Getting started
The Alcohol Interlock Program is a government or road authority requirement for certain drink-driving offences. It helps eligible drivers return to the road by requiring them to drive only vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device.
An alcohol interlock device requires a clean (zero-alcohol) breath sample to start the vehicle. The device also records breath test results, missed tests, failed tests and other events to support compliance with the program.
Dräger is an approved alcohol interlock devices supplier and works with authorised installers to support participants through installation, servicing and removal.
Alcohol interlock rules are set by the relevant road authority in each state, territory or country.
These rules can include who must participate, how long the interlock period lasts, what licence conditions apply, and what is required to complete the program.
Dräger does not set the program rules or licence conditions. We help participants install, service and manage an approved interlock device in line with the requirements of their local program.
You may need an alcohol interlock to regain or keep your licence if a court, road authority or licensing authority has ordered you to participate in an Alcohol Interlock Program.
If you are placed on an interlock licence condition, you are only allowed to drive vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device. Check the requirements for your state, territory or country before booking an installation.
You can book an alcohol interlock installation by completing our form, contacting Dräger, or using our interactive map to find an authorised installer near you.
Dräger can help you:
- understand the next steps for booking an installation;
- request a cost estimate;
- find your nearest authorised installer;
- schedule an installation appointment; and
- answer questions about the Dräger Interlock device and service process.
Before booking your alcohol interlock installation, check the requirements for your local Alcohol Interlock Program. The information needed can vary by state, territory or country. For program-specific requirements, select the page that applies to you:
Device basics
An alcohol interlock device is a breath alcohol testing device connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. Before the vehicle can start, the driver must provide a breath sample into the device. If the breath sample is below the programmed alcohol threshold, the vehicle can be started. If alcohol is detected above the programmed threshold, the vehicle will not start.
The Dräger Interlock is an alcohol ignition interlock device used to support participants in alcohol interlock programs. It records breath test results, missed tests, failed tests and other events required for program compliance.
The programmed alcohol threshold depends on the requirements of the alcohol interlock program in your state, territory or country.
In Australia, the programmed threshold is generally 0.020% BAC. In New Zealand, the programmed threshold is generally 100 µg/L breath alcohol.
Always follow the conditions that apply to your licence and local program.
No. The alcohol interlock will not shut off the engine or stop the vehicle while you are driving. The device is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected above the programmed threshold.
If a rolling retest is missed or failed while driving, the vehicle will not stop. In some programs, the horn may sound and the lights or hazard lights may flash until the ignition is turned off. This feature only applies in certain state or legislative programs.
If this happens, stay calm and pull over safely when it is safe to do so.
A rolling retest, also called a rolling test, is a breath test requested by the alcohol interlock device after the vehicle has been started. Rolling retests help confirm that the driver remains alcohol-free during the journey.
When the Dräger Interlock requests a rolling retest, pull over safely before providing the breath sample. Do not attempt to complete a breath test while driving if it is unsafe to do so.
In some state programs, where the interlock is connected to the vehicle horn and lights or hazard lights, a missed or failed retest may cause the horn to sound and the lights to flash. If this happens, pull over safely and turn off the vehicle to deactivate the horn and lights.
Depending on your program requirements, a missed or failed rolling retest may also trigger a temporary lockout period. Once the lockout period has expired, you will be able to provide another breath sample.
Always check the Interlock display before leaving the vehicle. If a retest is requested when you reach your destination, you must provide the breath sample before turning off the vehicle. Turning off the vehicle before completing a requested retest may be recorded as a missed or refused test.
Missed, failed or refused rolling retests may be recorded as program violations.
The Dräger Interlock uses minimal vehicle battery power. Battery issues are more likely to occur if the vehicle already has an electrical problem, such as a faulty alternator, an old battery or a defective battery.
If your vehicle is not driven regularly, or if you notice battery problems after installation, contact your service centre for advice.
Yes. Dräger offers a Theft Protection Plan for the Dräger Interlock. This plan covers replacement of the device in the event of theft or damage caused by vandalism.
The Theft Protection Plan is optional and is available for an additional monthly fee.
Yes. You may be able to purchase a new Dräger Interlock after completing your alcohol interlock program.
For more information, contact Dräger on 1300 780 689 in Australia or 0800 372 437 in New Zealand.
Costs and payments
The cost of an alcohol interlock can vary depending on your vehicle, your location and the requirements of your alcohol interlock program.
Installation costs may depend on the vehicle make, model and year of manufacture. Some vehicles require more complex wiring, and some state or territory programs may require additional connections to the vehicle horn, lights or hazard lights.
