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Your Guide to Getting Started

After you’ve been issued with an alcohol interlock sentence, you’ll be given a 28-day disqualification.
When this disqualification has ended, you’ll need to get an alcohol interlock licence from a licencing agency and arrange to get an interlock installed in your vehicle.

Smart Start is here to make the process very quick and easy.

An alcohol interlock is a breathalyser that is wired into the ignition of your vehicle. You must take and pass a breath test before the vehicle will start.

Follow these three simple steps and let Smart Start Interlocks help you get back on the road.
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Step 1. Call

Call Smart Start on 0800 002 182 while you're in the disqualification period. We'll set you up in the programme, find out if you're eligible for a subsidy, and help with any other questions you might have.
We'll text and email you with the next step you need to take to ensure you get an interlock installed as soon as you can.

If you'd prefer not to call, fill in this form to get started!

At the end of your disqualification period, it's time to apply for your alcohol interlock licence. You can apply for an alcohol interlock licence at any driver licensing agent. Go to www.nzta.govt.nz/agent to find an agent in your area.

Details to have ready for Smart Start
  • Your contact information
  • Vehicle registration
Step 2. Email

Once you've obtained your alcohol interlock licence, email a copy of it to info@smartstartinterlocks.co.nz. If you don't have email you can send us a photo using Facebook.
If you're eligible for a subsidy, the cost of the licence is free. You'll also need to send us a copy of the $0.00 receipt to prove that you're subsidised.
Smart Start will then send you a lease agreement to sign before arranging a time and date with your nearest Service Centre to install the interlock device.

What to email Smart Start
  • Copy of your Interlock Licence
  • Interlock Licence receipt (if you're eligible for a subsidy)
Step 3. Install

Once Smart Start has confirmed your install, take your vehicle to the Service Centre. Allow half a day for the installation and training on how to use the interlock device. You'll need to pay an installation fee and the first month's lease to the installer at this time.

What to take for the install
  • Interlock licence
  • Install payment
Ongoing Requirements

Each month you'll be required to take your vehicle to a Smart Start Service Centre for a monthly service. A monthly service takes 10 - 15 minutes.
Payment is to be made to the service centre at the time of your service.

What's required for a monthly service
  • Monthly lease payment
Costs and Subsidy

The interlock programme has two main pricing structures; Standard and Subsidy. If you qualify for the alcohol interlock subsidy, the NZ Transport Agency will cover a portion of the interlock costs.

You may be eligible for the alcohol interlock subsidy if:
  • Your licence was issued after 1 July 2018
  • You hold a Community Services Card
  • You are in financial hardship

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.

If you’ve been through an Alcohol & Other Drug Treatment Court, you may be fully funded by the Department of Corrections. Call us on 0800 002 182 to enquire.

Find out more about the alcohol interlock subsidy here.

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.

Exiting the Alcohol Interlock Programme

When you can exit the alcohol interlock programme will depend on when you were given an alcohol interlock sentence. Call one of our friendly customer service representatives for more information on how to exit the programme.

Call Us On phone icon0800 002 182