Ignition Interlock Refusal in Virginia: What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in Virginia, you already know there are plenty of repercussions for your actions. You may be dazed by the fees and court costs, and the requirements of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), including a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock requirement. So dazed, in fact, that you think you can dig your feet in and refuse to comply with VASAP, the DMV or your court order.

Of course, this is a mistake. Virginia takes every DUI conviction very seriously, and trusts these devices to prevent you from making another bad decision to drive under the influence of alcohol. So, when you refuse any part of your ignition interlock requirement, you’re looking at the following:

• Refusing to install an ignition interlock device – if you refuse to install the device, you will have your driver’s license revoked and will unable to continue to drive. You will not be granted any “restricted” privileges after this, and will have to wait to reinstate your license after the entire revocation period has ended, and you may still have a DMV ignition interlock requirement to face.
• Refusing to submit a breath sample to your ignition interlock device – refusing to test your breath before operating your vehicle will only keep your car from starting. However, if your refusal to test also includes you driving someone else’s car that does not have an ignition interlock, you are in violation of your requirement and in jeopardy of losing your license.

There aren’t any good reasons to refuse an ignition interlock requirement, or to refuse to test your breath if you have the device installed. You’ve been granted the freedom to keep driving after a DUI, with a certain level of trust in your ability to remain compliant and sober when driving.  Considering your DUI was the result of a refusal to drive safely, the last thing you want to confront is another bad decision involving drinking and driving.