Drivers support court-ordered ‘alcolocks’ to tackle drink-drive reoffending 

More than half of motorists (53%) want to see the Government allow courts to order anyone convicted of drink-driving to have ‘alcolocks’ fitted to their vehicles to prevent them reoffending, a new RAC study has found.* 

While almost a quarter (23%) of the 1,763 drivers surveyed by the RAC didn’t think the introduction of the breathalyser devices – which prevent a vehicle being started if there is any alcohol in the offender’s breath – would reduce drink-driving, a similar proportion (23%) were unsure about the idea. 

Data from a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA made by the Press Association suggests a significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders. More than 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences in the 11 years leading up to July 2024.** ​ 

Government data also shows there were a total of 47,284 ‘driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs’ convictions in all courts in the year ending 2023.*** In 2022, 300 people were killed in drink-drive collisions, according to the most recently available statistics.**** Consequently, three-quarters (76%) of drivers who participated in the RAC survey would like to see more being done to reduce the number of people that drive while over the limit. 

There are various options for the use of ‘alcolocks’ – or alcohol-interlocks as they are properly known. For instance, courts could mandate them for reoffenders only, or anyone convicted of drink-driving. In other countries the fitting is generally paid for by the offender, although in cases of financial hardship the state can step in to cover the cost. 

Interestingly, more than half (56%) of drivers supportive of alcohol-interlocks were in favour of all offenders having the devices fitted to prevent them driving under the influence again. ​ Comparatively, just 39% thought they should only be used with drivers who had been caught on at least one previous occasion. ​ 

In other countries where alcohol-interlocks are used, including Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many parts of the United States, drink-drivers are generally banned for a short time. They are then allowed to drive again as long as they have an alcohol-interlock fitted to their vehicle for a set period, most commonly a year. Two-thirds (66%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they would be supportive of a similar approach in the UK, 15% were against the idea and a fifth (19%) were undecided. ​ 

In New Zealand, the alcohol-interlock is removed after 12 months as long as the offender 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. Offenders are then issued with a zero-alcohol driving licence for three years. The conditions of this licence mean that if the holder is found to drive with any alcohol in their systems whatsoever, they can be charged with drink-driving and disqualified. 

Concerns about offenders getting sober people to cheat alcohol-interlocks are countered by the fact the devices demand further random tests while driving. 

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving. It’s also very apparent that many of the drink-drivers caught by the police are reoffenders which implies something different needs to be done to change this dangerous behaviour. 

“Drivers have told us they believe that alcohol-interlocks – either just for repeat drink-drivers or for everyone convicted of the offence – could be a good way of reducing drink-drive collisions and the resulting deaths and injuries which are currently far too high. ​ 

“We are aware that their use may be seen as a soft option by some, but experience from other countries suggests the opposite. Simply banning habitual drink-drivers doesn’t seem to be the answer even though they face a prison sentence, as all too often they just get behind the wheel again anyway. 

“Currently the only options for courts are disqualification from driving, ordering convicted drink-drivers to attend rehabilitation courses and custodial sentences for reoffenders. Court orders that mandate alcohol-interlocks to prevent reoffending could be worth exploring in a trial. We hope the Government considers this in the forthcoming road safety strategy being produced by the Department for Transport.” 

Ends 

Notes to Editors 

* Research conducted with 1,763 drivers by Online95 from 15-24 November 2024. Only those who hold a full, current UK driving licence, drive at least once a month and have a motor vehicle in their household took part. ​ 

** DVLA FOIR11638 

*** Ministry of Justice Criminal Justice System statistics quarterly: December 2023 – Overview Tables 2023 – A6_3 

**** Reported road casualties in Great Britain involving illegal alcohol levels: 2022 ​