Facing Virginia’s stringent DUI laws can be intimidating, so it’s a good idea to go into the process with information about what penalties you might expect to face. According to the DUI law fact sheet from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
Smart Start Ignition Interlock: We’re Here for the Old Dominion
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Commonwealth of Virginia boasts some of the strongest DUI laws in the United States. If you’re ready to put your DUI behind you, Smart Start’s team of Program Advisors have your back with compassionate customer care and 24/7 multilingual support. We make it easy to set up an appointment with a skilled IID technician, and we strive to offer competitive pricing on Ignition Interlock Devices near you in Virginia.
Our friendly Program Advisors are ready to help. Reach out now and find an IID solution that fits your program requirements.
How do you get your license back in Virginia after a DUI?
Some drivers in Virginia will be eligible for the restoration of restricted driving privileges after a DUI if the driver can demonstrate that they need to drive for reasons such as employment, medical treatment, education, or other important responsibilities.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Phase 1: Get Started
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Phase 2: Ignition Interlock Device
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Phase 3: Judicial Requirements
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Service Appointments
Phase 5: Device Removal
Removal or Early Removal
Information as of 3/1/25.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
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Get In Touch With A Program Advisor Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!Understanding Virginia DUI Requirements
Basic DUI Requirements
- Even on a first offense DUI in Virginia, you’ll have to pay a mandatory minimum fine of $250, and your driver’s license will be revoked for one year.
- On a second offense DUI or higher, you’ll pay a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or more, your license could be revoked for three years, and you might have to serve up to one year in jail.
- Virginia DUI penalties can become even more strict if you’re convicted of more than one DUI within ten years. Penalties can also increase if you were transporting a passenger under 17, you had a BAC of .15% or higher, or there were other aggravating factors.
Many drivers who get a DUI in Virginia will also have to attend classes and/or treatment sessions through the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP). See the VASAP website for more information.
License Reinstatement
Some drivers in Virginia will be eligible for the restoration of restricted driving privileges after a DUI, which may allow you to drive to and from specific places. The process usually involves petitioning a Virginia court for restricted driving privileges.
If the court approves your restricted driving privileges, you may be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on one or more vehicles that you drive. An IID prevents your vehicle from starting until you’ve provided a breath sample to verify that you’re not under the influence of alcohol. Learn more about IIDs and how they work.
To have your license fully restored, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Reinstatement requirements are different for everyone, so look for a letter from the DMV detailing your requirements, or request a summary from the Virginia DMV. Be ready to demonstrate your compliance with all of the conditions of your program, such as VASAP classes, as well as to pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV.
How much does an Ignition Interlock Device cost in Virginia?
We understand that a DUI can be a major financial challenge, so we offer an affordable solution for getting your Ignition Interlock in VA.
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Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors -
No long-term contracts required
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Affordable pricing
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors For more information on the cost of an Ignition Interlock near you, see our IID cost guide for Virginia.
Why Choose Smart Start in Virginia?
Your DUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
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No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
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Dozens of service centers, often with same-day installation options
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24/7/365 multilingual customer support
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Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology
Virginia FAQs
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in Virginia.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
How Does It Work?
Show 9 Topics
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start has been approved as an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) provider in the state of Virginia. Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices are also tested to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
In Virginia, this requirement is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, by your second DUI offense, you are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle registered to you.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
All Virginia-conditioned clients are required to install a compatible camera with the Ignition Interlock Device.
Does the camera watch me all the time?
No, the camera only takes pictures during your tests. There is no live video feed.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of Virginia, if you have a requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, you can still install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle. You only need permission from the owner through the notarized, state-approved form for Owner Consent, which should be brought to your IID installation appointment.
What happens after I get my DUI/DWI/OWI?
In Virginia, the court will make the decision regarding your next steps. However, it is required by the statute that, if you wish to drive on a restricted driver’s license, you will need an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least six months.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DUI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of Virginia, consequences vary based on the specifics of your case. To determine your consequences, please consult with your court, attorney, or state authority.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
You will install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) once your state authority authorizes you to do so.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
The state of Virginia specifies that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) needs to be serviced at least every 30 days.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will automatically send a record of your service appointments to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.
