Alcohol Interlocks in Finland

Relevant administration

Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom

Trial and entry into force

• Trial in 2005
• Entry into force in 2008

How many AI installed today ?

Approximately 1,000 participants

Who?

• BAC 0.5 – 1.2 g/l : 12-36 months, median 16 months
• BAC 1.2 g/l and above: 12-26 months, median 18 months

To enter the programme the offenders have to send their application to the police

Rehabilitation/medical aspects

Requirement to meet a health care professional and get a certificate to be provided to the police

Costs

• Year 1: 2,400 euros
• Year 2: 1,920 euros
• Year 3: 1,440 euros

Gender/age

• Average age: 51 years old
• 84% male

Participation rate

85% of participants completed the programme

Evaluation

Completed in 2013

• 1,687 drivers
• Average duration: 17 months
• 5.7% of the drivers reoffended during or after the probation period whereas the usual recidivism rate for drink-driving offenders is 30%
• The alcohol interlocks have prevented 12,000 participants from driving under the influence of alcohol