Australia's alcohol interlock laws by state are not uniform. The offence that triggers the requirement, the minimum time you must spend on the programme, and the conditions for completing it all vary depending on which state or territory you were convicted in. This guide sets out the current rules for each jurisdiction as of 2026, covering all six states and two territories, so you can compare what applies where you live.
Quick Comparison: All 8 Jurisdictions at a Glance
The table below covers the key variables across every Australian state and territory. Individual state sections go into detail on triggers, exemptions and who administers each scheme.
| State/Territory | Mandatory Trigger | Minimum Period | Zero BAC Required? | Scheme Administrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Mid-range (0.08+), high-range, repeat, DUI, refusal | 12 months | Yes (0.02 device threshold) | Transport for NSW |
| VIC | All drink-driving (0.05+) since 1 Oct 2018 | 6 months | Yes (0.02 device threshold) | Transport Victoria |
| QLD | BAC 0.10+, DUI, refusal, dangerous driving while affected, repeat within 5 years | 12 months | Yes | Dept of Transport and Main Roads |
| WA | DUI, BAC 0.08+ (first offence), refusal, repeat 0.05+ within 5 years; since 24 Oct 2016 | 6 months + 180-day clean window | Yes (0.02 device threshold) | Dept of Transport and Major Infrastructure |
| SA | Serious drink-driving offences | Equal to disqualification (min 3 months) | Yes | Service SA |
| TAS | High-range, repeat | 12 months | Yes | Service Tasmania |
| ACT | All drink-driving offences | 6 months | Yes | Access Canberra |
| NT | Limited mandatory scheme; courts have broad discretion | Varies | Yes | Transport NT |
Source: State and territory transport authority websites, Austroads AP-G56 Appendix 5. As of June 2026. Verify current requirements with your state transport authority before acting.
New South Wales: Mandatory for Most Drink-Driving Offences
All NSW drivers convicted of mid-range drink-driving (BAC 0.08 to 0.149), high-range drink-driving (BAC 0.15 or above), repeat offences, driving under the influence, or refusing a breath or blood test are required to complete the Alcohol Interlock Programme. Certain dangerous driving offences involving alcohol are also captured. These orders have been mandatory since 2015 under the Road Transport Act 2013 (NSW).
The minimum interlock period is 12 months for mid-range offences, with longer periods applying for high-range and repeat convictions. A zero alcohol limit applies for the entire duration; the device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects a BAC at or above 0.02. Participants must complete a Medical Consultation Certificate with their GP at Stage 3 of the programme before the interlock condition can be removed.
Exemptions: A court may grant an exemption if you can demonstrate that you have no access to a vehicle for installation, or that a medical condition prevents you from operating the device. Exemptions are rarely granted and require evidence presented to the sentencing court.
AIS service availability: Affordable Interlock Systems provides accredited installation and servicing across NSW, including service centres in Sydney and regional locations. See our NSW Alcohol Interlock Program page for full programme details, or find your nearest service centre.
Victoria: All Drink Drivers Since 2018
Victoria operates the most inclusive scheme in Australia. Since 1 October 2018, the interlock programme applies to all drink-driving convictions where the driver's BAC is 0.05 or above. A first-time low-range offender in Victoria therefore faces a mandatory interlock requirement that would not apply in most other states.
The minimum interlock period is six months, extending to four years depending on the severity of the offence. Participants pay a government programme fee (Transport Victoria set this at $40.80 per month in 2024/2025, with a $20.40 concession rate) in addition to installation and servicing costs charged by the approved supplier. Drivers must also complete a behaviour change programme before regaining their full licence. The device blocks the vehicle if it detects a BAC at or above 0.02.
[HUMAN INPUT NEEDED: Confirm whether Affordable Interlock Systems is an approved supplier under Transport Victoria's programme and whether Victorian coverage is currently live. Update or remove the service availability note below accordingly.]
AIS service availability: Check affordableinterlocks.com.au/affordable-interlock-locations for current Victorian coverage.
Queensland: High-Risk Drink-Driving Offences
Queensland's Alcohol Ignition Interlock Programme targets what the Department of Transport and Main Roads classifies as high-risk drink-driving. You are required to participate if convicted of: driving with a BAC of 0.10 or above, driving under the influence, refusing to provide a breath or blood specimen, dangerous driving while affected by alcohol, or committing two or more drink-driving offences within five years.
The minimum period is 12 months. Your interlock condition is printed directly on your Queensland driver's licence, and a zero alcohol requirement applies throughout. Drivers who do not join the programme lose the right to drive for five years from the end of their disqualification. The Department of Transport and Main Roads also offers limited financial assistance for eligible participants who cannot meet the cost of the device. More detail on eligibility and triggers is available from the Queensland Law Handbook.
AIS service availability: Affordable Interlock Systems services Queensland interlock participants. Read about our Queensland road safety expansion for more on our presence in the state.
