provide a breath sample in order to operate the nominated vehicle. If you are operating a company vehicle, you are also required to obtain your employer’s approval for the installation of the device.

The alcohol ignition device program also provides for exemptions which are limited to drinking drivers in specified remote areas.

If you are facing a drink-driving charge, it’s important to engage the services of an experienced criminal defence attorney who can raise an effective defence strategy in your case. In Queensland and New South Wales, Boorman Lawyers have vast experience in traffic and criminal laws, helping clients obtain a well-prepared outcome in their situation. Call us today at 1300 941 900 to schedule an initial discussion with one of our solicitors.

Your refusing a breath test matter in Queensland

The result in brief: In addition to the driving restrictions, and the costs involved, installing the device on a particular vehicle will also subject other drivers, regardless of their driving licence status, to provide a breath sample in order to operate the nominated vehicle. This matter was dealt with at courts across Queensland. Police recorded a reading of 0.15. Preparation here involved material from an employer and the interlock requirements. For a refusing a breath test charge in Queensland, you can call 1300 941 900 before your court date.

Penalties for refusing a breath test as they stand now: Queensland traffic law. What happened at courts across Queensland is general information, not legal advice for your case. Call 1300 941 900 or make an enquiry about legal representation.

Law update since this post (checked 21 Oct 2026)

This post was first published on 8 November 2017. The narrative above is kept as published. These notes record later changes to the law.

  • Queensland: Replace trigger list with: "driving over the middle alcohol limit (0.10 or more), driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to provide a breath or blood specimen, dangerous driving while affected by alcohol, or 2 or more drink driving offences within 5 years (TORUM s 91I). A low-range infringement notice disqualification counts as an offence for this purpose (s 79J).

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FAQs about this post

What was the refusing a breath test charge?

Drink driving is a serious cause for concern in Queensland, contributing to many car crashes every year. This is why drink driving laws are strictly enforced and convicted drink drivers are subjected to stiff penalties including licence disqualification and installation of alcohol ignition interlocks.

How did courts across Queensland deal with it?

You may refuse to install the interlock device but you won’t be able to drive a vehicle for two years after the end of your licence disqualification.

Is this November 2017 post still current?

Written 8 November 2017. Laws since then may differ, so check the dated notes here and our current Queensland pages.

Sources and date checked

Sources and references for this page, checked 21 Oct 2026.

This page is general information about Queensland law only. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts.

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