Alcohol Interlock Licence: The Steps Explained
If a court gave you an alcohol interlock sentence, you cannot get a Limited Licence [2][4]. Your way back to driving is the alcohol interlock licence. Here is how that path works, step by step.
Step 1: The disqualification
An interlock sentence starts with a disqualification of at least 28 days [1][5]. You stay disqualified until you are issued an interlock licence. Any other disqualifications or suspensions also have to end first [5].
Step 2: Apply for the interlock licence
You apply at a driver licensing agent, such as the AA or selected VTNZ sites [5]. Expect to fill in a form, show ID, pass an eyesight check and pay a fee. If you were disqualified for more than 12 months, you also need to pass theory and practical tests [5].
Step 3: Get the device fitted
An approved provider installs an approved device in your vehicle [5]. There is an installation cost and an ongoing lease. Ask about any subsidy that may apply [5]. The provider must give you a statement that the device is in good working order [6].
Step 4: Living with the device
- You breathe into it before you start the vehicle.
- It asks for rolling retests while you drive.
- It records data, which the provider downloads at regular servicing.
- Miss a service and the vehicle may not start [5].
Mouthwash, hand sanitiser and some foods can cause a fail, so be careful [5]. Do not treat the device as a breath test to decide whether you are fine to drive.
Violations include tampering, failed tests, missed retests, hot wiring and missed services [5]. They can delay your exit.
Step 5: Exiting
To exit, you generally need at least 12 months on the interlock licence, driving only interlock vehicles, and a clean run with no violations for a set period [5]. Your provider downloads the data and you apply to exit [5].
Step 6: Zero alcohol licence
Next comes a zero alcohol licence. Interlock conditions still apply until it is issued [5]. You then take it to your provider to have the device removed [5]. The zero alcohol licence usually lasts three years before you can move to a standard licence [3][5].
Why a Limited Licence is not an option
While you hold an interlock licence, you cannot get a Limited Licence or add new classes [5]. That is the law, and no application changes it. If your sentence did not include interlock, a Limited Licence may be possible. Read Limited Licence after drink driving.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, section 65AG, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/LMS61403.html (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Getting your licence back, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/getting-your-licence-back (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Limited Licence, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/driving-offences/limited-licence (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Alcohol interlock programme, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/alcohol-sentencing/alcohol-interlock-programme/ (accessed 2 November 2026)
- Land Transport (Alcohol Interlock) Regulations 2012, regulation 4, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2012/0202/10.0/DLM4629320.html (accessed 2 November 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive any car on an interlock licence?
Only vehicles fitted with an approved interlock device.
How many people are on interlocks?
See [alcohol interlock numbers in NZ](/blog/alcohol-interlock-numbers-nz).
What are the drink driving penalties?
Read [drink driving in NZ explained](/blog/drink-driving-nz-explained).
Not sure if you qualify for a Limited Licence? Check our eligibility page.
We prepare Limited Licence documents. From $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 13 Nov 26