Alcohol ignition interlocks for Queensland’s drink drivers

The interlock devices will be fitted to the vehicles of drivers who: refuse a breath test or blood test, record a blood-alcohol content of more than 0.15, are charged with dangerous driving while affected by alcohol, and are caught drink driving twice within five years.

Alcohol ignition interlock systems require drivers to provide a clean blood-alcohol sample before the car will start.

The interlock system will apply to drivers charged with drink driving offences after August 6 2010 and will remain connected to offenders’ vehicles for 12 months.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh confirmed the interlock system would cost around $2000. Those who refused to have a device installed in their car would be banned from driving for 24 months.

Around Queensland 900 drivers have been charged since August and will have an ‘I’ printed onto their licence to represent the special condition.

More than 20 percent of Queensland’s 2009 road toll was linked to drink driving, with 71 people dying in accidents caused by drink drivers.