Alcohol Interlock Scheme
Participant Guide

Contents
1.

The Western Australian Alcohol Interlock Scheme

42.

What is an Alcohol Interlock

4

3.

Grant of an Interlock-Restricted Driver’s Licence

4

4.

Exemptions

4

5.

Options for Interlock-Restricted Drivers

4

5.1

Participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

4

5.2

Elect not to participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

5

6.

5

6.1

Accredited Service Providers

5

6.2

Proof of identity and vehicle ownership5

6.3

Vehicles licensed in the name of another person or company

5

6.4

Installation of approved alcohol interlocks in more than one vehicle

5

6.5

Training in the use of the approved alcohol interlock

5

6.6

Sharing a vehicle with an approved alcohol interlock

6

6.7

Vehicle lock out

6

6.8

Random re-tests

6

7.

Minimum Participation Periods

6

8.

Scheduled Inspections

6

8.1

6

9.

2

Installation of an Approved Alcohol Interlock

Concessions on fees for monthly inspections

BREACHES OF THE WA ALCOHOL INTERLOCK SCHEME

7

9.1

Triggers

7

9.2

Tampering7

9.3

Failure to attend scheduled inspections in person

7

9.4

Invalid WA Driver’s Licence

7

10.

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment

8

11.

Termination from the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

812.

Removal of an Approved Alcohol Interlock from a Relevant Vehicle

8

12.1

8

Relevant vehicle replaced with another vehicle

13.

Servicing or Repair of a Relevant Vehicle

814.

Approved Alcohol Interlock Malfunction

8

15.

Completing the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

8

1.

The Western Australian Alcohol Interlock Scheme

The WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme (the Scheme) aims to reduce the road safety risk posed by drink drivers by introducing amandatory, user pays, Scheme in which alcohol interlock devices provide separation of drinking and driving behaviour.
A driver, who commits and is convicted of a prescribed alcohol interlock offence in WA, will have their driver’s licence
cancelled and be known as an ‘alcohol offender’. When they are subsequently granted a driver’s licence will have theirlicence with an interlock (I) condition and will be known as an ‘interlock-restricted driver’.
An interlock-restricted driver may only drive a vehicle fitted with an approved alcohol interlock installed by an accredited
service provider (ASP).
The interlock condition will only be removed when they have demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving behaviour
by satisfying all requirements of the Scheme.

2.

What is an Alcohol Interlock

Alcohol interlocks are electronic breath analysis devices installed in vehicles that prevent the vehicle from being started if
the interlock detects alcohol equal to or greater than the pre-set 0.02% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit in the driver’s
breath sample provided for analysis.
Randomly timed breath tests (random re-tests) must be provided when prompted by the interlock whilst driving a vehicle.
Although the interlock is set at 0.02% BAC, alcohol offenders and interlock-restricted drivers are legally required to have azero percentage BAC when driving until the Scheme is successfully completed.
The alcohol interlock records every breath sample provided and any attempt to tamper with the interlock.
Only alcohol interlocks approved by the Department of Transport can be used by an interlock–restricted driver in WA.

3.

Grant of an Interlock-Restricted Driver’s Licence

An interlock condition will automatically be applied to an alcohol offender’s driver’s licence when: an extraordinary licence is granted following a conviction for a prescribed alcohol interlock offence; or a driver’s licence is granted following a period of disqualification for a prescribed alcohol interlock offence.
 a driver’s licence is granted to a person who takes up residence in WA, who previously held a driver’s licence issued in aplace other than WA endorsed with an interlock condition.
Unless granted an exemption the licence holder is restricted to only drive vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock.
You are not authorised to drive a vehicle with an alcohol interlock that was installed in a place outside of WA.

4.

Exemptions

An alcohol offender may be eligible for an exemption from the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme if the person: resides in a place that is more than 150 kilometres from any premises at which the services of an ASP are provided(distance is calculated in a straight line to the boundary of the property); or has a medical condition which prevents the person from operating an approved alcohol interlock. Evidence from ageneral practitioner or medical specialist is required as part of the exemption application process.
Applications for exemptions must be made on the Exemption from Alcohol Interlock Scheme (E3) form.

