David Rupert Dinham, 63, submitted an application for an interlock device exemption order during sentencing.

The devices prevent a vehicle being started if a driver has consumed alcohol and cost about $2200 each to be installed and require regular maintenance.

Solicitor Ingrid McKellar said Dinham would need to have it installed in five vehicles, including a harvester, which would cost about $11,000 per year.

Dinham returned a reading of 0.098 after he was stopped on the Mitchell Highway at Larras Lee at 8.50pm on August 13.

He told police he drank six mid-strength beers between 5pm and 8.45pm.

Magistrate David Day convicted Dinham due to previous drink-driving and did not grant the exemption.

"While he would suffer hardship it is not significant enough to order an exemption," he said.

Mr Day reduced the fine to $440, placed him on the minimum 12-month interlock order and disqualified his driver's licence for two months, which he said would end in time for the fig harvest.

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