Drivers who commit serious drink drive offences must have an alcohol interlock device fitted to their vehicle for a time equal to their disqualification. The mandatory alcohol interlock scheme applies after the disqualification period has been served.

The following offences are classified as serious drink driving offences for which the mandatory interlock scheme applies:

[Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) s 81E]

In determining whether an offence of driving with a blood alcohol reading above 0.08 (category 2 offence) is a second offence for the purposes of assessing whether the mandatory interlock scheme applies, any previous drink driving offencs (other than category 1 offences) will be taken into account but only if the previous offence was committed within the 5 year period immediately preceding the date of the category 2 offence.

The cost of fitting of the alcohol interlock device will be the responsibility of the driver but a concession scheme will be available to eligible concession card holders.

Conditions of mandatory interlock scheme

[Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA) s 81F].

Drivers required to enter into the mandatory interlock scheme are exempt from the requirement to undergo a drug or alcohol dependency assessment pursuant to section 79B of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 (SA).

Offences

It is an offence to contravene any of the conditions of the mandatory interlock scheme [s 81H].

Maximum penalty: $2500

It is an offence to assist the holder of a licence subject to the mandatory interlock scheme to contravene the conditions [s 81H].

Maximum penalty: $2500

Driving without a licence having committed a serious drink drive offence [s 74(2A)].

Maximum penalty: $5000 or 1 year imprisonment

See further: the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure's webpage and brochure on the Mandantory Alcohol Interlock Scheme.