The breath alcohol ignition interlock device (alcolock) has been used in the USA and Canada both as a substitute for suspension of a driving licence and as a preventive measure. The alcolock is considered useful as it prevents recidivism. User acceptance is higher if the alcolock is fitted as a voluntary measure. Cost is the greatest impediment to the general acceptance of the equipment. A trial survey in Sweden on the basis of new legislation is described. This requires the offender not only to have an alcolock installed in his vehicle but also to have regular medical examinations to check that alcohol consumption has decreaed. The alcolock is also inspected every eight weeks to assess its use. The driver pays all the costs. If the driver completes the trial successfully the driving licence is reinstated after two years. A questionnaire was sent out to politicians in 11 European countries and other countries with alcolock programmes. It is considered possible to integrate the use of an alcolock with the present sanctions in Europe. Tests of alcolocks in the Netherlands and Finland are described. For the covering abstract see ITRD E124157.
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