Virginia Beach Ignition Interlock Devices After a DUI

Following a charge for driving under the influence in Virginia Beach, it is a common requirement for someone to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car. Although it may be inconvenient and even embarrassing, people prefer having the device installed than completely losing their ability to drive.

An experienced Virginia Beach DUI lawyer will be able to speak more clearly with someone about these devices and whether it would be the right fit for their particular situation.

What Are Ignition Interlock Devices

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer machine that is installed into a defendant’s dashboard and requires a monthly maintenance check. The driver is required to blow into it and provide a breath sample before they can start their vehicle. During longer trips, the defendant is required to blow into it periodically as they continue on their journey.

Ignition interlock devices are required in order to obtain a restricted license in Virginia Beach after a DUI charge. It is up to the court’s discretion how long an ignition interlock system may be required to remain in your vehicle, but the minimum requirement is six months. There is the option that the device remains in the dashboard for a longer period of time.

If you are facing DUI charges in Virginia Beach and are wondering about the requirements for ignition interlock devices, an experienced defense attorney can help ensure that you understand the procedures and costs associated with having one installed.

Cost of Installing an Ignition Interlock Device

The expenses associated with having an ignition interlock system installed can be extraordinary. On top of the costs of having it installed, you have monthly checks that need to be performed on the ignition interlock device after it’s installed and an individual has to pay for these monthly checks as well.

Generally, the monthly visits have a fee of about $80 per visit and then the installation fee is about $65. Somebody who has a six month interlock requirement could be spending around $500 plus per vehicle that has it installed.

Sometimes Virginia Beach will require urine tests, but most of the time, the ignition interlock system is the main DUI monitoring process that will be used to monitor somebody’s alcohol.

Role of a Virginia Beach DUI Lawyer

Having an ignition interlock device became mandatory in the last few years. There’s not that much a DUI defense lawyer in Virginia Beach can do in terms of fighting this requirement.

If a person doesn’t want to have an ignition interlock device put into their vehicle, then they aren’t allowed to qualify for a restricted license and they won’t be able to drive during this period whatsoever.

In order to obtain a restricted license, an ignition interlock device must be installed. Therefore, rather than fight against having the device put into their car, most people opt to have it so that they can legally drive to work and other areas within their license parameters.