An overwhelming 82% of UK drivers support introducing alcohol interlocks to reduce repeat drink-driving offences, new research reveals. Only 7% oppose the technology, whilst 12% remain unsure, according to RAC Report on Motoring 2025 figures.

The findings come as admitted drink-driving rates return to pre-pandemic levels. More than one in 10 respondents (12%) confess they’ve driven when they thought they exceeded the legal limit, either directly after drinking or the morning after.

What Are Alcohol Interlocks?

Alcohol interlocks, also known as alcolocks, prevent vehicles from starting or being driven if the device detects alcohol in the offender’s breath. Many countries already use this drink-driving prevention technology effectively, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

The devices offer a practical solution to a persistent problem. Latest Department for Transport figures show that 260 people died in crashes involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2023. Approximately 1,600 people suffered serious injuries.

Strong Support Across All Age Groups

Support for alcohol interlocks spans all demographics. Younger drivers show the highest enthusiasm, with 87% of those under 25 and 86% of those aged 25 to 44 backing the technology. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of drivers aged 65 and over also favour introducing alcolocks.

Among drivers who support the drink-driving prevention measure, seven in 10 (71%) believe every driver caught over the legal limit should have an alcohol interlock fitted. A further quarter (23%) think only repeat offenders caught on at least one previous occasion should face mandatory installation. Just 6% remain unsure.

Alarming Rates of Drink-Driving Persist

The research exposes concerning patterns among younger motorists. Some 14% of drivers aged 25-44 admit to drink-driving. The figure rises to 18% among those under 25.

These statistics reveal that current penalties fail to deter offenders effectively. Despite drink-driving being socially unacceptable to most people, a persistent minority continues to risk lives.

Calls for Government Action

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis emphasised the urgent need for change. “With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem,” he said.

Dennis highlighted that alcohol interlocks already operate successfully in other parts of the world. The technology could reduce alcohol-related collisions and casualties in the UK, along with their associated costs.

“Giving courts the power to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks – which prevent a convicted drink-driver from getting behind the wheel after drinking – is something that drivers believe warrants serious consideration as they’re telling us the current penalties aren’t working,” Dennis explained.

A Clear Message to Policymakers

The overwhelming support for drink-driving prevention technology sends a powerful signal. Drivers want more robust action to tackle this persistent problem. The vast majority back empowering courts to order alcohol interlock installation for convicted offenders.

Dennis noted that the findings deliver a clear message to Government. “The fact a huge majority of drivers support the use of alcolocks sends a clear message that they want to see more being done to tackle drink-driving, something the Government will hopefully address in its soon-to-be-published Road Safety Strategy.”

The technology represents a proven intervention that other countries have successfully implemented. With 260 deaths and 1,600 serious injuries annually linked to drink-driving, the case for introducing alcohol interlocks in the UK grows stronger.

The Road Ahead

As the Government prepares to publish its Road Safety Strategy, public opinion clearly favours decisive action. The RAC research demonstrates that drivers across all age groups recognise current measures as insufficient.

Alcohol interlocks offer a practical, evidence-based solution. They don’t rely on offenders’ self-control or judgment. Instead, they create a physical barrier between drink-driving and tragedy. For the 82% of drivers supporting this technology, the question isn’t whether to introduce alcolocks, but when.

With admitted drink-driving rates matching pre-pandemic levels and younger drivers showing the highest offence rates, the need for effective drink-driving prevention measures has never been clearer. The technology exists. Public support exists. What remains is political will.

Source: dbrecoveryresources