Virginia Ignition Interlock
Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is a scary situation. If convicted, you are looking at numerous penalties such as time in jail, a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, and mandatory alcohol education classes.
In Virginia, if you are convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 percent or higher, you may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
An ignition interlock device is basically a breathalyzer that is installed in a vehicle’s dashboard. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver is intoxicated. If the driver’s BAC is over a set limit, which usually ranges from .02 to .04 percent, the starter will be locked and the vehicle will not start.
It is virtually impossible to bypass an ignition interlock device. Some devices require the driver to make a humming sound while he or she blows into the tube. This ensures that a machine is not used to take the test.
There are also “rolling tests” or “retests.” These random tests occur once the vehicle is in motion, to make sure that the driver did not have a sober friend take the initial test for him or her. If the driver refuses to take the test, the vehicle’s light will flash and the horn will go off until he or she pulls over to perform the test.
If you try to tamper with the ignition interlock device, it will lock the ignition and the incident will be recorded on the machine’s database. This will then be downloaded by the device supplier and turned over to the court, which will lead to more consequences.
The driver is expected to pay for the ignition interlock device installation and rental. The installation typically runs from $100 to $200 and the rental ranges from $70 to $100 per month. The driver will also be responsible for the machine’s maintenance. In certain instances, you may have to return to the place where you rented the equipment to have the records from the device downloaded.
If you would like to avoid having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, along with the other penalties that come with a drunk-driving conviction, you need to hire an experienced DUI attorney. The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson can help. Our lawyers know Virginia DUI laws inside and out. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Free DUI Evaluation
