For many drink driving convictions, getting your licence back means an alcohol interlock in your car. How long it runs, and whether you can avoid it, depends on decisions made at court and after. Talk to Joseph Rahim about where you stand.
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An alcohol interlock is a breath tester wired into your car’s ignition. The car will not start unless you blow under the limit. If you are an interlock driver, that is the only way you can legally drive.
If you are granted a work licence for a reading of 0.10 or more, the interlock comes with it, fitted to any car you drive.
People work hard for a work licence and are then caught out by the interlock cost on top, so plan for both from the start.
Pick the one closest to your situation and a chat opens with it already said. No forms, and you can call instead at any time.
If your disqualification ended on or after 9 September 2021, you are on the performance based program.
The clock starts only once you hold a licence with the interlock condition and have a device fitted. Delays here make the whole thing longer.
The first eight months of the minimum twelve month program.
The final four months. This period restarts every time the device detects alcohol, or you are locked out for missing a service.
You need to have done the twelve months, had your interlock data checked, and completed the repeat drink driving course if you were told to.
Exemptions exist, but the grounds are narrow. The Queensland Government lists four.
You can apply up to six weeks before your disqualification ends, once the program has started, or straight away if a court has given you a restricted licence. If you are granted one, carry the certificate with you.
If you do not take part, you cannot drive for five years from the end of your disqualification, or from the day you were issued a work licence. Waiting it out is usually worse than it sounds.
If you are under an interlock condition, driving a car that does not have a device fitted is a separate offence in its own right, so even a short trip is not worth the risk.
Joseph Rahim, Principal. LLB (First Class Honours), Grad Dip LP. Member, Queensland Law Society. About Joseph
When you call Coral Coast Law, you speak with Joseph Rahim, and he handles your matter himself.
A minimum of twelve months on the performance based program, longer if the final four month period restarts.
Once you hold a licence with the interlock condition and have a device fitted, not when your disqualification ends.
You pay for the fitting, rental, servicing and removal. Financial assistance is available if you meet the Queensland Government’s income and asset limits.
Not on its own. Work, study or money problems are not grounds for an exemption.
You cannot drive for five years from the end of your disqualification.
Yes. It is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.
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0447 028 080This page is general information about Queensland law. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts, so speak with us about yours.
