Driving with an alcohol interlock
There are rules you must follow if you have an alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle.
When you get the interlock installed, the service centre will show you how to use the interlock.
Whenever you use the vehicle, the alcohol interlock will record:
- a breath blown into the interlock
- the engine starting
- the engine turning off
- requested tests
- retests during the drive
- any refused tests.
The interlock camera records an image each time a test is taken or refused.
The data recorded by your alcohol interlock is downloaded during scheduled services. It is used to make decisions about whether you've successfully completed the program.
Always take a test when the alcohol interlock tells you to. It might tell you to test:
- at the start of a trip
- during a trip
- a certain amount of time after a failed test.
Follow alcohol interlock rules
You will record a violation if you fail the breath test to start your car because your BAC was .02 or higher, and you didn't re-test successfully within 60 minutes.
Make sure you:
- Only drink water in the 15 minutes before using the interlock, as some food and drink can contain traces of alcohol.
- If you fail a breath test or refuse to take one, you must retest successfully within 15 minutes.
- Avoid using products containing alcohol, like hand sanitisers and mouthwash.
- If you're driving and the alcohol interlock asks you for a test, don't turn your car off. The interlock might record this as a refused breath test if you don't re-test within 15 minutes.
- Don't leave your vehicle running, or in accessory mode, while parked because the interlock might ask you for a test when you're not there.
- Don't disconnect your car's battery for more than 20 minutes.
- Don't tamper with the alcohol interlock.
There are penalties if you break the rules
If you don't follow these rules:
- the interlock will record a violation, which might make it harder to complete the alcohol interlock program
- you will have to keep your alcohol interlock for longer
- the vehicle's lights and horn will activate for a set period of time if you blow a BAC or refuse a test.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) can suspend or cancel your licence(s) for:
- failing to install the interlock
- failing to service and maintain the interlock
- unauthorised removal of the interlock before you've completed the Alcohol Interlock Program.
If this impacts you, DTP will notify you of the period of time you have to rectify the situation before a suspension would be imposed.
If you have questions about the Victorian alcohol interlock program or an alcohol interlock medical exemption, contact the driver relicensing services team on 1300 723 790 or email [email protected].
Alcohol interlocks have a camera
Alcohol interlocks take pictures at key times, including when you are taking a breath test. Motorcycles don't have to fit an alcohol interlock camera.
We assume you're driving unless the alcohol interlock camera clearly shows someone else using your alcohol interlock.
Register for the Alcohol Interlock Management System
The Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS) is a portal that shows results and other data recorded by your alcohol interlock device.
AIMS lets you:
- view your monthly progress summaries, your results for each month (pass, fail, absent), and a visual summary of your progress score
- contest failed tests
- download your participant progress report.
Every time you get your alcohol interlock serviced, the service centre will update your AIMS record.
You can register for AIMS one day after your licence is reissued at a VicRoads customer service centre.
Download the AIMS information user guide (PDF).
If you don't want to use AIMS, you can get updates on your alcohol interlock use by calling 1300 723 790 or emailing [email protected].
For a better display experience, it's recommended that you use a desktop PC, laptop or notebook as the information displayed in AIMS is presented in tables.
Any personal information collected, handled, stored or disclosed about you through the alcohol interlock program will be managed in accordance with the Road Safety Act 1986 and Information Privacy Act 2000.
Contesting a failed test
You can contest a failed or refused breath test (a violation) if you weren't driving the car when the failed/refused test happened.
Contested violations are only reviewed when we assess your application to have the alcohol interlock removed.
| Channel | What you can cotent | How to contest |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Transport and Planning | You can do this when your alcohol interlock has recorded a failed or refused breath test. | Apply online through AIMS. Call 1300 723 790. |
| Magistrates' Court | You can only do this when:
| Apply for a direction hearing with the Magistrates’ Court to consider whether you were responsible for a failed test. |