Alcohol interlock drink driving
This video is about the alcohol interlock device available for repeat drink drivers with a previous conviction within 5 years or those with a reading over 800mg.
Alcohol Interlock Devices: An Option for Repeat Drink Drivers in New Zealand
In New Zealand, if you're a repeat drink driver with a previous conviction within five years or if you've been caught with a reading over 800mg, there's a new option that could potentially keep you on the road. This option is the alcohol interlock device, a piece of machinery that you install in your car.
What is an Alcohol Interlock Device?
An alcohol interlock device is a piece of machinery that sits in your car. Before the car will start, you have to blow into the device and show that you have zero alcohol on your breath.
Who Can Use an Alcohol Interlock Device?
If you're someone who's had a previous drink driving conviction within five years, remember, you cannot get a work license. However, an alcohol interlock device is an option that you can use. However, you need to wait three months before you can use it, so there's a three-month stand-down period.
The benefit of an alcohol interlock device is that there are no restrictions on the time or type of driving that you do. After that three months, you can drive at any time of the day for any purpose.
The Costs of an Alcohol Interlock Device
The flip side of using an alcohol interlock device is the cost. You usually rent these devices on a week-by-week basis, and it works out to around $1,800 to $2,000 a year. There's a minimum one-year period that you have to have it in your car, and you can't have any breaches or miss it being calibrated at all, or they'll add an extra six months on.
Reach Out for Help
If you're a repeat drink driver and think an alcohol interlock device might be a good option for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. You can Phone me on 021488367 or 0800 BUSTED (0800287833) or you can email me. We can discuss your case, look at the options, and see whether it's something we should pursue.
