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DUI convictions and the ignition interlock system

On Behalf of | Sep 3, 2020 | Firm News |

Losing a driver’s license can cause considerable hardship and make it difficult for someone to work, go to school or take care of family matters. However, violating DUI laws often leads to license suspension or revocation.

Ignition interlock laws keep people from losing their transportation and means of support or that of their family while still providing retribution for their conviction.

Ignition interlock system

According to Virginia statutes, an ignition interlock device hooks to the vehicle ignition and analyzes a breath sample before allowing the driver to start the vehicle. During a drive, the device will require retests to keep the vehicle going, as well.

A first DUI conviction

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles explains that the first time drivers receive a conviction for driving under the influence, they will have to pay someone to install an ignition interlock device in the vehicles they operate. This allows them to have some restricted driving privileges. The court may not set that requirement, but if not, the DMV will.

Subsequent DUI convictions

A second or third DUI conviction within 10 years will result in a mandate to pay someone to install the device on any vehicle the driver operates.

Violation of the ignition interlock restriction

The DMV will revoke a driver’s license for one year if the driver violates the ignition interlock restriction (or any other provisions of the restricted license). If a driver violates two or more of the restricted privilege provisions, the DMV will revoke his or her license for three years.

In either of these cases, the driver will not be able to obtain restricted privileges again for the duration of the revocation.

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