Virginia Passes New Law That May Affect Everyone Convicted of DUI

A new Virginia drunk driving law was signed by the Governor this summer, Governor Bob McDonnell signed a law that requires everyone convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) to have an ignition interlock device on their car while they driving on a restricted license.

The ignition interlock device will be installed at the cost of the individual who is convicted of a DUI in Virginia. An ignition interlock requires a driver to breathe into a device prior to the car starting. If the driver is detected to have a certain blood alcohol content (BAC) level then the car will not start.

The new law replaces a previous Virginia law that only required an ignition interlock device when a person was convicted of a DUI and that person had a blood alcohol content of 0.15% of higher or if that person was convicted of a second or subsequent DUI.

According to the Governor, 245 people were killed and 5,465 people were hurt in Virginia alcohol related accidents during 2011. This measure is intended to lower those numbers and prevent families from the tragedy of drunk driving accidents. Other states that have adopted a law similar to the new Virginia law have seen drunk driving deaths decrease by as much as 50%.

The new law has been supported by AAA, firefighters, first responders, and various transportation safety groups.

Charged with DUI in Northern Virginia

Our Fairfax DUI defense lawyers hope that this law helps prevent future drunk driving accidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia.