Learn about the South Australian alcohol interlock service program and its rules.
A guide to the South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program
The South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program has played a large role in mitigating risk while serving as an avenue of rehabilitation for those who've made mistakes in the past. Today, we're taking a look at the rules, requirements, and eligibility criteria participants can expect.
Alcohol Ignition Devices: A Quick Definition
Alcohol ignition interlock devices, sometimes abbreviated as AIIDs, are breathalyzer systems installed in vehicles to prevent operation if the driver's blood alcohol concentration exceeds a preset limit. The South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program is one of many around the world that use these systems as a hands-off enforcement measure for individuals at risk of drunk driving.
About the South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program
Every regional government in Australia has a respective department responsible for motor vehicle safety. The Southern region is overseen by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport. It uses the current Motor Vehicles Act, 1959, as a guide in implementing and enforcing rules imposed on drivers. One of the biggest? Driving sober. Substances like alcohol significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination - all critical faculties needed for safe operation of a vehicle.
The South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program was established to address this specific concern through modern means. AIIDs work as a remote monitoring system that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. When installed, the driver must provide a breath sample before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol above the prescribed Alcohol interlock laws South Australian drivers should know (0.02% BAC), the vehicle will not start.
The program requires random retests while driving to ensure continued sobriety throughout the journey. All test results, attempts to tamper with the device, and any violations are logged and reported to authorities, creating accountability while simultaneously offering a path to rehabilitation for those with previous DUI offenses.
who is eligible?
The South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program applies to drivers who have committed what the law defines as "serious drink driving offences." These include refusing to undergo a breath or blood test when requested by authorities, registering a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher (Category 3), or recording a BAC between 0.08% and 0.149% (Category 2) within five years of a previous alcohol-related driving offense (excluding Category 1 offenses with BAC readings below 0.08%). Additionally, individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it impairs their ability to control the vehicle are also mandated to participate in the program.
Upon conviction for these offenses, eligible drivers must complete a mandatory disqualification period before they can apply for a conditional license that requires the installation of an alcohol interlock device. The duration of the interlock condition varies based on the severity of the offense and the driver's history, typically ranging from six months to three years.
Compliance Requirements and Consequences of Non-Compliance
Participants in the South Australian Alcohol Interlock Service Program must adhere to strict conditions. Breaching any of these requirements can result in severe penalties, including fines up to $2,500 and additional license disqualification periods.
Key compliance requirements include:
- Driving only your nominated vehicle that has been registered with the program
- Ensuring your vehicle is fitted with a properly functioning alcohol interlock installed by an approved provider
- Operating the vehicle strictly according to the provided instructions
- Never tampering with the interlock device or allowing others to do so
- Carrying the interlock provider's certification of proper functioning whenever driving
- Presenting this certificate to police officers upon request
- Making the vehicle available for examination by the approved provider as required
- Displaying P plates on the nominated vehicle while driving during the program period
The Alcohol Interlock Service South Australian Drivers Choose First
Affordable Interlock Systems is working to provide drivers across each state and territory in Australia up-to-date information relating to alcohol interlocks and the respective laws each jurisdiction operates under. In terms of road safety, alcohol interlock systems represent a practical tool to enforce penalties for those people who have disobeyed the law.
Our goal is to showcase the relevant information so that those people who require an alcohol interlock device for their vehicle understand their obligations under the law. If you want to learn more about other jurisdictions in the country and our offering please explore our website for more information about the program and to our network of partners.