High-risk drink-drivers will be forced to install a breath testing device in their own car and blow a negative reading before they can start up under new laws in Queensland.
The newly-passed legislation, to come into effect by Christmas, will make the devices mandatory for around 12,000 people convicted of drink-driving each year, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said.
The interlock device, costing around $2000, connects to the ignition and only allows the car to be started if a breath test records no alcohol.
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The condition will be imposed on first-time drink-drivers caught with a blood alcohol limit of more than 0.15 per cent, and those who have been caught with readings between 0.05 and 0.15 twice in five years.
Those charged with dangerous driving while drunk or who refuse to give breath or blood specimens will also be targeted.
Ms Nolan said the licence condition would be mandatorily placed on these drink-drivers, making it illegal for them to drive without an interlock for two years on regaining their licence.
If drivers chose not to fit the devices, they faced further penalties including fines and licence disqualification if they drove, she said.
"This device will force known drink-drivers to take responsibility for their behaviour and not drink and drive," Ms Nolan said.
