Do you need fast set up and interlock install? phone iconCALL US ON 0800 002 182

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Need an interlock?

We'll get you sorted.

Call us to apply (we answer within a minute)

phone icon0800 002 182 Or apply online and we'll be in touch!
100% Kiwi-owned and operated.

Started by a small team of Kiwis back in 2005, 100% NZ-based.

Friendly, down-to-earth support.

We have a team of Kiwis that understand the whole process of the interlock sentence. We go out of our way to help all our clients through the interlock programme. We look forward to talking!

Largest interlock installer coverage, NZ-wide.

From Kaitaia to Invercargill, we have the largest coverage of interlock installers. No matter where you live, we will have an interlock installer close to you!

Most popular interlock provider in NZ.

Since 2013 we have installed over 10,000 interlocks in vehicles. People choose Smart Start Interlocks because we make it easy.

We save you money.

We make sure everything is well explained throughout the entire interlock programme. It's very important you understand what you can and can't do to prevent accidental violations.

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Here's who we are

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Interlock Installers

Extensive network of service centres throughout NZ to make the installation and servicing of your interlock easy, no need to travel long distances.

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Approved Technology

Trusted brand, made in USA. Approved by NZTA for the New Zealand interlock programme, used in more than 1,800 locations worldwide.

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Friendly, Supportive Advice

7am - 5pm toll free helpline. Confused about how the programme works or what an interlock is? Call us for fast, friendly help.

Call Us On phone icon0800 002 182

How to Use Your Interlock

Frequently Asked Questions

Any Questions? We're here to help.

faq questions How do I go about getting an interlock device installed?

Call us on 0800 002 182 to get set up in our system, this will take about 5-10 minutes.

We’ll collect your details and arrange a time to get your interlock installed at your nearest service centre.

Typically we can get an alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle within 1–2 days.

We look forward to talking with you!

faq questions What is an alcohol ignition interlock?

An alcohol interlock is a breathalyser which is wired into your car’s ignition which records every start, stop, test result, violation, km’s driven etc which is then available as a report for authorities to view.

Before you start your vehicle you will need to provide an alcohol free breath sample.

Once you have passed the test you can then start your vehicle.

While you are driving your interlock will call for random tests which must be taken, otherwise this is classed as a violation.

Each month you need to take your vehicle back to a service centre to get the data downloaded and the interlock calibrated, this takes about 15 minutes, monthly payment is made at the time of the service.

faq questions How do I know if I am okay to drive the morning after drinking?

The only real way of knowing is to test yourself on an accurate personal breathalyser.

This is useful to check your alcohol level BEFORE you blow into your interlock, potentially causing a violation.

Don’t use your interlock device as a tool to test yourself so you know what you alcohol level is, this will be recorded as a violation which may potentially extend the length of time you have your interlock installed.

faq questions How much will an interlock cost me?

If you’re eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy it will only cost you $149 per month to lease an interlock. The alcohol interlock subsidy covers the cost of your alcohol interlock licence, installation, $50 per month towards the monthly lease, removal and your zero alcohol licence at the end of the programme.

If you are not eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy, the standard pricing is $199 per month. You’ll also have to pay for the initial installation, and removal at the end of the programme.

When you get your interlock installed you pay the installation fee and your first monthly lease to the service centre that does your interlock install.

Additional fees may apply if you do not adhere to the requirements.

Please call us on 0800 002 182 to discuss.

faq questions Can I start my vehicle without taking a test?

No, your vehicle will not start without a test.

faq questions What will interlock look like in my vehicle?

The interlock device will look very similar to a breathalyser except it is attached to your vehicle.

It is roughly the size of your hand and can either be mounted on a clip on your dashboard or stored near your gear lever.

It does not need to be visible to anyone outside your vehicle.

faq questions Will installation of the interlock device damage the vehicle?

No. The unit is only connected to the wiring under the dash and under the bonnet.

At the end of the programme, this wiring is restored to pre-installation conditions.

Other Alcohol Monitoring Options

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Smart Mobile

Smart Mobile is a remote alcohol monitoring device with a built-in camera and cellular modem. It is designed to monitor sobriety and immediately notify stakeholders of any missed or failed tests.

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Lifeloc FC10 Police Grade Breathalyser

The Lifeloc FC10 is a top-quality breathalyser that is the perfect choice for anyone wanting an accurate and durable breathalyser that will last a very long time.

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AF-35C Personal Breathalyser

The AF-35C is a good-quality personal breathalyser that is the perfect choice for an individual who wants to be able to check to see if they’re safe to drive before starting their vehicle.

We've installed over 10,000 interlocks in the last decade.

. - Here's what some of our users say
Zero alcohol licence.
  • Having a zero alcohol licence means you don’t need to have an interlock installed, but you’re legally unable to drive with any alcohol on your breath (just like an under-20 driver).
  • The zero alcohol licence term is three years. After three years, go to a licencing agency to apply for your normal licence back!
Exit the programme.
  • After the interlock has been installed for 12 months, you can apply to exit the programme.
  • NZTA (Waka Kotahi) will review the final six months of your data.
  • You’ll receive an email from them with approval or denial, based on your interlock data.
  • If it’s approved, congratulations! You can go to any licencing agency to get your zero alcohol licence.
  • If your application is denied, NZTA will extend your time on the interlock and provide you with a future date you can apply again.
Get the interlock installed.
  • Drop your car at the service centre on the day of your install appointment. The install generally takes an hour or so.
  • If you’re on an interlock licence, you’re legally unable to drive with an interlock installed, even if you’re dropping the vehicle off at the installer.
  •  When you collect the vehicle, you’ll pay your install fee and receive training on how to use the interlock.
  • This is the first day of the 12-month sentence. Every month, bring the vehicle back to any of our service centres for the monthly service.
Contact us to book your install.
  • Call us on 0800 002 182 or fill out our online form (linked).
  • We’ll take down your details, get a photo of your licence and make a booking with one of our approved installers (linked).
  • We book the install appointment with your installer, so you don’t need to contact them directly.
Get your interlock licence.
  • An alcohol interlock licence costs you $31.30. If you hold a community services card, this cost is covered by the interlock subsidy.
  • You can get your licence from most AA’s and VTNZ’s. Visit this link to find your closest agency: Licencing agencies.
  • Bring ID, and your community services card if you have one.
  • You’ll receive a temporary paper licence and a pink DL8 form. Make sure to hold on to both of these.
Wait for your disqualification to end.
  • The Court date is the first day of the 28-day disqualification.
  • Four weeks (28 days) after this date, you can apply for your alcohol interlock licence.
  •  If your disqualification was backdated, you can get apply for your new licence straight out of Court.
Receive an interlock sentence from the Court.
  • If you blow over 800 on a police breathalyser, or over 400 twice in five years, you’re going to receive an alcohol interlock sentence.
  • After the offence, your licence will be revoked for 28 days and you’ll be given a Court date for sentencing.
  • At Court, you’ll receive a further 28-day disqualification before you can apply for your licence. This disqualification is sometimes backdated.