5.

Options for Interlock-Restricted Drivers

5.1

Participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

By electing to participate in the Scheme, you enter into a contract with an ASP for the leasing, installation and removal ofan approved alcohol interlock.
You must present the vehicle for scheduled inspections every month to have data downloaded from the interlock.
You must comply with all the requirements of the Scheme including participating for a minimum period and demonstrate
the separation of drinking and driving behaviour for 180 continuous days immediately prior to exiting the Scheme.
On successful completion of the Scheme, the interlock condition will be removed from your driver’s licence.
Any previous participation in another jurisdictions alcohol interlock scheme or program will not be recognised in WA.

3

5.2

Elect not to participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

If you elect not to participate in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme, you are only permitted to drive a vehicle fitted with anapproved alcohol interlock installed by an ASP. You will be required to attend the ASP at regular intervals (to be determinedby the service provider) for the interlock to be inspected and calibrated.
The interlock condition will remain on your driver’s licence indefinitely and your status as an alcohol offender and interlockrestricted driver will remain, unless you participate in and successfully complete the requirements of the Scheme.

6.

Installation of an Approved Alcohol Interlock

As an interlock-restricted driver, you cannot drive yourself to an ASP. A friend or family member will need to take you. Afteryou have had an approved alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle you can legally drive on the road.
You will enter into a contract’ with an ASP. Fees and charges must be paid to the ASP.
6.1

Accredited Service Providers

The following companies are approved as ASPs in Western Australia.
 AJEN-SMART START INTERLOCKS DRAEGAR SAFETY PACIFIC PTY LTD
 GUARDIAN INTERLOCK SYSTEMS PTY LTD
Service provider locations can be found on the Department of Transport website or by visiting the individual service
provider websites.
If you have an alcohol interlock in your vehicle that was installed in a place outside of WA, it is not an approved alcoholinterlock in WA. The interlock must be examined by an ASP and either replaced or reprogrammed with WA settings, before
it will be an approved alcohol interlock for the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme.
6.2

Proof of identity and vehicle ownership

When you visit the ASP you must present photographic proof of identity, evidence of holding a valid driver’s licence, proofof vehicle ownership and any concession cards if applying for a concession.
Proof of identity documents include: WA Photo Card or Proof of Age card.
 Driver’s licence document.
 Extraordinary licence document.
Evidence of holding a driver’s licence includes:
 Driver’s licence document.
 Extraordinary licence document.
 Receipts showing proof of payment for a driver’s licence or extraordinary licence.
Proof of Vehicle ownership documents:
 Vehicle licence papers.
6.3

Vehicles licensed in the name of another person or company

To install an approved alcohol interlock into a vehicle that is not licensed in your name, you must contact the ASP before
you attend for what you need to bring to show you have permission from the vehicle owner to install an interlock into theirvehicle.
6.4

Installation of approved alcohol interlocks in more than one vehicle

If you own or drive more than one vehicle, you can install an approved alcohol interlock in each vehicle. You must nominate
which vehicle will be monitored for the Scheme. Only the data from one interlock will be used to monitor your compliancewith the Scheme.
6.5

Training in the use of the approved alcohol interlock

The ASP will train you in the correct use of the interlock and its features. If the vehicle is used by more than one person
they should also attend the installation to be trained.

