QLD How to Get an Exemption from Alcohol Interlock?

[MaxPower]

I need to get an exemption from an alcohol interlock in order to work. I'm an engineer and every job requires I drive around site and to different sites.

I lost my drivers licence for 9 months. I have been out of work since this (5 months so far) as most work packages come with a vehicle and the ones that don't are rare enough that I'm remaining unemployed. I don't even need a drivers licence for everyday commuting. I hate driving anyway and prefer public transport but it's just I pretty much cannot get a job without my drivers licence and no company is going to fit an interlock.

So next the problem with the exemption form is it clearly states... "severe hardship in a way other than because you will be prevented from driving for employment". So how do I get an exemption? Would having my house taken by the bank and having to file for bankruptcy and starving to death not be severe hardship enough because it all stems from not being able to drive for employment? It's insanity.

 

[Tim W]

....because it all stems from not being able to drive for employment? It's insanity.

No.
It all stems from you getting behind the wheel with too much grog in your system.
This is all on you.

 

[Clancy]

Well despite the truthful but unhelpful post of Tim w above, generally the courts do want you to remain a productive member of society, so they are willing to bend a lot to that end to allow you driving - but not if your driving record overall makes them feel that it is just too risky.

Isn't there a type of ignition you can get that only let's you drive if you're not drunk?

 

[Tim W]

Well despite the truthful but unhelpful post of Tim w above, generally the courts do want you to remain a productive member of society, so they are willing to bend a lot to that end to allow you driving - but not if your driving record overall makes them feel that it is just too risky.

However, unless you qualify for one of the other exemptions,
you are prima facie ineligible on the one ground you have mentioned so far.
In any event, the exemption process is administrative, not judicial.
That is, your application will be decided by the Department, not by the court.