Alcohol Interlock Laws QLD: In this article we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding how the Alcohol Interlock Laws Qld work. We also take a look at all the surrounding issues that you may have if you have been ordered to participate in the Alcohol Interlock Program.

Alcohol Interlock Laws QLD

An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test gadget connected to the ignition of a car to stop it from starting if the motorist has actually been drinking alcohol.

You will undergo the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program if you are convicted of any of these offences:

• driving under the influence of alcohol
• a beverage driving offence with a blood/breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more failing to provide a blood/breath specimen for analysis
• dangerous driving while influenced by alcohol
• 2 or more drink driving offences of any kind within a 5-year duration.

To complete the program you should hold a legitimate motorist licence with an 'I' condition (for 'interlock') on it and have actually an authorized interlock fitted to a chosen car for a minimum duration of 12 months.

If you select not to have actually an authorized interlock fitted, you will not be able to legitimately drive an automobile for 2 years after your disqualification period ends.

Driving with an alcohol ignition interlock

You might only drive a nominated car that is fitted with an approved interlock, while holding a valid driver licence with an 'I' condition. You need to not have any alcohol in your system while driving.

Other drivers, such as member of the family, might drive the car with the interlock set up. These motorists should likewise tape-record a zero blood alcohol checking out to start the vehicle. There are steps in place to ensure the interlock can not be bypassed by having another person begin the automobile for the interlock motorist.

Process of Getting into the Alcohol Interlock Program

Step 1: Apply for your Restricted Alcohol Interlock Licence

As soon as your disqualification period ends, you will need to apply to have your driver licence reissued at a Transportation and Main Roads client service center. You will be provided with a probationary licence with an 'I' condition on it.

Step 2: Contact the Alcohol Interlock Service Installer

You will need to arrange to have an interlock set up in your chosen vehicle and you will need to pay for all costs including the installation, rental, maintenance and removal of your interlock.

You may qualify for a discount on the expenses if you hold an official health care card issued by the Australian Government.

To find out more, contact either of the authorized interlock suppliers:

Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd

Phone: 1800 372 437

Email: interlock.australia@draeger.com

Guardian Interlock Systems

Phone: 1300 881 005

Email: enquiries@guardianinterlock.com.au

Step 3: Nominate your vehicle

You will need to lodge a Vehicle Nomination Form. You can only drive the car you have chosen.

If you drive a company car, then you will need to acquire your company's permission for an interlock to be set up in that vehicle so that you can lawfully drive it.

Your company will have to sign the Vehicle Nomination Form (F4841) before you give the form to your selected interlock service provider.

Alcohol Interlock Exemptions in Queensland

You "MAY" have the ability to obtain an alcohol interlock exemption if you:

• reside in a remote location outside a 150km radius from the nearest interlock installer's place of business.
• reside on an island - not linked to the mainland by bridge, where there is no interlock installer and the island is not a non-exempt island.
• This does apply if you reside any of these islands:
  • Coochiemudlo Island.
  • Fraser Island.
  • Karragarra Island.
  • Lamb Island.
  • Macleay Island.
  • Magnetic Island.
  • North Stradbroke Island.
  • Orpheus Island.
  • Russell Island.
• have a medical condition that stops you from offering the required sample of breath to operate the interlock.
• have mitigating conditions that effect on your capability to reasonably use an interlock device - these situations need to cause you or your family extreme hardship. An interlock exemption will not be given if you are not able to set up the interlock for employment or financial reasons.

Driving with an Interlock Exemption

If given an exemption, you must bring your approved exemption certificate with you at all times and produce it if asked to by a police officer. You can be fined if you drive without your authorized exemption certification.

Applying for an Interlock Exemption

You can make an application for an exemption up to 6 weeks before your DUI disqualification period ends.

The Interlock Exemption Information Sheet provides further information in relation to applying for an interlock exemption and what sort of evidence you will require for the application.

Application made in person:

The application for an interlock exemption needs to be lodged at the closest Qld Department of Transport location and must be lodged in the approved form.

Click to access a copy of the approved Interlock Exemption Application Form.

If your application relates to a medical condition you will should attached any medical evidence supporting your medical condition and your application for interlock exemption.

Application fees will be required at the time of application lodgment.

Application made by mail:

You can send your exemption application form and cost (cheque or money order payable to the Department of Transportation and Main Roads) to:

Department of Transport and Main Roads Interlock Processing Unit GPO Box 1412 Brisbane QLD 4001

Government Financial Assistance

Depending on your circumstances, you MAY be eligible for financial assistance if you:

• hold a Queensland driver licence with an 'I' for interlock licence condition or you have a pending licence application.
• are an Australian person or permanent local.
• have an annual income and bank balance (assets) below the maximum allowed limits, which apply to your situations.
• have actually not received monetary assistance for the interlock program in the last 5 years.

If you have a partner, their income and bank balance will likewise be examined. If you are a dependent child, your mothers and fathers/guardians earnings and assets will be examined.

Effectively, you will have to satisfy a financial means test to be eligible for government financial assistance package. For further details in relation to this financial assistance please contact the Qld Department of Transport.

To engage our expert Drink and Drug Driving Lawyers or to find out more about the Alcohol Interlock Laws Qld contact us below.