Lithuania launches alcohol interlock programme

The Lithuanian Ministry of Transport has launched an alcohol interlock programme as a pathway to a shorter driving ban for high-level drink-driving offenders. From 1 January, convicted drink-drivers who have lost their driving license will, after a set period of time, be able to apply for their license to be reinstated with provision that they only drive a vehicle fitted with an alcohol interlock.

“I hope that the introduction of the alcohol interlock system will reduce the number of repeat offences of those who drink and drive, and that these people will not, therefore, lose their job driving. Alcohol interlocks will allow someone with a job related to driving to regain their driving license and return to work” said Jaroslav Narkevicius, Minister of Transport and Communications.

Vehicles with alcohol interlocks have been in operation in Lithuania for some time. More than 80 new school buses equipped with the devices have been handed over to municipalities since 2016.

In Vilnius and Kaunas passengers are transported by shuttle buses equipped with alcohol interlocks and some freight and passenger companies have voluntarily installed the devices on their vehicles.