New Virginia DWI Law Requires Ignition Interlock After First Offense

August 02, 2012

New Virginia DWI Law Requires Ignition Interlock After First Offense

The Commonwealth of Virginia recently enacted stricter penalties for a first-time DWI conviction. The principal change is that, now, people with one DWI conviction will be required to use ignition interlock devices on their primary vehicles. Before a vehicle with an ignition interlock device will start, the driver must blow into the device, which measures the driver's blood alcohol concentration. If the device detects the presence of alcohol, the car will not start.

New Virginia Ignition Interlock Law

The law makes ignition interlock devices mandatory for all first-time offenders who registered a BAC over 0.08. Currently, about 4,500 ignition interlock devices are installed in vehicles registered to Virginia drivers. That figure is expected to rise to nearly 20,000 under the new law.

While Virginia legislators emphasized the public safety benefits, others question the involvement of device manufacturers in the lobbying effort behind the law. By some estimates, the market for device makers will increase up to three times as a result of the law. In addition, the Virginian-Pilot reports that the devices cost about $480 for the minimum six months' use, which the driver must pay while driving with a restricted driver's license.

Virginia's drunk driving laws have gradually become stricter over the years, first requiring people with multiple DWI convictions and people with BAC levels above 0.15 to use ignition interlock devices. Critics question the latest expansion, which requires an ignition interlock device for all first-time offenders, regardless of the circumstances of the arrest or the individual. The law also eliminates judicial discretion to waive the ignition interlock device requirement.

Call a Lawyer

A conviction for DWI can be costly and put one's freedom at risk. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Virginia, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to begin your defense.

Article provided by Mason Law Firm
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