Victoria’s Expanded Drink-Driving Interlock Program Hits TV: Video

Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has launched a new advertising campaign to build awareness of the Napthine Government’s expanded drink-driver interlock program.

Beginning on October 1, the revised program increases the penalties on convicted drink-drivers, widening the range of offences and age groups that can be forced to have a breath-testing interlock installed in their vehicle.

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The new TV advertisement, which began airing in Victoria from September 20, shows a motorist grinding through an inconvenient day made worse by the interlock system.

Stepping away from the TAC’s famous run of shock-and-awe commercials, the new ad instead sees the motorist dealing with the humiliation and frustration of having to use the interlock system.

"Ultimately, the inconvenience of having an interlock pales in comparison with the potential tragedy of drink-driving and killing or seriously injuring yourself or an innocent road user. It's simply not worth it,” TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said.

Under current laws, interlock systems must be used by offenders with a BAC of 0.15 or more, most repeat offenders and young drivers with a BAC of 0.07 or more.

From October 1, that list will grow to include:

• All probationary drivers and learner drivers regardless of their BAC;
• Other drivers who have a BAC of 0.07 to 0.15;
• Drivers with a BAC under 0.07 whose licences are cancelled, including professional drivers of buses, taxis and vehicles over 15 tonnes;
• All repeat offenders with a BAC reading under 0.07;
• Novice motorcycle riders who are subject to a zero BAC limit; and
• Serious alcohol-related offences under the Sentencing Act 1991, including first offences.

The alcohol interlock requirement will apply for at least six months after the offender regains their licence, and at least 12 months for repeat offenders.

"Alcohol interlocks help people to separate their drinking from their driving. So far the program in Victoria has already prevented people affected by alcohol from driving their vehicles 250,000 times," Victorian Transport Minister, Terry Mulder, said.

"Under the changes, it is estimated that at least 10,000 drink-drivers a year will have to fit alcohol interlocks to any vehicle they drive, a 100 per cent increase on today's numbers.”

MORE: Road Safety | Victoria | Drink Driving