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Guide to the Alcohol Interlock Subsidy

The alcohol interlock subsidy is available to help towards some of the costs of your alcohol interlock programme. If you’re eligible we will be able to explain what you need.

Call us on 0800 002 182 or contact us here to apply to get an alcohol interlock installed.

Who can get a subsidy?

You may be eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy if:

  • your alcohol interlock sentence was issued since 1 July 2018 and
  • you meet the financial eligibility criteria.

Contact Smart Start on 0800 002 182 if you’re unsure and we’ll walk you through the standard costs. We’ll also help you find out if you’re eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy.

To prove you’re eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy:

If you have already got your alcohol interlock licence but you did not receive the alcohol interlock subsidy, you will need to apply for the subsidy directly with NZTA.

What does the subsidy cover?

If you’re granted alcohol interlock subsidy assistance, you won’t have to pay for:

  • the first alcohol interlock licence ($31.30)
  • installation of the alcohol interlock device in one vehicle ($199.00)
  • part of the monthly servicing fees ($50 subsidised a month)
  • removal of the alcohol interlock device ($149.00)
  • the first zero alcohol licence, providing you exit the alcohol interlock programme within 15 months ($37.30)

Please note that the subsidy only applies for 15 months from your alcohol interlock licence issue date!

If you miss more than one monthly service in a row, your subsidy may stop. You will need to call us immediately on 0800 002 182 if you think you might not be able to get to your monthly service.

Change of Circumstances?

If your circumstances change after you have had your device installed and you now meet the financial eligibility criteria, you may be eligible to have the rest of your alcohol interlock costs subsidised.
Go to www.nzta.govt.nz/AID-subsidy for more information.

Call Us On phone icon0800 002 182

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.