There’s a lot to do after a West Virginia DUI, especially if you want your driver’s license back. One of those big steps you probably need to take is enrolling in the state’s Alcohol Test and Lock Program (ATLP) and installing a car breathalyzer (ignition interlock device) as ordered by the court. Once that’s done, it should be smooth sailing, as long as you work to keep your ignition interlock in good standing.
The West Virginia ATLP is your go-to source for information on your program, including:
- How often you need to have your device calibrated.
- Information on demerits or violations.
It is those violations and demerits in the West Virginia program that can cause extended time in the ATLP, or possible loss of your access to an interlock entirely. Of course, if you are caught drinking and driving again you could also face incarceration, depending on the circumstances of your arrest and how many convictions you’ve already accrued.
The only way to keep your West Virginia ignition interlock in good standing is to use it as you were directed when it was installed. That includes performing the startup and rolling retests, driving your interlock-equipped vehicle regularly, and attending any and all service or calibration appointments. The work is worth it, though, as West Virginia and its ATLP is highly regarded in getting DUI offenders back on the road quickly and easily, once their program requirement has ended satisfactorily.
Currently, West Virginia requires an ignition interlock device for all DUI offenses with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above .08 percent, as well as any second or subsequent offenses. The ATLP offers monitoring, to ensure compliance with your court order, as well as other programs that provide education or substance abuse treatment as needed. Most importantly, your commitment to sober driving is the biggest step toward keeping your device in good standing and moving past your DUI and back into your normal life.