4

6.6

Sharing a vehicle with an approved alcohol interlock

Vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock can be shared with other drivers. All data recorded by the interlock,including breaches, will be attributed to the participant in the Scheme.
6.7

Vehicle lock out

Before starting a vehicle, a breath sample must be provided to the interlock. If a breath sample registers a Blood AlcoholContent (BAC) equal to or greater than 0.02%, the vehicle ignition is locked out preventing the vehicle from being started,
the period is dependent on your BAC reading.
 If the BAC reading is equal to or greater than 0.02% but less than 0.05%, the vehicle ignition will be locked preventing
the vehicle from being started for 5 minutes;
 If the BAC reading is equal to or greater than 0.05%, the vehicle ignition will be locked preventing the vehicle from being
started for 30 minutes.
6.8

Random re-tests

When driving the vehicle, the interlock will prompt you at random intervals to provide a breath sample for analysis. The
vehicle must be brought to a stop in a safe location, you will have 10 minutes to provide the breath sample.
Failure to provide the breath sample within 10 minutes is a breach and will activate the vehicles hazard lights and horn until
the breath sample is provided or the ignition is turned off.

7.

Minimum Participation Periods

The period of time a participant is required to drive a vehicle fitted with an approved interlock installed in their vehicle is the
restricted driving period which commences once the interlock has been installed in the vehicle.
The disqualification imposed by the court and the type of licence granted to a person will determine the length of therestricted driving period.
The minimum restricted driving periods are:
 Permanently disqualified alcohol offenders granted an extraordinary licence – one or more restricted driving periods
totalling in aggregate at least three (3) years including 180 continuous days.;
 Extraordinary licence holders - the duration of the extraordinary licence including 180 continuous days. If the duration of
the extraordinary licence is less than 180 days, a driver’s licence must be obtained immediately (within one day) after the
expiry of the extraordinary licence to complete the minimum 180 continuous days.
 Drivers licence holders (not previously granted an extraordinary licence) - 180 continuous days.
Other than a permanently disqualified alcohol offender, any period of disqualification must have ended before a person
exits the Scheme. The restricted driving period may be extended if a person breaches any of the requirements of the
Scheme.
Unless permanently disqualified an interlock-restricted driver cannot complete the scheme whilst on an extraordinary
licence. When the disqualification period ends the participant must immediately (within one day) obtain an ordinary driver’s
licence prior to exiting the scheme.

8.

Scheduled Inspections

Once an approved alcohol interlock has been installed in your nominated vehicle, you must present the vehicle in person
every month for inspection at an ASP service centre.
The date will be determined by the service provider, failure to present the vehicle in person or missing the scheduledinspection more than once is a breach and you must restart your restricted driving period. The interlock will permanently
locking the vehicle ignition preventing it from being started seven days after the inspection date. An override code mustbe purchased from your ASP to unlock the vehicle ignition and the vehicle presented for an inspection within a specified
period determined by the service provider or the vehicle will re-enter the permanent lock out mode.
If you hold an extraordinary licence you are authorised to drive, by the most direct convenient route, to and from an ASP
service centre to present your vehicle for the scheduled inspection.

5

8.1

Concessions on fees for monthly inspections

Participants in the Scheme are eligible for a concession rate of $50 off the cost of scheduled inspections if they hold a valid
concession card and are receiving the full rate of entitlement.
Valid concession cards listed below need to be presented to the ASP at time of application and at every inspection.
 Health Care card – low income only
 Department of Veteran Affairs Gold Cards
 Pension Concession card including:- Age- Veteran Age- Carer- Service Invalidity- Disability Support Pension- Disability Support Pension Spouse- Disability Support Pension Carer- MRCA Veterans (Military Rehabilitation and Compensation)

9.

Breaches of the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

The following events are breaches of the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme.
9.1

Triggers

Providing a sample of breath with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) equal to or greater than 0.02% to an approved alcoholinterlock will prevent the operation of the vehicle. This event is known as a ‘trigger’ and applies to: Breath samples provided to the interlock prior to the operation of the vehicle;
 Breath samples provided to the interlock during the operation of the vehicle; or Failing to supply a breath sample when requested by the interlock.
If three or more triggers are recorded by the interlock in any monthly scheduled inspection period, are a breach. You will
be notified of the breach in writing and you will be required to attend Alcohol Assessment and Treatment (AAT) conductedby the Mental Health Commission.
9.2

