Failing to Install or Calibrate Ignition Interlock in Virginia

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges in Virginia carry mandatory penalties. One mandatory penalty for most DUIs in Virginia is the required installation of an Ignition Interlock.

Ignition Interlock in Virginia

Failing to Install or Calibrate Ignition Interlock in Virginia Can Result in Loss of Restricted Driving Privileges

Most of the time, when a driver is convicted of a DUI in Virginia, he or she is prohibited from operating a vehicle without an Ignition Interlock installed for at least 12 months without any alcohol-related violations.

A driver convicted of a first offense DUI in Virginia as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 is prohibited from operating a vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock (as a condition of his or her restricted license privileges). Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

A driver convicted of a first offense DUI charge that was considered Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (Va. Code §18.2-266(iii)) or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol combined (Va. Code §18.2-266(iv)) may be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock installed (as a condition of his or her restricted driving privileges). Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

A driver convicted of a second or subsequent offense DUI or DUI Maiming (Va. Code §18.2-51.4) in Virginia is required to have an Ignition Interlock installed on every vehicle he or she owns or has registered in his or her name (as a condition of restricted driving privileges). Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

Penalty for Failing to Install or Calibrate Ignition Interlock in Virginia

A driver subject to Ignition Interlock requirements is required to install the Ignition Interlock on his or her vehicle within 30 days of the Court’s order. The driver is also required to have the system monitored and calibrated at least every 30 days and provide proof of such calibration. Failing to install or calibrate Ignition Interlock in Virginia can result in revocation of the person’s restricted driving privileges. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(F). This means that the person may be prohibited from driving AT ALL during the remainder of the time during which his or her driving privileges are revoked.

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