The alcohol lock explained

In this article, our experts delve deeper into the regulations surrounding alcohol interlocks. They'll discuss what an alcohol interlock is, when it can be mandated, and when it should be mandatory.

What is an alcohol lock?

An alcohol interlock is a device connected to a vehicle's starter motor. Before the vehicle can be started, a breath must be blown into the interlock. The device then measures the alcohol content of the exhaled breath. If the breath test shows a blood alcohol content of 0.2 per mille, the vehicle will not start. If the alcohol content is lower, the vehicle will start. The interlock monitors how often and when the breath is blown into the device. It also tracks the different alcohol levels registered.

The alcohol interlock can be installed voluntarily, but can also be imposed by a court, which must make it mandatory in certain circumstances. Once a conviction for an alcohol interlock is final, the convicted person is prohibited (for the period specified in the sentence) from driving a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an alcohol interlock.

When can an alcohol lock be imposed?

Judges can impose an alcohol interlock on drivers caught with a blood alcohol content between 0.8 and 1.7 per mille. When these drivers appear in court, the judge can choose whether or not to impose an alcohol interlock.

If the court wishes to limit the duration of the alcohol interlock, it can impose a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. The alcohol interlock can also be imposed for life.

When is an alcohol lock mandatory?

Courts are required to impose an alcohol interlock on people caught in traffic with a blood alcohol content of at least 1.8 per mille, unless it is a first offense and the ruling explicitly states why an alcohol interlock is not imposed.

Even if a driver has previous convictions related to alcohol behind the wheel and is subsequently caught again with a blood alcohol content of at least 1.2 per mille, the court must order an alcohol interlock. In that case, the court cannot deviate from this obligation by providing explicit reasons.

In all cases, the court can decide to limit the alcohol interlock to certain categories of motor vehicles. However, if an alcohol interlock is imposed, it must be prescribed for the category of vehicle in which the offense was committed.