ACT Attorney General, Simon Corbell, has today released for comment, an exposure draft bill that could see a mandatory alcohol interlock program in cars to prevent high-risk drink drivers from getting behind the wheel if they had been drinking.

"Around 1500 people were caught drink driving in the ACT in 2010-11, and alarmingly, almost a third of these were repeat offenders," he said.

"These are frightening statistics - drink drivers pose a significant risk not only to themselves and their passengers, but they also put the safety of other innocent drivers on our roads in jeopardy, and we know that these careless actions can lead to tragic outcomes.

"The government is seeking views from the community on an alcohol interlock program as a measure to prevent high risk people, and repeat offenders from driving after drinking to reduce their crash risk and protect others on our road."

Mr Corbell said high-risk drink driving offenders could be required to undergo a pre-sentencing assessment to determine treatment options by the courts.

"It is proposed that the interlock program would be complementary with a treatment program that would support drivers to separate drinking and driving and promote sustainable changes in behaviour," he said.

"Interlock programs are run in conjunction with treatment or other types of therapeutic interventions in Victoria as well as several overseas jurisdictions, and research suggests that this combined approach may assist in reducing drink driving recidivism rates after the interlock is removed."

Interlocks can be fitted to almost any type of motor vehicle, including motorbikes and vehicles used for work purposes such as trucks, buses and taxis. If the driver fails a breath test, either when starting the vehicle, or while driving the vehicle, the ignition system is locked for a certain period before the driver can take another test.

"I encourage interested stakeholders to have their say on the proposal and help the government tackle this important issue," Mr Corbell said.

The bill is available for community consultation until 7 September 2012. Visit http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ed/db_45963/default.asp or http://www.justice.act.gov.au/news/view/1366/title/plan-to-stop-drink-drivers