ALCOHOL INTERLOCK

An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath‑testing device fitted to a vehicle’s ignition. Under Queensland law (Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and the Driver Licensing Regulation 2021 (Qld)), the car will only start if the driver provides a zero‑alcohol breath sample.

This program is a mandatory licensing condition for drivers returning to the road after certain high‑risk drink driving offences -  such as driving with a BAC of 0.10 or higher, refusing a breath test, or repeat drink driving convictions. The interlock aims to prevent drink driving, encourage safer behaviour, and reduce the risk of repeat offences, protecting both drivers and the community.

If you are required to enter the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program in Cairns or anywhere in Queensland, it is not an extra punishment but a legal requirement to regain your licence. At Coral Coast Law, we can:

- Explain your obligations in plain language.

- Guide you through the application and compliance process.

- Help you take the right steps to get back on the road legally and with confidence.

Queensland introduced the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and the Driver Licensing Regulation 2021 (Qld) to reduce the risks of repeat drink driving offences. The program is supported by clear evidence that interlocks:

- Stop drink driving before it happens - the car will not start unless a zero‑alcohol breath sample is provided.

- Protect the community - keeping impaired drivers off the road.

- Encourage rehabilitation - helping drivers separate drinking from driving.

- Reduce re‑offending rates - improving long‑term road safety across Queensland.

This program is not about adding punishment - it is about changing behaviour and saving lives. If you are required to enter the Alcohol Interlock Program in Cairns or anywhere in Queensland, the law is giving you a structured pathway back to legal driving. While it may feel restrictive, it is designed to help you regain your licence safely, demonstrate responsible driving, and rebuild your independence.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we can guide you through the process, explain your obligations in plain language, and ensure you take the right steps to get back on the road legally and with confidence.

The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program applies to drivers convicted of certain high‑risk drink driving offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and the Driver Licensing Regulation 2021 (Qld). You must have an interlock fitted if convicted of:

- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol.

- High‑range drink driving - blood/breath alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or above.

- Failing or refusing to provide a breath or blood specimen.

- Dangerous driving while affected by alcohol.

- Two or more drink driving offences within five years.

The interlock requirement begins after your licence disqualification period ends. You cannot legally drive again until the device is installed in your nominated vehicle and you comply with the program conditions.

If you fall into one of these categories, the interlock is not optional - it is a legal condition of regaining your licence. While it may feel restrictive, the program provides a structured pathway to return to driving safely and legally.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we can explain your obligations, guide you through the interlock process, and help protect your ability to drive while minimising the impact on your licence, livelihood, and future.

If you are convicted of certain high‑risk drink driving offences in Queensland, you must complete the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program before regaining your licence. The program is designed to stop repeat drink driving and ensure safer roads in Cairns and across the state.

Here’s how it works:

- Disqualification period first – you cannot drive until your court‑ordered disqualification ends.

- Interlock condition applies – once eligible, you must have an interlock fitted to your nominated vehicle.

- Zero alcohol requirement – the car will only start if you provide a 0.00 BAC breath sample.

- Monitoring and compliance – the device records test results, lockouts, and any breaches, which are reviewed by authorities.

- Duration – most drivers must comply with the program for at least 12 months.

You cannot legally drive again until the interlock is installed and you meet all program conditions. While it may feel restrictive, the program provides a structured pathway back to driving safely and legally.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we can explain your obligations, guide you through the interlock process, and help protect your ability to drive. With clear advice and strong representation, we ensure you take the right steps to minimise penalties and regain your licence with confidence.

The Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program is a mandatory licensing condition under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and the Driver Licensing Regulation 2021 (Qld). If you are convicted of certain drink driving offences in Cairns or anywhere in Queensland, you must cover the program costs yourself. Typical expenses include:

- Installation fee: $250–$370 depending on vehicle type.

- Monthly lease and servicing: Around $190 per month (concession rates $120–$125). Covers hire, calibration, and data downloads.

