If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Virginia, the fines and fees you are ordered to pay help to support programs that ensure the safety of the roads and highways throughout the Commonwealth. These programs are part of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), a probation program that is offered to help change your relationship with alcohol or other illegal substances. VASAP programs focus on the education, treatment and monitoring of anyone who has demonstrated a problem with alcohol or substance abuse, with drunk driving or driving under the influence being the biggest indicators of such problems.
Because of the personal responsibility factor in any drunk driving incident, programs like VASAP are funded by the fees and court costs assessed during the DUI conviction process in Virginia. You can expect to pay $250-$300 for VASAP, and will be evaluated for placement in the classes and/or other programs available, depending on the circumstances surrounding your conviction. You will also be instructed about the ignition interlock device (IID) that you’ll have to install and maintain. The VASAP classes will require you to blow into an ignition interlock device before each meeting, to ensure your sobriety and as a way of ensuring your ability to use the ignition interlock once it is on your car.
Other VASAP programs include:
- Treatment programs for alcohol or drug addiction.
- Young offender programs.
- Driver improvement and reckless driving education.
- First-time drug offender programs.
In VASAP, you will also learn more about your relationship with alcohol or drugs and will address the dangers of drunk driving or DUI as a result. Since self-awareness is important in the entire rehabilitation process after a DUI conviction, the money that you spend in the program benefits your own health and safety, as well as that of other Virginians.
