Majority of drivers support court-ordered alcolocks to curb drink-driving reoffending

More than half of UK motorists support the use of court-ordered ‘alcolocks’ to tackle drink-drive reoffending, according to new research by the RAC.

The findings come amid persistent concerns over reoffending rates and the high number of deaths linked to drink-driving on UK roads.

The survey found that 53% would back courts being given powers to mandate the use of alcolocks—devices that prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath—for anyone convicted of drink-driving.

A further 23% of respondents were unsure, while another 23% did not believe the devices would help reduce drink-driving.

However, with drink-driving fatalities still high and reoffending common, the RAC is calling on the Government to explore alternative measures as part of its upcoming road safety strategy.

Thousands of Repeat Offenders Behind the Wheel

Freedom of Information data obtained by the Press Association reveals that over 27,000 people were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences between 2013 and July 2024. These figures underscore the challenges in deterring reoffenders through existing penalties alone.

In the year ending 2023, government statistics show there were 47,284 convictions for driving under the influence of drink or drugs. In 2022, 300 people lost their lives in drink-drive related collisions, according to the most recent official data.

“Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving,” said RAC head of policy Simon Williams. “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.”

Public Support for Stronger Measures

The RAC study revealed broad support for expanding the use of alcolocks, also known as alcohol-interlocks. Three-quarters (76%) of motorists said they would like to see more being done to reduce drink-driving.

Among those in favour of alcolocks, 56% believe all offenders should be required to have the devices fitted, while 39% feel they should only be used for repeat offenders.

Williams added:

“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.”

Currently, courts can only disqualify offenders from driving, require them to attend rehabilitation courses, or impose custodial sentences for repeat offences. The RAC argues that court-ordered alcolocks could provide a more effective deterrent, particularly for habitual offenders.

“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,” said Williams.

“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.”

International Models Show Promise

Alcolocks are already in use in several countries including Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States, where offenders can return to driving after a short ban, provided they use the device for a set period—most commonly a year.

In New Zealand, offenders must maintain six months of zero-alcohol readings before the device is removed. They are then placed on a zero-alcohol licence for three years. Any breach results in immediate disqualification.

The RAC survey found that 66% of UK drivers support adopting a similar system, while 15% oppose it and 19% remain undecided.

Concerns about drivers bypassing the technology by having others breathe into the device are addressed through random retesting while driving, which is built into the system.

A Chance for Reform

The RAC’s call to action adds to growing pressure on the Government to revisit the tools available to tackle drink-driving and reoffending. With mounting public support and international evidence pointing to the effectiveness of alcolocks, there is now a clear opportunity to pilot new approaches in the UK.