Guide to Exiting the Programme (2420 KB)
When you can exit the alcohol interlock programme will depend on when you were given an alcohol interlock sentence.
Option 1: You haven't committed any violations in the 6-month period immediately preceding your request to exit.
Option 2: You haven't committed any violations in the 3-month period immediately preceding your request to exit, and you've successfully completed a drug and alcohol assessment at a Ministry of Health approved assessment centre.
When you’re ready to exit the alcohol interlock stage of the programme, take your vehicle one of our Service Centres for a final service and then call the NZTA straight away on 0800 822 422 - option 1 ext 8091 to start the exit process. This will take you through to the Business Processing Team, tell them you want to exit the interlock programme.
After you've been approved to exit the interlock stage of the programme, it's time to apply for your zero-alcohol licence. A zero-alcohol licence is valid for 3 years. You can apply for a zero-alcohol licence at any driver licensing agent. Go to www.nzta.govt.nz/agent to find a driver licensing agent in your area.
Caution! You're still subject to the conditions of your Alcohol Interlock Licence until you've been issued with your zero-alcohol licence.
First email a copy of your zero-alcohol licence to info@smg.nz. Smart Start will then book you in at your closest Service Centre for the removal.
You'll need to hold your zero-alcohol licence for three years until it expires. You can then apply to reinstate your licence at any driver licensing agent and be issued with a standard licence.
Breaching your Alcohol Interlock Licence conditions is a violation. This means that if you do any of the following during the period being assessed, you will not be granted approval to exit the alcohol interlock stage.
The interlock programme has three pricing structures, standard, subsidy and Corrections. The NZ Transport Agency may grant subsidy assistance for some interlock costs if your circumstances qualify you for a subsidy. You may be eligible for a subsidy if:
Call us on 0800 002 182 and we'll walk you through the standard costs. We'll also help you find out if you're eligible for a subsidy. Read our Subsidy Guide to find out more.
Guide to the Subsidy (2288 KB)
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.