Why Smart Start Interlocks
At Smart Start Interlocks Australia, we help you get back on the road with safe and reliable interlock solutions. We’re one of the largest providers of alcohol ignition interlock services in Australia, with over 15 years of experience helping drivers through their interlock programs.
We understand that driving is an essential part of everyday life for most Aussies. That’s why our service revolves around getting drivers back on the road quickly at an affordable price.
How we support Australian drivers every step of the way
- Over 130 service centres nationwide, making it easy to find a location that suits your schedule
- 24/7 support line — expect prompt assistance anytime, anywhere
- Approved alcohol ignition interlock provider for programs in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia
- Trained and certified technicians at every service location
- Alcohol Ignition interlock devices made in Texas and certified to Australian and CENELEC European Standards
- Reliable, accurate and easy to use equipment
- Experienced customer service staff based in our Melbourne Support Centre
- Options available for both commercial and voluntary alcohol interlocks
- Compatible with cars, motorbikes, heavy vehicles and commercial vehicles
Get back on the road with Smart Start Interlocks Australia
The Smart Start experienced team will assist with every step of your mandatory interlock program, making the process smooth and stress-free. With expert program knowledge, 24/7 assistance and car ignition interlock devices trusted across Australia, you can get back behind the wheel with confidence. For any enquiries, contact us, or book your installation service to get started.
FAQs
An alcohol ignition interlock device is a small in-car breath testing unit that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver’s breath. It is designed to support safer driving and help people meet legal or program requirements while regaining their full licence.
Before the car starts, the driver provides a breath sample into the alcohol ignition interlock. If the device detects a zero or an acceptable alcohol reading, the engine will start. If the reading is above 0.02 BAC is recorded, the system will lock you out for five minutes before allowing another test. You then have a set amount of time dependant on your state to complete a successful retest. Failing or missing this retest is recorded as a program violation.
You may need an alcohol ignition interlock device if it has been ordered by a court or licensing authority as part of your offence program. It helps demonstrates responsible driving behaviour and supports your return to unrestricted driving.
The length of time you need to drive with an alcohol ignition interlock device depends on your program and state or territory where you are licensed. In most cases, the minimum period is 12 months. To have the interlock condition removed, you must not record any violations in the final six months of your program. Any breaches may lead to an extension of your interlock period.
If you fail or miss a rolling retest with a BAC reading above 0.02, it is considered a violation. The device will activate warning lights and a horn alarm to alert you. You have 10 minutes to provide a successful retest to stop the alarm. If you fail or miss this retest, the alarm will continue until the engine is off and the incident will be recorded as a program violation.