An alcohol interlock stops vehicles from being started if the driver has been drinking. 

Previous legislation for interlocks targeted offenders with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or more, most repeat offenders and young drivers with a BAC of 0.07 or more. 

New additions include all probationary and learner drivers regardless of their blood alcohol level and all other drivers with a BAC between .07 and .15 will be fitted with an interlock system. 

All repeat offenders with a BAC reading under .07, novice motorcycle riders who are required to have a zero BAC limit and drivers with a BAC under .07 whose licences are cancelled. 

Roads minister Terry Mulder said the expanded interlock system will make motorists think twice about having just one more drink. 

"Messages about the dangers of drink driving have become everyday terms," he said. 

"Drink drivers are responsible for 25 to 30 per cent of deaths and 11 per cent of serious injuries on our roads.

"Even more astounding is the fact that 20 per cent of people caught are repeat offenders, so we are cracking down on them as well as first time offenders."

The community has already been made aware of the changes through an advertising campaign which began in September when the new program was announced.

VicRoads is responsible for approving the fitting of the interlock in a vehicle and managing the providers. 

There are three providers who fit interlocks in Bendigo. 

Transport Accident Commission chief executive Janet Dore said the campaign was aimed at young males in particular because they were more likely then females to report having driver over the legal BAC.  

The campaign drives home the message of inconvenience by depicting a number of everyday scenarios that will be interrupted by blowing into the interlock," she said. 

To see how the interlock works, visit www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au