A Guide to Alcohol Interlock Laws in Ringwood, Victoria
If you have been arrested and convicted for DUI, the court may order you to install an alcohol interlock in your vehicle. Essentially, an alcohol interlock is a device that is fitted to the ignition of your vehicle and works like an electronic breath analyser. The device mandates a breath analysis before triggering ignition to determine if you are drunk or otherwise.
Visit your nearest Ringwood alcohol interlock company to get a device for your car.
When does the court order an alcohol interlock in your vehicle?
The law guiding the use of alcohol interlock has been under implementation since January 1st, 2007. When you install the device in your vehicle, discuss with the Ringwood alcohol interlock vendor about its right usage and legal requirements.
Alcohol interlock is mandatory for drivers younger than 26 years of age who have been found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ranging between 0.07 percent and 0.14 percent. This rule applies to drivers who are on probationary license as well.
Offenders above the age of 26 might also be ordered to get this device installed if their BAC is found to be between 0.07 percent and 0.149 percent. However, installation of the device is not mandatory for people over 26 years of age. Depending on the offense, the magistrate makes a decision on the necessity of an alcohol interlock.
Most people, regardless of their age, found with a BAC of above 0.15 percent need to get the device installed in their vehicles. Depending on the severity of the offense, the convicted person might have to use the alcohol interlock for a period of six months or more.
Multiple offenses
The law is stricter for second, third and subsequent offenses. For example, second offenders who are found with BAC of under 0.15 percent are imposed at least six months of Ringwood alcohol interlock. The duration of use might go up to three years if the alcohol level in blood is higher than 0.15 percent. For third time offenders or subsequent offenders, alcohol interlock might be necessary for a minimum of four years depending on the offense.
Removing alcohol interlock
You can remove the alcohol interlock only after lodging an application for removal and after a hearing before the magistrate. This process takes place six weeks before the end of the mandated term.
After the magistrate orders removal, you can take the vehicle to a Ringwood alcohol interlock company centre to get it removed. However, if your application is rejected, you need to continue using the device. You cannot appeal against the magistrate’s judgement.
When you get the device installed, make sure that you choose a reputed Ringwood alcohol interlock supplier in order to get a high quality and precise device.