Half of motorists advocate for mandatory ignition interlock devices (alcolocks) as a means to combat impaired driving.

Drinking and driving continues to be a major concern on roads, with over half of motorists wanting to see alcolocks installed in cars as a way to prevent repeat offenders. These devices, also known as ignition locks, require a breath sample from the driver to ensure there's no alcohol in their system before the vehicle can be started.

According to the RAC, 53% of drivers polled are in favor of courts mandating alcolocks for anyone convicted of drink-driving. This call comes after data from the DVLA showed that 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences in the past 11 years.

While there's much support for this interventionist approach, not everyone agrees. 23% of motorists surveyed by the RAC don't think alcolocks would reduce drink-driving, while another 23% are unsure about the idea. However, most drivers agree that something needs to be done to stop drink-driving, with three-quarters wanting more effort to reduce the number of people driving over the limit.

The use of alcolocks is nothing new, with countries like Australia, Belgium, and parts of the US already using them. In some cases, the fitting and cost are the responsibility of the offender, but in cases of financial hardship, the state may cover the cost. The EU has also introduced new rules requiring all new cars sold in the EU to be prepared to have an alcolock fitted.

Seat is among the car manufacturers that have already showcased how alcolocks can be installed in new models. While some may see it as a soft option, experience from other countries suggests otherwise. As Williams from the RAC put it, "Simply banning habitual drink-drivers doesn't seem to be the answer, as all too often they just get behind the wheel again anyway."

What are Alcolocks?

Alcolocks or alcohol-interlocks are breathalyzers fitted to a car's ignition system. The driver has to provide an alcohol-free breath sample to start the engine. If alcohol is detected, the engine won't start.

In various countries that use alcolocks, drink-drivers are often banned for a short time and allowed to drive again once they have an alcohol-interlock fitted to their vehicle for a set period, usually a year. New Zealand removes the device after 12 months if the offender has had no instances of alcohol in their recorded breath tests during the last six months.

Those that test positive have to keep the device until they have six months of tests with zero alcohol. They are then issued a zero-alcohol driving license for three years. If they are found to drive with any alcohol in their system, they can be charged with drink-driving and face disqualification.

In the UK, when asked about this idea, two-thirds of respondents were supportive, 15% were against, and a fifth were undecided. The RAC hopes the Government will consider this approach in its upcoming road safety strategy.

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Which Countries Already Use Alcolocks?

Alcolocks are used in countries like Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and many parts of the US. In these countries, drink-drivers are often banned for a short time and can drive again if an alcohol-interlock is fitted to their car for a set period. Offenders can keep the device until they have six months of tests with zero alcohol. They are then issued a zero-alcohol driving license for three years. If they are found to drive with any alcohol in their system, they can be charged with drink-driving and disqualified.

In the UK, over two-thirds of respondents have expressed support for the use of alcolocks, a device that requires a breath sample to ensure there's no alcohol in the driver's system, as a means of preventing drink-driving. This approach is not unprecedented, as it's already implemented in countries such as Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and various parts of the US, where offenders may be required to keep the device until they have six months of tests with zero alcohol before obtaining a zero-alcohol driving license.

Half of motorists advocate for mandatory ignition interlock devices (alcolocks) as a means to combat impaired driving.