Virginia Ignition Interlock Device Laws

An ignition interlock device (IID), sometimes known as a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) is a small piece of electronic equipment that prevents your car from starting if you have drunk any alcohol. It is a breathalyzer, or breath test machine that lives in your car.

Under current Virginia DUI laws, an ignition interlock device is typically required for license reinstatement in cases where a person plead guilty or was found guilty at trial of a DUI / drunk driving charge, where their BAC was .15 or higher, or nearly twice the legal limit for alcohol consumption of .08% BAC.

However, under the new law recently passed, as of 10/1/08, anyone convicted of any first offense DUI charge will need to get one of these ignition interlocks on any car you drive. When your driver's license is reinstated, it will be flagged as a restricted license, limited to vehicles with a function ignition interlock.

It is not clear exactly how the DMV or judges will further restrict driving privileges with the interlock. Such as whether the restrictions for only driving to work and other limited approved uses will still be in force.

What Can I do to Avoid Being Required to Have an Interlock?

For many people, an interlock device licensing requirement is a huge, life altering problem. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), your livelihood is at state. Or if you are required to drive many different vehicles at your job, and it is simply not possible to be restricted to one with an interlock.

In cases like this, your best option is to fight the case and win in court. Almost any DUI case is winnable. Some are obviously better than others.

But even when the facts are against you, a strong argument from an experienced DUI defense lawyer can make all the difference. If your attorney can get a jury to sympathize with you - to understand that a DUI charge in Virginia could happen to anyone - and get them to image any number of circumstances that could result in their arrest, then you have a chance.

And when your livelihood is on the line, even a slim chance can be worth taking. If avoiding a Virginia DUI conviction and interlock device is your only chance, call us right away.

Don't make any decision until you've consulted with a DUI attorney who has beaten may cases before. We'll go over all the facts in your specific case, identify strengths and weaknesses, and give you a realistic assessment of how likely you are to walk out of court with a not guilty after trial.

When pleading guilty is just not an option, get the best Virginia DUI lawyer you can find. Call us at (866) 382-8646.

Where Do I Get an Interlock Device?

There are a number of licensed vendors in Virginia at can install, service, and perform required monthly maintenance on a court mandated interlock machine.

You will need to consult with the Virginia DMV for where to go to make sure you have a certified installation from an approved vendor.

Yes, you can actually buy these devices for personal use, or your for employees, children etc.

If you have questions about an ignition interlock in Virginia relating to a DUI charge, please call our dedicated DUI defense attorneys now. We fight cases in all local DUI courts, so we can help you explain what is likely to happen in front of any specific judge in the court where you are being tried. So call to ask about your case, and we'll give you some helpful and specific recommendations.

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