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

nz owned logo

Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices

Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices are installed in vehicles to prevent their engines from being started until an alcohol-free breath sample is provided.

SSI-20/20™

Our interlocks are certified to Australian / New Zealand standards.

SSI-20/20™

The Smart Start 20/20 has been designed with user experience at the forefront.

Safety, reliability and ease of use have made this our most commonly used interlock device in New Zealand. Everything from the large keypad, ergonomic grip design, and remote unlocking options have been engineered to fit seamlessly into your everyday driving routine.

Features

  • Simple straightforward breath testing
  • Remote unlocking options
  • Ergonomic with its comfort grip design
  • Backlit screen for easy reading
  • Large keypad allows you to navigate the functions of the device with ease, such as accessing status updates and remote unlocking
  • Used fuel cell technology, the same technology as police breathalysers

HOW IT WORKS

Download our user manual which contains the answers to many common questions.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS INVOLVED TO GET AN INTERLOCK INSTALLED?

STEP 1

CALL

When you call we’ll set you up on the programme, find out if you’re eligible for the interlock subsidy and answer any other questions that you might have.


We make it very quick and easy to get an interlock installed! 

STEP 2

EMAIL

Once you’ve got your interlock licence, email a copy of it to info@smartstartinterlocks.co.nz or send it via Facebook.

 

 

We’ll email you an electronic lease agreement  which can be signed at the click of a button. 

We then book your install.

STEP 3

INSTALL & TRAINING

On the day of install, drop your vehicle to the Service Centre at the booked time. Allow half a day for the installation, the Service Centre will often call you when your vehicle is ready.

 

The Service Centre will train you how to use your interlock when you pick it up.

STEP 4

INTERLOCK REMOVAL

You can arrange the removal of your interlock when you’ve completed the interlock programme and you’ve obtained your zero alcohol licence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have committed a drink driving offence, you may lose your licence and be disqualified from driving for a specified period of time. After this disqualification period, you will be required by NZTA to get an alcohol interlock licence, and have an alcohol interlock installed in your vehicle.

As part of your alcohol interlock program, the interlock condition on your licence means you cannot legally drive any vehicle without an ignition interlock device fitted. If you own multiple vehicles and wish to drive them, you must have an alcohol interlock fitted to each vehicle.

To complete the program, you must demonstrate the ability to separate drinking and driving over a specified period. However, significant or repeated violations, such as attempting to drink and drive, missed or failed retests or tampering with the alcohol interlock, may lead to extended time on the program and additional penalties.

No certainly not. Smart Start also provides interlocks for private employers and individuals. Please refer to our Voluntary Interlocks page for more information.

You must have an interlock licence issued, and an interlock installed for a minimum of 12 months before you can exit the programme.

In most cases, the alcohol interlock program is a mandatory requirement for individuals to regain a full licence after a period of disqualification from driving. If you choose not to participate, you may face an extended period of disqualification or other penalties.

The best plan is to have the interlock removed until you are able to afford it. Removal and reinstall charges will apply but the lease costs continue and can end up costing you more than the removal/install. 

Please contact Smart Start for advice if you are having trouble. We can help avoid unwanted additional fees and ensure you don’t do anything that will extend your programme.

If the interlock detects alcohol in your breath sample, it will register a ‘fail’, and the ignition will be locked (a ‘lockout’). You will be able to do another breath test after a short period of time, but please note that it could extend your program participation period.

Always take a retest when requested, even if you are about to turn the vehicle off. Missed retests are considered a violation, and may require you to return to the service centre for an unscheduled service.

If your interlock enters SVCLCK or VIOLOCK you will need a code to be able to start the vehicle. In this case, you will need to pay for a code to enable you to return your vehicle to the service centre. You will need the call code from the head unit to complete your purchase. This can be obtained by pressing #5 on your head unit while the ignition is on. “UNLOCK xxhr” will display and countdown once the code is entered. Ensure you return to the service centre before the countdown ends or else you will not be able to drive your vehicle.

There could be a number of reasons for this – certain foods or mouthwash containing alcohol for example, we recommend that if you have had anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew, you should wait a few minutes and rinse your mouth with water first. If you think this may be the reason for your test failure, wait a few minutes and try again. 

The interlock will stop you starting your car if you have been drinking or if it is in lockout, but it will never stop your car while the engine is running.

Get In Touch

Send us a message today!

Safety, reliability and ease of use have made this our most commonly used interlock device in New Zealand. Everything from the large keypad, ergonomic grip design, and remote unlocking options have been engineered to fit seamlessly into your everyday driving routine.

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.