Victorian drink drivers forced to use interlock in new changes
All motorists convicted of drink driving will have to use an interlock device, under a crackdown by the Andrews Labor Government. (John Giles/PA Wire)
All Victorian drink drivers will automatically lose their licence and have an interlock device fitted to their car for at least six months under changes soon to be introduced.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan hopes the major assault on drink drivers - which will see licences cancelled and interlock devices fitted for anyone who blows .05 rather than .07 - will reduce deaths on the state's roads.
Interlock devices stop cars from being started unless the driver passes a breath test.
It also records the number of times offenders have tried to start their car while under the influence of alcohol.
"It is a continual reminder to those that drink drive, that they've been idiots, to put it mildly," Mr Donnellan told 3AW on Friday.
The changes were first flagged by the former coalition government in May 2014 to be rolled out in stages.
The current Labor government therefore expects the necessary legislation will be passed quickly with bipartisan support.
All costs for the fitting, maintenance and removal of interlocks will be covered by the offender.
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