Ignition Interlock System in Virginia

There are many mandatory penalties in Virginia after a DUI conviction, including installation of an Ignition Interlock device.

For more information on the other DUI penalties in Virginia, click here.

What is an Ignition Interlock System in Virginia?

An Ignition Interlock is a device connected to the ignition of a vehicle that prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol. The Ignition Interlock device requires the user to blow into the device before starting the car and at random intervals while the car is on. If the Interlock detects alcohol, the car will not start. If the driver fails to take a re-test while operating the vehicle or the Interlock detects alcohol during a retest, the horn will sound and the lights will flash, requiring the driver to pull over and stop the vehicle. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(A).

Ignition Interlock in Virginia is Required After a DUI Conviction

A person convicted of a DUI (including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) higher than .08, or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol) in Virginia is prohibited from operating any vehicle that is not equipped with an Ignition Interlock for at least 12 months as a condition of a restricted license without any alcohol-related violations. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

Additionally, the Court may prohibit an offender convicted of Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Driving while such person has blood concentrations of certain drugs at specific levels from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an Ignition Interlock device for at least 12 months without any alcohol-related violations as a condition of a restricted driver’s license. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

A person convicted of a second offense DUI in Virginia within 5 or 10 years (including Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) higher than .08, or Driving Under the Influence of both drugs and alcohol) is required to have an Ignition Interlock installed on each vehicle owned by or registered to that driver (even if he or she co-owns the vehicle) for a period of at least 12 months without any alcohol-related violations. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B), Va. Code §18.2-266, Va. Code §18.2-270.

Anyone convicted of DUI Maiming in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-54.1), as a condition of a restricted license, is required to have an Ignition Interlock installed on each vehicle he or she owns or is registered to him or her for at least 12 months with no alcohol-related violations. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

Anyone subject to Ignition Interlock requirements is required to participate in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) who will supervise compliance with the Ignition Interlock and restricted driving requirements. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(B).

The person subject to Ignition Interlock requirements is required to install the device within 30 days of the court’s order. Additionally, the offender is required to have the device calibrated every 30 days. Failing to timely install the device or have it calibrated as required could result in revocation of the offender’s restricted driving privileges. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(F).

Ignition Interlock Violations in Virginia

If a person tries to get around the requirements of an Ignition Interlock, he or she can be charged with a crime.

Attempting to start or actually starting a motor vehicle for someone prohibited from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an Ignition Interlock is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(G).

Tampering with an Ignition Interlock device is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Va. Code §18.2-270.1(G).

Knowingly providing a vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock to a person prohibited from operating a motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock installed is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punished with up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

For more information on Failing to Timely Install an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Failing to Calibrate an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Failing to Install or Calibrate an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Attempting to Start or Starting a Vehicle for a Person prohibited from Operating a Motor Vehicle in Virginia without an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Attempting to Start a Vehicle for a Person Prohibited from Operating a Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Starting a Vehicle for a Person Prohibited from Operating a Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Tampering with an Ignition Interlock in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Providing a Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock to a Prohibited Person in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Ignition Interlock violations in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a Restricted Driver’s License in Virginia, click here.

For more information on DUI charges in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Driving with a BAC over .08 in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol in Virginia, click here.

For more information on Driving with a BAC of specific drugs and certain levels, click here.

For more information on DUI penalties in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a first offense DUI in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a second offense DUI in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a third DUI in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a fourth or subsequent DUI in Virginia, click here.

For more information on DUI Maiming in Virginia, click here.

For more information on DUI Manslaughter in Virginia, click here.

For more information on a felony DUI in Virginia, click here.