Dräger provides alcohol interlock devices on a monthly rental basis. The monthly rental fee includes the regular scheduled services required under the program.
A concession may be available for eligible participants.
For indicative costs, please visit the program page that applies to you:
A detailed quote will be provided by your selected Dräger-approved installer or service agent when you book your appointment.
The Dräger Interlock is provided on a monthly rental basis. The monthly rental fee includes use of the alcohol interlock device and standard scheduled servicing required by your local alcohol interlock program.
Service frequency varies by state, territory or country. Depending on your program requirements, scheduled servicing may be required monthly, every two months, quarterly or at another approved interval.
Additional fees may apply for non-standard services, missed appointments, call-outs, lockouts, resets, early recalls or program-related violations.
Yes. Extra fees may apply if you miss an appointment, require a call-out, need a lockout reset, or have a program violation that results in an early service or recall.
Following your program requirements, attending scheduled service appointments and responding to retest requests can help reduce the risk of additional fees.
Installation and vehicle rules
Yes. You may be able to have an approved alcohol interlock installed in more than one vehicle during your program.
If you have an interlock licence condition, you can only drive vehicles fitted with an approved and correctly configured alcohol interlock device. Each vehicle must be installed, configured and linked to your participant profile by a Dräger-approved installer or service agent.
You should not install or purchase a separate interlock device outside the approved program process. Devices used in the program must be approved, configured and able to provide the required data to the relevant authority.
Monthly rental fees, scheduled servicing and other applicable fees apply to each vehicle fitted with an interlock device.
If you change vehicles during the program, contact Dräger or your approved Interlock agent to arrange a removal and installation appointment.
The device must be removed from the previous vehicle and installed in the new vehicle by an approved installer. The service agent will also update your vehicle details in the system so the correct vehicle and device information is recorded for your program.
A vehicle change fee may apply. Additional labour charges may also apply depending on the vehicle type and wiring complexity.
The Dräger Interlock may be suitable for motorcycles, trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles, depending on the vehicle and the requirements of your local alcohol interlock program.
The Dräger Interlock must be installed by a trained and approved installer. When installed correctly, the device is designed to operate with the vehicle’s ignition system without damaging the vehicle.
If you have concerns about your vehicle type, wiring or interior finish, discuss them with your installer before the installation appointment.
If you move or travel interstate during your alcohol interlock program, contact Dräger as early as possible. We can help check whether there is a suitable Dräger service location for your device.
An interstate service fee may apply.
If you are moving interstate, you may also need to contact the relevant road authority or licensing authority to confirm how your alcohol interlock program will be managed.
If your interlock-equipped vehicle needs mechanical repairs, tell the mechanic or repairer that the vehicle has an alcohol interlock installed before any work begins.
You should also provide a clean mouthpiece in case the repairer needs to start the vehicle while it is in their care.
If the repair work requires the battery to be disconnected, or if the vehicle may be without power, contact Dräger before the work is carried out. Battery disconnection, loss of power or interference with the device may be recorded by the interlock and could affect your program record.
Keep all repair receipts and service records. These may help show that the vehicle was with a mechanic or repairer if a device event is recorded during that time.
In some programs, a mechanic may be able to request a bypass code or follow an approved repair process. Conditions apply. For advice before repairs, contact Dräger on 1300 780 689.
Using the device day-to-day
If the driver does not intend to start or drive the vehicle, refusing or not completing an initial breath test is generally not recorded as a program breach.
For example, if you only need to turn on the radio, open the windows or access the vehicle, an initial breath test is not required unless you intend to start the vehicle.
If alcohol is detected during an initial breath test, the vehicle will not start and a temporary lockout will be activated.
A countdown will appear on the Dräger Interlock display showing the time remaining before another breath test can be provided.
No. An insufficient breath sample does not normally result in a program breach.
If the breath sample is not sufficient, the Dräger Interlock will ask you to provide another breath sample. This may happen if you do not provide enough air or do not complete the required breath technique correctly.
Yes. Alcohol-based liquids, food, medicine or mouthwash may affect the breath test result if used shortly before providing a breath sample.
The Dräger Interlock is designed to differentiate between mouth alcohol and breath alcohol, helping reduce the likelihood of false or unexpected readings caused by residual alcohol in the mouth. However, mouth alcohol can still affect the test result if alcohol-based products are used too close to the breath test.
Wait at least 15 minutes after eating, drinking, smoking, consuming alcohol, using mouthwash or using alcohol-based products before using the alcohol interlock. It is also recommended to rinse your mouth with water before providing a breath sample.
