{"id":376946,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-03-01T21:26:32","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T02:26:32","slug":"virginia-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving with any level of impairment is dangerous both to you and to those around you. Penalties for a DUI conviction in Virginia are harsh to reduce the number of those who drink and drive.<\/p>\r\n

Drugged and drunk driving laws can be confusing. You may see the terms driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) when researching impaired driving. These phrases are interchangeable in Virginia, as they are not separate crimes.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia increases your penalties depending on your blood alcohol content and the length of time between charges if you have multiple offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Below, you will find an overview of Virginia’s DUI laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.15%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Select Penalties<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n1 year \/ 3 years \/ Indefinite<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Disclaimer:<\/b> State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, ballot initiatives, rulings in the higher courts, including federal decisions, and by other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i>
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Virginia DUI Law<\/h2>\r\n

Virginia law prohibits anyone from operating a "motor vehicle, engine, or train" if:<\/p>\r\n