UK Cars Could Face Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Installation in Major Crackdown
New data from the RAC has exposed the alarming scale of repeat drink-driving offences across the United Kingdom, with more than 220,000 motorists currently holding alcohol-related convictions on their driving records. The shocking statistics have prompted urgent calls for the mandatory installation of alcohol ignition interlock devices, commonly known as 'alcolocks', in vehicles to combat this persistent and dangerous behaviour.
Disturbing Patterns of Repeat Offences
A Freedom of Information request submitted by the RAC uncovered that 2,553 drivers have accumulated three or more DR10 or DR20 endorsements for drink-driving since 2014. DR10 endorsements apply to those driving or attempting to drive while above the legal alcohol limit, while DR20 endorsements are issued to motorists deemed unfit to drive due to alcohol consumption.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis expressed grave concern about these findings, stating: "These figures make it painfully clear that licence disqualification alone does little to prevent some convicted drink-drivers reoffending. The solution for repeat and high-risk drink-drivers who are highly likely to get behind the wheel again after drinking is something that physically prevents them doing so."
How Alcohol Interlock Devices Work
Alcohol interlock devices are breathalyser units that connect directly to a vehicle's ignition system. The technology prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath, creating a physical barrier against drink-driving. These devices have been successfully implemented in various countries worldwide as part of rehabilitation programs for convicted offenders.
Dennis emphasized the potential impact of such technology: "Alcohol interlocks or 'alcolocks' do just that as they are breathalyser devices fitted to a vehicle's ignition system that prevent it being started if the driver has been drinking alcohol. We believe they could play a vital role in stopping persistent offenders putting lives at risk if they were part of mandatory court-ordered programme."
Growing Public Support for Stricter Measures
Public opinion appears to strongly favour the introduction of such measures, with RAC data indicating that 82% of drivers support the implementation of alcolocks to prevent drink-driving. This overwhelming public backing comes alongside increasing pressure on the Labour Party government to include mandatory alcohol interlock requirements in their forthcoming Road Safety Strategy.
A campaign spokesperson responded to the alarming statistics, stating: "These figures should be a wake‑up call for road safety in Great Britain. To see more than 18,000 people convicted of multiple drink‑driving offences – some with as many as six convictions – is completely unacceptable. It is clear that current measures are failing to break the cycle of reoffending."
The Urgent Need for Action
The spokesperson continued with a call for immediate intervention: "We welcome the Government's interest in alcolocks in the new Road Safety Strategy, but this data shows decisive action is needed now. A mandatory alcolock programme for high‑risk and repeat offenders would prevent further avoidable tragedies on our roads."
Dennis added a sobering perspective on the human cost of inaction: "When one instance can kill, 10 occurrences on the same licence is a truly grim Groundhog Day that must be prevented. Surely as a society we can't afford not to be using alcolocks."
The proposed measures would represent one of the most significant changes to UK driving law in recent years, potentially affecting thousands of vehicles across the country. As road safety groups intensify their campaign, the government faces mounting pressure to implement concrete solutions that address the persistent problem of repeat drink-driving offences.
