Given the mendacity and ingenuity of Canberra’s drink drivers (not to mention the example set by our politicians and the judiciary) we don’t think alcohol interlocks will make much difference.
But Simon Corbell is sending forth word that his Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (No 2) has passed the fastest legislature in the West.
Alcohol ignition interlocks will be fitted to the vehicles of repeat and high range drink drivers in the Territory, under reforms to drink driving laws passed today, Attorney General Simon Corbell said today.
The Road Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 (No 2), which was passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly today, establishes an alcohol interlock program for high-risk drink driving offenders.
An alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test device that prevents a vehicle from operating, or continuing to operate, if the driver has a specified concentration of alcohol in his or her breath.
“There is considerable research to show that alcohol ignition interlocks are effective in reducing drink driving, particularly by the habitual or high range offenders targeted by these new laws,” Mr Corbell said.
Interlocks will be mandatory for all drivers convicted of having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher, three times the legal limit.
Interlocks will also be required for all repeat offenders who have been convicted or found guilty three or more times of drink driving offences in the previous five years, who apply for a probationary driver licence after serving at least half of their licence disqualification period.
While participating in the interlock program, drivers will be required to maintain a zero BAC at all times while driving, enforced by the interlock, for a period of at least six months.
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