Life after a DUI in West Virginia can be tricky. You’re already full of regret and maybe even a little embarrassed. You’ve got a lot of money to pay to the court, and you have a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock on your car. Putting your best foot forward, you silently swear that you’re going to get past your mistake and move on to a better life… once your interlock is removed, of course. You just have to avoid any violations or WV interlock demerits.
That should be easy, as long as you know what those interlock demerits are.
West Virginia’s ignition interlock program has specific “points” for any demerits you may accumulate. The idea is similar to the points that accrue on your driver’s license for any traffic violations. Once you hit a certain number of demerits or points, you could have your interlock requirement extended, or you could be removed from the program entirely. These interlock demerits are based on violations, such as:
- Not enrolling in, or fulfilling the requirements of the WV DUI Safety and Treatment program.
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) readings above the set limit.
- Not submitting a breath sample when prompted for a “rolling re-test.”
- Missing your ignition interlock service appointments.
- Driving a vehicle that does not have an ignition interlock installed.
Also, if you’re caught drinking and driving again, you are definitely looking at some demerits and another DUI.
Avoiding WV interlock demerits is a common sense way to get yourself out of a difficult situation. As long as you are given the right instructions and support from your interlock service provider and you never try to drink and drive again, you should be good to go. Considering the regret you already feel over your DUI, more interlock demerits are the very last thing you need when trying to get your life back on a better road.
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