- Removal fee: About $140 when the program ends.

- Extra charges: Missed appointments, violation resets, or call‑outs ($55–$80 each).

Over the standard 12‑month program, most drivers pay between $1,800 and $2,200. If you breach conditions - such as recording alcohol readings or missing servicing - the program is extended, increasing the overall cost.

Financial Assistance

The Queensland Government offers financial assistance for eligible participants who meet income and asset thresholds. Payments are made directly to the interlock provider and can help cover installation, monthly rental, servicing, and removal fees.

Why Legal Advice Matters

The interlock program is a significant financial commitment, but it is a necessary step to regain your licence legally after a high‑risk drink driving offence. With proper planning -  and possible access to financial assistance  - you can manage the costs and focus on getting back on the road.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we explain the process clearly, help you understand your obligations, and guide you through the program so there are no surprises. Our goal is to protect your licence, livelihood, and future while ensuring you meet all legal requirements.

Queensland law recognises that in rare cases it may not be possible or reasonable to comply with the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program. In these situations, you can apply to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for an exemption - but strict eligibility rules apply.

When an Exemption May Apply

You may be eligible if you can provide evidence of:

- Medical reasons - a condition that prevents you from giving a breath sample.

- Remote or island residence - no interlock service provider is reasonably available.

- No vehicle access - you do not have a vehicle in which an interlock can be installed.

- Exceptional hardship - very limited cases where installation would cause severe and unusual hardship to you or your family.

What Does Not Qualify

You cannot be exempt simply because of:

- Employment needs (e.g. needing to drive for work).

- Study or education requirements.

- Financial hardship alone (program costs are not enough).

- Holding a restricted/work licence (this does not automatically exempt you).

Why Legal Advice Matters

Exemptions are rare and tightly controlled. For most people, participation in the program is unavoidable. If you believe you may qualify, you must apply formally to TMR with strong supporting evidence.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we can:

- Assess whether you may be eligible.

- Help prepare a well‑supported application.

- Provide clear legal advice to protect your licence, livelihood, and future.

Queensland’s Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program is tougher than most people realise. Even small slip‑ups -  like missing a service or recording a failed breath test - can mean months of extra restrictions, higher costs, or losing your licence again.

That’s where legal advice makes the difference. A lawyer can:

- Explain exactly when the program applies, how long it lasts, and what you need to do.

- Help you avoid mistakes that extend the program and drain your wallet.

- Assess whether you qualify for an exemption and prepare the paperwork properly.

- Protect your licence and livelihood with clear, practical guidance.

Common mistakes we see:

- Missing a monthly service appointment.

- Recording alcohol readings (even from mouthwash or medication).

- Not realising the program has a final 4‑month “performance period” that resets if you breach the rules.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we translate the technical law into plain English, guide you step by step, and make sure you don’t get caught out by hidden traps. Our goal is simple: help you get back on the road legally, protect your independence, and reduce the stress of the process.

Queensland’s Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program is strict, and even small mistakes can mean longer restrictions, higher costs, or further licence disqualification. For anyone facing drink driving charges in Cairns or across Queensland, having the right legal advice makes the process far less stressful.

At Coral Coast Law, we help clients navigate the program with confidence by:

- Explaining your obligations clearly - breaking down the legislation in plain English so you know exactly what’s required.

- Protecting your licence - guiding you through reinstatement and helping you avoid errors that extend your interlock period.

- Preparing exemption applications -  assessing eligibility in rare cases (medical or remote location) and building strong evidence.

- Minimising disruption - planning ahead so the program impacts your work, family, and lifestyle as little as possible.

- Providing ongoing support - acting quickly if breaches, violations, or disputes with TMR arise.

The interlock program is not just a device in your car  - it is a legal condition tied to your licence. Getting it wrong can mean unnecessary delays, extra costs, and more stress.

At Coral Coast Law in Cairns, we provide clear, practical legal advice so you understand your obligations, avoid mistakes, and get back on the road legally and with confidence.