Where can I go for service? Anywhere, or just within my state?
Virginia law dictates that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Virginia, any test resulting in a BAC of .02 or above OR any skipped rolling re-test may constitute a violation.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of Virginia, your state authority will decide how to move forward based on the specifics of your case.
How do I know who my state authority is?
Your state authority will be assigned to your during your enrollment or intake.
What do I need to bring to my installation?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your IID installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- Proof of insurance
- Any court documentation
- Vehicle title and/or registration
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Each ASAP office has a different requirement. However, Smart Start will electronically notify your ASAP office and/or State authority of your installation on the next business day.
What do I need for removal?
In the state of Washington, you don’t need anything specific to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID). However, you won’t get credit for completing your requirement unless you’ve completed your four months of compliance (defined as four months without any sort of violation).
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, complete our online form or call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 to speak with a Program Advisor and schedule a voluntary installation appointment. Make sure to bring your photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of vehicle insurance. Check to see if your insurance offers any discounts for voluntary interlock installation—especially for children going off to college.
How can I pay for calibration?
You can pay for calibration via cash, credit card, or debit card at the Smart Start service center at the time of service.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
Smart Start has been approved as an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) provider in the state of Virginia. Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Devices are also tested to meet the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
In Virginia, this requirement is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, by your second DUI offense, you are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle registered to you.
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
All Virginia-conditioned clients are required to install a compatible camera with the Ignition Interlock Device.
Does the camera watch me all the time?
No, the camera only takes pictures during your tests. There is no live video feed.
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
In the state of Virginia, if you have a requirement, but you don’t own a vehicle, you can still install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle. You only need permission from the owner through the notarized, state-approved form for Owner Consent, which should be brought to your IID installation appointment.
How Does It Work?
Show 9 Topics
What happens after I get my DUI/DWI/OWI?
In Virginia, the court will make the decision regarding your next steps. However, it is required by the statute that, if you wish to drive on a restricted driver’s license, you will need an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for at least six months.
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DUI? Third? Fourth?
In the state of Virginia, consequences vary based on the specifics of your case. To determine your consequences, please consult with your court, attorney, or state authority.
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
You will install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) once your state authority authorizes you to do so.
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
The state of Virginia specifies that your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) needs to be serviced at least every 30 days.
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
Smart Start will automatically send a record of your service appointments to your state authority on your behalf at no additional cost to you.
Where can I go for service? Anywhere, or just within my state?
Virginia law dictates that you can service your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) at any Smart Start service center nationwide.
What constitutes a violation in my state?
In the state of Virginia, any test resulting in a BAC of .02 or above OR any skipped rolling re-test may constitute a violation.
What happens if I violate?
If you violate in the state of Virginia, your state authority will decide how to move forward based on the specifics of your case.
How do I know who my state authority is?
Your state authority will be assigned to your during your enrollment or intake.
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 2 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation?
Once you have scheduled your Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation with Smart Start, you will need to bring the following to your IID installation appointment:
- Photo identification
- Proof of insurance
- Any court documentation
- Vehicle title and/or registration
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
Each ASAP office has a different requirement. However, Smart Start will electronically notify your ASAP office and/or State authority of your installation on the next business day.
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
In the state of Washington, you don’t need anything specific to remove your Ignition Interlock Device (IID). However, you won’t get credit for completing your requirement unless you’ve completed your four months of compliance (defined as four months without any sort of violation).
What do I need to install voluntarily?
To install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, complete our online form or call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 to speak with a Program Advisor and schedule a voluntary installation appointment. Make sure to bring your photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of vehicle insurance. Check to see if your insurance offers any discounts for voluntary interlock installation—especially for children going off to college.
How can I pay for calibration?
You can pay for calibration via cash, credit card, or debit card at the Smart Start service center at the time of service.
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