Lena Savoie
The Western Australia Alcohol Interlock Scheme, overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT), aims to reduce the road safety risk posed by drink drivers. Under this scheme, drivers convicted of drink-driving offences must have an alcohol interlock device installed on any vehicle they drive. These devices measure and record the alcohol on a person's breath and prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. While driving, the legal alcohol threshold is zero (BAC 0.000), but since alcohol interlock devices can detect trace amounts of alcohol from other products, the effective limit is BAC < 0.020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Threshold | Zero alcohol in the system (BAC 0.000) |
| Effective Limit | BAC < 0.020 |
| Purpose | Reduce the road safety risk posed by drink drivers |
| Scheme Type | Mandatory, user-pays, performance-based |
| Scheme Overview | Department of Transport (DoT) |
| Installation and Servicing | Subject to prior arrangement with the Service Centre |
| Costs | Installation, rental, servicing, and removal costs (minimum total estimated cost over six months: $1,600) |
| Exiting the Scheme | Demonstrate the separation of drinking and driving behavior |
| Licence Condition | 'I' (interlock) condition |
| Licence Type | Interlock-restricted driver |
| Driving Restrictions | Can only drive vehicles fitted with approved interlocks |
| Program Completion | Interlock condition will be removed from the licence |
| Non-Participation | Elect not to participate in the Western Australia Alcohol Interlock Scheme |
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What You'll Learn
The Western Australia Alcohol Interlock Scheme
The alcohol interlock device records every breath sample provided and any attempts to tamper with the device. This information is used to monitor the driver's behaviour and determine if there has been a breach of the scheme's requirements. To successfully complete the scheme and have the interlock condition removed from their licence, participants must demonstrate the separation of drinking and driving behaviour for a continuous period. The minimum period for the scheme is 180 days, and participants must pay all costs associated with the interlock device, including installation, rental, servicing, and removal. The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600, although this may vary depending on the vehicle type and length of the program.
Participants in the scheme must enter into a contract with an accredited service provider for the leasing, installation, and periodical inspection of the alcohol interlock device. The device must be installed for a minimum continuous period, and participants must present the vehicle for each monthly service. Failure to attend in person may result in an extension to the interlock period. The scheme is managed and overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT) in Western Australia.
It is important to note that driving a vehicle without an approved alcohol interlock device installed is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1974, and may result in fines, disqualification, and even imprisonment. Additionally, any driver convicted of a drink-driving offence on or after 24 October 2016 is considered an alcohol offender and will be required to participate in the Alcohol Interlock Scheme upon relicensing.
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Alcohol Interlock Device cost
In Western Australia, the Alcohol Interlock Scheme is overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT). The scheme aims to reduce the risk posed by drink drivers by introducing a mandatory, user-pays, performance-based system that requires drivers with drink driving offences to install alcohol interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver's breath sample detects alcohol above the effective limit of BAC < 0.020.
The cost of an alcohol interlock device can vary depending on several factors, including state regulations, required features, vehicle specifications, and the service centre's location. In Western Australia, individuals are responsible for covering all costs associated with the device, including installation, rental, servicing, and removal. The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600, but this is subject to change, and further costs may apply in certain circumstances.
Installation costs for an ignition interlock device typically range from $70 to $150, while monthly lease prices can vary from $54.99 to $90. Some companies, like Intoxalock, offer lease agreements that include monthly lease costs and potential incidental fees. For example, a $75 lockout fee may be charged if multiple BrAC tests are failed or if the device is tampered with, requiring remote support to unlock it. Intoxalock also offers a Device Protection Plan for $10 a month, which covers the cost of a replacement device in cases of car accidents, natural disasters, theft, or accidental damage.
Other companies, like Smart Start, provide affordable and flexible payment options without locking customers into long-term contracts. They emphasise that the cost of their Ignition Interlock Device is known upfront, so there are no surprises during the sign-up process. Smart Start also offers various payment options, such as auto-pay, and 24/7 customer support through their Customer Care Centre.
Overall, while the costs of alcohol interlock devices can vary, they are generally considered an affordable alternative to the costs associated with DUI offences, and financial assistance may be available in certain states or through specific programs.