Tampering

Approved alcohol interlocks record any attempt to tamper with or bypass the interlock.
If tampering is detected by the interlock or during physical examination at the scheduled inspection, then you havebreached a requirement of the Scheme.
You will be notified of the breach in writing and you will be required to attend AAT conducted by the Mental HealthCommission.
9.3

Failure to attend scheduled inspections in person

You are required to present the vehicle in person every month for inspection at an ASP service centre. On one occasion,
someone other than you can present the vehicle for inspection without a breach, if this occurs more than once then you
have breached a requirement of the Scheme.
You will be notified of the breach in writing and you will be required to attend AAT conducted by the Mental HealthCommission.
Failure to present the interlocked vehicle for a scheduled inspection will result in the interlock permanently locking thevehicle ignition preventing it from being started seven days after the scheduled inspection date.
An override code must be purchased from ASP to unlock the vehicle ignition and the vehicle must be presented for aninspection within a specified time determined by the service provider. If the vehicle is not presented within that period it will
re-enter the permanent lock out mode.

6

9.4

Invalid WA Driver’s Licence

If your driver’s licence expires or is suspended whilst participating in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme, then you havebreached the Scheme. The current restricted driving period will be terminated and a new restricted driving period willcommence from the date you have a valid driver’s licence.
You will be notified you in writing that you have breached the Scheme

10.

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment

The completion of AAT is a requirement to exit the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme, you will be notified in writing if you arerequired to participate in AAT. Bookings can be made by calling 1800 722 362.
AAT is delivered by the Mental Health Commission WA and consists of six free individually focused therapeutic intervention
sessions delivered by trained alcohol and drug counsellors from an approved alcohol and other drug treatment agency.
At the successful completion of the six sessions, you will be given a Certificate of Compliance.

11.

Termination from the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

An interlock-restricted driver will have their participation in the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme terminated if: the driver is convicted of a further alcohol interlock offence; or the driver’s licence is cancelled in any other circumstances.

12.

Removal of an Approved Alcohol Interlock from a Relevant Vehicle

If the interlock is removed from the vehicle before completing the Scheme, a new restricted driving period will start from thedate an approved alcohol interlock is installed in a vehicle by an ASP.
12.1

Relevant vehicle replaced with another vehicle

If a relevant vehicle is replaced with another vehicle for any reason, the interlock must be removed and reinstalled in thereplacement vehicle on the same day or this is considered a breach.

13.

Servicing or Repair of a Relevant Vehicle

If the power supply to the approved alcohol interlock is disconnected, the interlock will record this as a tampering eventand result in a breach.
If your relevant vehicle requires servicing or repair, you must inform the mechanic or repairer that the vehicle is fitted with aninterlock prior to any work being performed. A warning sticker in the engine bay advises that the ASP must be contacted
prior to any service or repair being undertaken, that may result in power to the interlock being disconnected.

14.

Approved Alcohol Interlock Malfunction

If the approved alcohol interlock malfunctions or fails in anyway, the interlock will issue an alert. You must attend at yourASP within seven days to have the interlock examined or the interlock will enter the permanent lockout mode.

15.

Completing the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme

The Scheme can only be exited when the participant has demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving behaviour: Completion of the minimum participation period.
 Any period of disqualification has ended (if applicable).
 Completion of any requirement to attend Alcohol Assessment and Treatment.
 Demonstrated the separation of drinking and driving for a continuous period of 180 days
Unless permanently disqualified an interlock-restricted driver cannot complete the scheme whilst on an extraordinary
licence. Upon the disqualification period ending the participant must immediately (within one day) obtain an ordinary
driver’s licence prior to exiting the scheme.
You will be notified in writing of the successful completion of the WA Alcohol Interlock Scheme and that you may have theapproved alcohol interlock removed from your vehicle by an ASP.

7

Disclaimer:
The information contained in this publication is provided in good faith and believed to be accurate attime of publication. The State shall in no way be liable for any loss sustained or incurred by anyone
relying on the information.
Revised edition date 9 August 2020.