This helps reduce the risk of mouth alcohol influencing the result.
Yes. Alcohol-based products used in or near the vehicle may affect the alcohol interlock reading.
To reduce the risk of an affected reading, avoid using alcohol-based hygiene products, sprays, perfumes, colognes or air fresheners inside the vehicle before providing a breath sample.
If alcohol-based products have been used in the vehicle, open the windows, air out the vehicle and wait at least 15 minutes before using the interlock.
Each driver should use their own mouthpiece and avoid sharing it with another person.
It is recommended to replace the mouthpiece regularly, at least once a month, or sooner if it becomes dirty, damaged or unhygienic.
Dräger Interlock 7x00 mouthpieces are biodegradable and can be washed, boiled or placed in the dishwasher before reuse.
To clean the Dräger Interlock handset:
- Remove the mouthpiece.
- Wipe the handset with a disposable ethanol-based alcohol wipe only.
- Do not use cleaning wipes that contain other chemicals, including common products such as Lysol® or Clorox®, as these may damage critical parts of the Dräger Interlock.
- Make sure no liquid enters the gas inlet hole.
- Leave the handset to dry in open air for at least 15 minutes.
- Reinsert the mouthpiece after the minimum 15-minute drying period, or before starting your next drive.
It is recommended to clean the Dräger Interlock handset regularly, especially after another person has used your vehicle.
Regular cleaning helps keep the handset hygienic and ready for the next breath test.
Servicing and compliance
Alcohol interlocks used in mandated programs require regular scheduled servicing. Service frequency varies depending on the requirements of your state, territory or country.
At each scheduled service, the service agent downloads the device data and submits the required information to the relevant authority. This data helps monitor your progress through the program and identify any events that may need attention.
The service agent also checks the device functionality and confirms that the interlock is operating in line with program requirements.
Depending on your local program, servicing may be required monthly, every two months, quarterly or at another approved interval. For program-specific information, select the page that applies to you:
The Dräger Interlock display will show a regular service message 7 days before your scheduled service date. You are also given a 7-day grace period after the service date.
If the device enters violation mode, the display will show the number of days remaining before the device enters lockout. In this situation, you must attend a Dräger-approved service centre within the time shown on the display.
If the device enters permanent lockout, the vehicle will not start until the interlock has been serviced.
If you miss a scheduled service appointment, the Dräger Interlock display will count down the number of days before permanent lockout occurs.
If the service reminder is ignored and the device enters permanent lockout, you will not be able to start the vehicle until the alcohol interlock is serviced.
You may need to request a service unlock code or have the vehicle towed to a Dräger-approved service centre. These options are at your own expense.
To avoid additional costs or lockout, book and attend your scheduled service appointments on time.
Other drivers and shared vehicles
Yes. Other licensed drivers may drive a vehicle fitted with an alcohol interlock, but they must know how to use the device before driving.
Any person driving the vehicle must provide a successful breath sample to start the vehicle and must complete any rolling retests requested during the trip.
The alcohol interlock participant is responsible for all events recorded by the device. Failed tests, missed retests, high alcohol readings or other recorded violations may affect the participant’s program progress, even if another person was driving at the time.
No. If you have an interlock condition on your licence and are participating in an Alcohol Interlock Program, you must only drive vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device.
End of program and removal
You can have the alcohol interlock removed after you complete the program and receive approval from the relevant authority.
Before booking your removal appointment, make sure you have the required approval or completion documentation. You will need to present this to your Dräger-approved service agent before the device can be removed.
The service agent will remove the device, update your information in the system and complete the required final steps for your program.
At the final appointment, the service agent will download any remaining data from the alcohol interlock device and submit the required information to the relevant authority, where required by the program.
The service agent will then remove the device from the vehicle and update the device and vehicle information in the system.
Yes, the alcohol interlock can be removed before you complete the program, but this is treated as an unauthorised removal.
If the device is removed early, your alcohol interlock program will remain incomplete and the interlock condition may remain on your licence. You may not be able to drive until you meet the requirements set by the relevant authority.
Additional removal, reinstallation or program-related fees may apply if you resume the program later.
Before requesting an early removal, contact Dräger or your relevant road authority to understand how this may affect your program progress and licence conditions.
Data and privacy
Dräger complies with all relevant privacy laws. Your data may be disclosed to authorised parties, such as government authorities, where required or permitted. For further information, please refer to Dräger’s Data Protection Policy.
Useful links
—Alcohol Interlock Program
Get in touch with Dräger
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