Removing an alcohol interlock

To have your alcohol interlock condition removed, you must:

• Participate in the program by using the device for the minimum period of time required.
• Follow the alcohol interlock program rules that apply to you.
  • take all breath tests the alcohol interlock asks for
  • have no confirmed violations (failed tests, etc.)
  • have driven at least twice a month, each month, from the date the interlock was installed
• complete a pre-interlock removal program (if required).
• Apply to have your alcohol interlock condition removed from your licence.
• Remove the alcohol interlock from your vehicle after successfully completing the program.

Apply for alcohol interlock removal

If you meet this criteria, you can apply to get your alcohol interlock removed:

1. Apply online through Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS), or contact the Alcohol Interlock Program team by emailing [email protected] or calling 1300 723 790.
2. It may take us up to 10 business days to process your request. We’ll let you know if your request is approved or denied. 
3. If your request if approved, you’ll receive a ‘removal authority’ letter, and an updated driver’s licence with the ‘I’ condition removed.
4. Book a time with an alcohol interlock service agent. 
5. Show the alcohol interlock service agent your updated driver licence and the removal authority.
6. Pay to have the interlock removed (find a supplier to view their removal costs). 

Pre-interlock removal program

You may be required to complete a pre-interlock removal program. This two-hour program aims to help you avoid drink-driving when your alcohol interlock device is removed from your vehicle. 

You must complete the pre-interlock removal program if you met one of these criteria:

• you were required to have an alcohol interlock, and your offence required you to complete an intensive drink-and-drug-driver program before you could get relicensed
• we’ve told you to complete this program.

You must complete the program towards the end of your required alcohol interlock period, and before you apply to get the interlock condition removed from your licence.

In groups, participants share their alcohol interlock experience, including:

• positive changes
• challenges they encountered.

Participants revisit the behaviour change plan they completed before they got an alcohol interlock. They discuss potential risks of drink-driving when the alcohol interlock device is removed and develop strategies to prevent drink-driving in the future.

Contest a denied request for alcohol interlock removal

You can request an internal review if we deny your request to have an alcohol interlock removed.

To request an internal review you need to write to us within 28 days of your initial request being denied.

Send your request to [email protected], or:
The Department of Transport and Planning
Customer Decision Review
GPO Box 2392
Melbourne, VIC 3001

Please note that it may take us up to 28 days to tell you what we’ve decided.

Apply to remove the 'I' condition from your licence

When you've used the alcohol interlock as required, you can apply to have your alcohol interlock condition removed from your licence. The Department of Transport and Planning will assess your interlock data and usage to determine whether you’ve successfully separated drinking from driving. 

How to apply

You can apply for removal of the alcohol interlock 'I' condition:

• online through the Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS) or by
• calling Driver Relicensing Services on 1300 723 790.

Please note that you can't apply for removal of your ‘I’ condition at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. DTP have a specialist team that manages the Alcohol Interlock Program.

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, we’ll send you a letter and a new licence without the 'I' condition. This can take up to 10 business days to arrive.

If your application isn't successful

If your application for interlock removal isn't successful, we'll let you know as soon as we've completed the review.

Requesting a review

If you don't agree with our decision, you can:

• Call us on 1300 723 790 to discuss your situation. We can give you advice to help you prepare for your next application and help you understand further options that are available to you.
• Request an internal review. You have 28 days to write to us and ask that the decision be reviewed. We'll conduct an independent review and either affirm, or vary the decision.

To request a review, you can email [email protected], or write to:
Department of Transport and Planning
Customer Decision Review
GPO Box 2392 
Melbourne, VIC 3001

Apply to the Magistrates' Court for an application for direction hearing

If the department doesn't remove your alcohol interlock condition, you may be able to make an application to a Magistrates' Court for an application for direction hearing.

This application can only happen at the end of your minimum alcohol interlock period and you’ve been refused removal, you must have an alcohol interlock with a camera. The hearing can only consider whether any failed or refused breath test was caused by you, and the department will notify you if the outcome affects your alcohol interlock condition.

More information about an application for direction hearing can be found on the Magistrates' Court website.