At a glance
In certain circumstances, drivers are required to install and use an alcohol interlock. How does it work?
According to the Federal Police, in 2022, 1 in 8 drivers was under the influence of alcohol in a car accident. Over ten years, the number of road accidents involving alcohol has more than doubled. A frightening trend. The measures used to bring these figures down are well known to everyone: police breathalyser checks and heavy fines for offenders. In some cases, a judge can also impose an alcohol interlock (also known as an alcolock). How does this system work? Our blogger Alain Dierckx explains.
What is an alcohol interlock?
An alcohol interlock is a small device connected to your car's starter. The driver must blow into the interlock's mouthpiece so that the device can measure the amount of alcohol in their breath. If this amount is higher than 0.2‰, the car will not start. If the amount is lower than 0.2‰, the car starts, but while driving, the interlock will ask the driver to take a new test, to make sure the driver has remained sober while driving. The first test is requested 5 to 10 minutes after starting the vehicle. Subsequent tests are requested between 15 and 45 minutes after starting.
When is an alcohol interlock imposed?
The installation of an alcohol interlock is decided by a judge. This decision complements other measures such as heavy fines, the obligation to retake the driving test, and the withdrawal of the driving licence. An alcohol interlock can be imposed from 0.8‰ and its cost must be paid by the offender. Its installation is mandatory from 1.8‰ and from two offences of 1.2‰ for serious repeat offenders. The sanctioned driver must complete a support programme. You can find more information on this on the Vias website.
Where can you buy an alcohol interlock?
This federal government website provides information on the approved centres where you can obtain an interlock. These centres can give you an initial explanation.
What support programme must you follow if you are sanctioned?
- You receive training on the effects of alcohol.
- You undergo technical training through a service institution to learn how to use the interlock.
- You are regularly asked to upload your interlock's data via an app.
- This data forms the basis for follow-up interviews, which take place regularly and during which your interlock's data is analysed and discussed.
How long does an alcohol interlock stay in your car?
The duration is set by court decision and can range from 1 to 5 years, or even for life. No exceptions are made for professional drivers.
What does an alcohol interlock cost?
You can rent or buy an interlock. The price depends on the manufacturer and any accessories, but is around €3,000. This price includes the technical monitoring of the device, but you must pay separately for participation in the support programme, at a cost of €1,100 per year. Any additional actions must be paid for separately. You can also buy second-hand interlocks, but these devices must always be recalibrated.
What happens if you try to misuse the interlock?
If you fail to upload your interlock's data, your vehicle's engine will stall.
If you fail breath tests while driving, this will be recorded by the device and reported during follow-up interviews.
Tip: there are many types of breathalysers you can use in your vehicle to preventively check your blood alcohol level. These breathalysers can be bought online on several websites and cost between 10 and 650 euros.
Either way, the best advice is not to drink alcohol if you want to get behind the wheel!
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