Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program for all drink drivers

Under Victorian law, drink driving offenders must participate in the Alcohol Interlock Program. Here is a general overview of the program.

Drivers detected with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 or more are fined and lose their licence. In addition, they are required to complete a behaviour change program and have an alcohol interlock device fitted to their car after regaining their licence.

Commercial drivers with a first offence BAC reading under 0.05. may also be charged.

"Stricter penalties for those who drink drive sends a clear message that drink driving isn’t acceptable, and if you are going to drink you shouldn’t drive," says RACV Head of Policy James Williams.

"Such measures should be part of a holistic approach to tackling drink driving and accompanied by alcohol rehabilitation and community education programs."

More: Victoria's new drink driving laws and penalties explained

The Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program: what you need to know

What is the Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program?

The Victorian Alcohol Interlock Program (VAIP) requires drink driving offenders to install an electronic breath-testing device in their vehicle that records any alcohol detected.

Drivers must blow into the breath-testing device before they can start your car. The interlock stops the vehicle from starting if the device detects a BAC of 0.02 or higher.

The interlock may also ask drivers to test during a drive. The interlock camera records an image each time a test is taken or refused.

Offenders must have an interlock device in their car for at least six months or up to four years, depending on the severity of their offence.

How much does an alcohol interlock device cost?

Transport Victoria reports that the VAIP requires you to pay a monthly fee of $40.80 per month (2024/2025 fee), or $20.40 concession.

Drivers will also need to pay an approved supplier's installation, servicing and removal fees. Transport Victoria estimates that standard alcohol interlock installation and training starts at $175, while leasing and servicing fees start from $160 per month. Unscheduled services (e.g. lock-out assistance) cost from $50 and removal starts from $100. Concessions ($50 less for one vehicle) are available for installation/training and leasing/servicing.

How do you regain your licence after drink driving?

Drink driving offenders must pay their fine and not attempt to drive during the period that their licence is cancelled. They must also participate in a behaviour change program.

Offenders will then need to have an alcohol interlock installed in any vehicle they intend to drive by a Victoria Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)-approved interlock service agent, who will also train you in how to use the alcohol interlock. The service agent will then give drivers an alcohol interlock installation certificate.

Drivers can have their licence re-issued at a VicRoads customer service centre if they bring their alcohol interlock installation certificate, their behaviour change program certificate of completion, and their ID.

What is the Alcohol Interlock Management System?

A day after their licence is reissued, drivers can register to monitor their Alcohol Interlock Program progress using the Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS). This online portal allows drivers to view their monthly results and progress score and to contest failed tests.

What happens if I fail the alcohol interlock test?

The alcohol interlock device will record a violation if the driver's BAC is 0.02 or higher and does not re-test successfully within 60 minutes.

Violations make it harder to complete the Alcohol Interlock Program, meaning drivers will have to keep the interlock for longer. If the driver refuses a test or blows an in-violation BAC, the vehicle's horn and lights will also activate for a set period of time.

More: Drinking BAC explained

What if someone else drove my car and failed an alcohol interlock test?

Alcohol interlocks are fitted with cameras (except on motorcycles) and take pictures at key times, like when the driver is taking a breath test. Thanks to the camera, it is easy to prove if you were not the driver during a failed alcohol interlock test. Apply to contest online through the AIMS portal.

How do you legally get your alcohol interlock device removed?

Drivers must apply to VicRoads to get the interlock removed after finishing the program. The Alcohol Interlock Management System (AIMS) stores information about your interlock use, including camera images, to show VicRoads that you have not driven your vehicle whilst affected by alcohol during the mandated period.

If drivers were required to do an behaviour change program to get their licence back, then they will also need to complete a two-hour pre-interlock removal behaviour change program before they can successfully apply for removal.

If successful, VicRoads will send drivers an interlock removal authority, which must be shown to the interlock service agent before they will remove the interlock from the vehicle. VicRoads will also send a new licence without the 'I' (interlock) condition.

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