How the New Law is Different
As of July 1, a new state law requires people convicted of their first charge of driving under the influence (DUI) to drive only with a mandatory ignition interlock device, which locks the ignition if the driver is under the influence.
Previously, the law required judges to impose the interlocks for first-time offenders with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher (and for any subsequent DUIs).
As of July 1, however, all first-time offenders must take part in VASAP’s ignition interlock program for at least six months, without any alcohol violations.
How the Ignition Interlock Device Works
The driver must blow into the device and register a blood alcohol level of no more than 0.02 percent in order to start the car. Within 10 to 20 minutes, the driver will have to take another test to make sure he/she has not started drinking. From there, the tests continue every 20 to 30 minutes.
Increased Costs of DUIs
Considering the cost of an attorney, court costs, fines, higher insurance costs and a fee to enter the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, DUIs were already very expensive. Now, many offenders will also have to pay to have an attorney ask a judge to allow removal of the system from a vehicle. Additionally, the offender must pay approximately $60 per month to have it calibrated and monitored. Another cost consideration is missed time from work to have the device calibrated.
Extended Punishments
When a device is calibrated, data is sent to the offender’s VASAP case manager. If a person is found to have committed an alcohol violation, the offender will have to start over with the device for another six month.
Source: Richmond Times Dispatch (timesdispatch.com)