Western Australia: Mandatory Since October 2016
Western Australia introduced a mandatory, performance-based interlock scheme on 24 October 2016. All alcohol-related convictions since that date trigger participation, including: driving under the influence, dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm while affected by alcohol, refusing to provide a breath or blood sample, and driving with a BAC of 0.08 or above on a first offence. Repeat offenders who recorded a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 within the preceding five years are also required to participate.
WA's scheme is fully performance-based. Participants must complete a minimum restricted driving period and then demonstrate a continuous 180-day period of separation between drinking and driving immediately before exiting. An 'I' interlock condition appears on the driver's licence for the duration. Although the device is set to detect alcohol at 0.02 BAC, alcohol offenders are legally required to have zero alcohol in their system when driving. The minimum estimated total cost of the scheme runs to around $1,600 over six months, covering installation, rental, servicing and removal. Monthly in-person inspections are required; failure to attend can restart the minimum restricted period.
Exemptions: The scheme administrator may grant an exemption for drivers who live more than 150 kilometres (in a straight line) from the nearest accredited service provider, or who have a medical condition that prevents them from operating the device. Both types require a formal application on Form E3 to the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, supported by evidence from a GP or medical specialist.
AIS service availability: Affordable Interlock Systems is an accredited service provider in Western Australia. Find your nearest WA service centre at affordableinterlocks.com.au/affordable-interlock-locations.
South Australia: Period Mirrors Disqualification
South Australia requires an alcohol interlock for serious drink-driving offences, including high-range readings, repeat offending and driving under the influence. The interlock period equals the disqualification period imposed by the court, subject to a minimum of three months. The maximum interlock period for the most serious matters is 36 months. One practical distinction in SA: participants are exempt from the drug and alcohol dependency assessment that would otherwise apply before licence reinstatement. Service SA (the Department for Infrastructure and Transport) administers the scheme.
ACT, Tasmania and Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory: The ACT programme covers all drink-driving offences. The minimum period is six months, and Access Canberra administers the scheme.
Tasmania: The interlock requirement applies to high-range drink-driving and repeat offences. The minimum period is 12 months, with the programme administered by Service Tasmania.
Northern Territory: The NT operates the most discretionary system in Australia. The mandatory scheme applies to a more limited set of offences, and courts retain broad discretion for first-time lower-range matters. Transport NT administers the scheme. Geographic spread across the NT's remote regions means accredited service provider coverage is more limited than in the eastern states.
For current service centre availability across all states and territories, visit affordableinterlocks.com.au/affordable-interlock-locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are alcohol laws in Australia the same in all states?
No. Each state and territory runs its own interlock programme under separate legislation. The trigger offences, minimum programme periods and completion conditions all differ. Victoria is the most inclusive, covering all drink-driving from 0.05 BAC. The Northern Territory has the most discretionary approach, with courts retaining broad decision-making power for lower-range matters.
Can I get an interlock exemption in NSW?
A court may grant an exemption if you can prove you have no access to a vehicle for installation, or that a medical condition prevents you from operating the device. Exemptions require evidence at sentencing and are rarely granted. Early removal from the programme (separate from an exemption) is possible in limited circumstances and requires application through your service provider.
Who is exempt from alcohol interlock in WA?
In WA, exemptions are available on two grounds: living more than 150 kilometres from the nearest accredited service provider (measured in a straight line), or a medical condition that prevents you from operating the device. Both types require a formal application on Form E3 to the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, with supporting documentation from a GP or medical specialist.
What is the interlock condition in Queensland?
The interlock condition is a licence endorsement printed on your Queensland driver's licence following conviction. It means you can only drive a vehicle fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device during your programme period. A zero alcohol requirement applies throughout; the condition remains until the Department of Transport and Main Roads confirms you have met all completion criteria.
What is the 20-minute rule for alcohol testing on an interlock device?
After consuming alcohol, residual ethanol can remain in the mouth for up to 20 minutes and can trigger a reading on the interlock even when your blood alcohol level is zero. Most approved devices require a waiting period of at least 20 minutes after any alcohol consumption before you provide a breath sample to start the vehicle. Following this rule protects your programme record from unnecessary violation events.
Which state has the strictest alcohol interlock laws in Australia?
By breadth of coverage, Victoria applies its programme to the widest group of offenders; all drink-drivers recording a BAC of 0.05 or above have faced a mandatory interlock since 1 October 2018, including first-time low-range offenders. WA and NSW operate the most structured performance-based schemes, with defined clean-driving windows and staged completion requirements.
Find an Accredited Interlock Service Centre in Your State
Alcohol interlock laws differ across Australia, but the obligation is consistent: you must use an accredited service provider for installation, monthly servicing and removal. Affordable Interlock Systems serves participants in NSW, QLD and WA with accredited installation and ongoing programme support.
Find your nearest Affordable Interlock Systems service centre at affordableinterlocks.com.au/affordable-interlock-locations.