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Alcohol Interlock Device functionality
The Alcohol Interlock Scheme in Western Australia is overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT). The scheme aims to reduce the road safety risk posed by drink-drivers by introducing a mandatory, user-pays, performance-based program. Under this scheme, individuals with drink-driving offences are granted a WA driver's licence with an 'I' (interlock) condition, making them interlock-restricted drivers. This means that for a specified period, they must have an alcohol interlock device installed on any vehicle they drive.
An alcohol interlock device is attached to the ignition of a motor vehicle and is designed to prevent a person who has consumed alcohol from operating the vehicle. The device measures and records the amount of alcohol on a person's breath, preventing the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The threshold for alcohol detection is set at a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 0.04 or more. If a driver attempts to start the vehicle with a BrAC above the prescribed setpoint, the device will prevent the engine from starting. The device will also request breath tests during a trip.
Interlock-restricted drivers must only drive vehicles fitted with approved interlocks. They have two options: they can choose to participate in the Western Australia Alcohol Interlock Scheme (monitored) or elect not to participate (unmonitored). To successfully complete the program and remove the interlock condition from their licence, participants must demonstrate the separation of drinking and driving behaviour. This includes covering all costs associated with the use of the interlock device, such as installation, rental, servicing, and removal. The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600.
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Alcohol Interlock Device installation
The Alcohol Interlock Scheme in Western Australia is overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT). The scheme aims to reduce the risk posed by drink drivers by introducing a mandatory, user-pays, performance-based scheme. Alcohol Interlock Devices (AIDs) prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking.
If you have been convicted of a drink-driving offence, you will be required to participate in the Alcohol Interlock Scheme and have an AID installed in your vehicle. You will need to cover all costs associated with the device, including installation, rental, servicing, and removal. The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600, but costs can vary depending on the service provider and location.
To have an AID installed, you will need to contact an approved service agent and make prior arrangements with your Service Centre. The installer should have a valid license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) or Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which are part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA).
Once the AID is installed, you will be required to provide a breath sample before starting your vehicle. If alcohol is detected, the engine will not start. While driving, you will also need to provide periodic breath samples to ensure you remain alcohol-free. To successfully complete the program and have the interlock condition removed from your license, you must demonstrate the separation of drinking and driving behaviour.
It is important to note that even trace amounts of alcohol from other products can be detected by AIDs, so the effective limit to operate your vehicle is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.020.
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Alcohol offender status
In Western Australia, the Alcohol Interlock Scheme is overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT). The scheme aims to reduce the risk posed by drink drivers by introducing a mandatory, user-pays, performance-based program. Under this scheme, anyone convicted of a drink-driving offence is considered an 'alcohol offender'. Upon relicensing, the offender is only permitted to drive vehicles fitted with approved alcohol interlock devices.
Alcohol Interlock Devices prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver's breath sample registers a BAC of 0.020 or higher. This limit is necessary because the devices can detect trace amounts of alcohol from other products, such as mouthwash. Offenders must cover all costs associated with the device, including installation, rental, servicing, and removal. The minimum total estimated cost over six months is $1,600.
There are two options for interlock-restricted drivers in Western Australia. Option A is to participate in the monitored Alcohol Interlock Scheme. Option B is to elect not to participate in the scheme and remain an interlock-restricted driver. To exit the scheme, participants must demonstrate that they have separated drinking and driving behaviour. Successful completion of the program will result in the removal of the Interlock condition from the offender's licence.
In addition to the Alcohol Interlock Scheme, there are other programs available for alcohol offenders, such as the A+ Alcohol & Drug Offender Education Center in Texas. This center offers certified courses via Zoom, including a DWI Intervention/Repeat Offender Program.
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Frequently asked questions
The alcohol threshold for interlock device autosafe WA is zero alcohol in the system while driving (BAC 0.000). However, since alcohol interlock devices can detect trace amounts of alcohol from other products, the effective limit required to operate your vehicle is BAC < 0.020.
The WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme applies to anyone convicted of a drink-driving offence. When the drink-driving offender's licence is reinstated, it will have an "I" (interlock) condition, and the person becomes known as an "interlock-restricted driver". This means that for a specified period, the person must have an alcohol interlock device installed on any vehicle they drive.
An alcohol interlock device measures and records the amount of alcohol on a person's breath. It prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. It also requests breath tests during a trip. The data is downloaded by the device supplier at scheduled services and used by the Department of Transport to make decisions about the program participant's licence.
