Virginia Drunk Driving Laws

In the state of Virginia, if the courts don't require an ignition interlock device (IID) for a repeat drunk driver, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will. And, while the courts may allow ten years between offenses, the DMV allows just five.

The IID requirement for those convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) more than once in Virginia can be expensive for a multi-car family. In some states, the device can be installed in just one car, assuming the offender drives only that car. In Virginia, IIDs must be installed in every car the offender owns, co-owns, or operates.

IID Requires Breath Test to Start Car

With an IID wired into a car's ignition system, the vehicle cannot be started until the driver breathes into a tube attached to the device and passes a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. Periodic retests are required once the car is moving. Failure of a retest is recorded by the device and leads to a one-year suspension of driving privileges.

IIDs may be required for a first DUI conviction if the offender's BAC is 0.15 percent of higher.

Fine Doubled for Second DUI Offense

A first DUI conviction at the minimum 0.08 percent BAC, but not above 0.15 percent results in a fine of at least $250 and revocation of driving privileges for a year. A second offense in the same BAC range brings a $500 fines, a three-year license suspension, and the possibility of up to a year in jail. If it's been less than 10 years since the first conviction, 10 days in jail are mandatory; if less than five years, 20 days.

Subsequent DUI convictions result in increasingly harsh punishment.

If you've been arrested for DUI in Virginia, you need to contact an experienced attorney. Besides the punishment required by state law, you could face loss of income, higher insurance premiums, and other related costs. An experienced attorney will fight to protect your rights as a defendant and to limit your punishment to that which is reasonable.