Recent Virginia DUI Law Changes
What changed, when it took effect, and who it affects.
Not in effect: only if reenacted by the 2027 General Assembly
Longer interlock periods and DUI changes passed, but on hold until 2027 (HB 561, Chapter 1112)
Approved May 14, 2026, this act would raise the restricted-license interlock minimum to 12 consecutive months without alcohol violations (6 months on the offender’s motion with added restrictions) and let courts order an interlock right at conviction, but its main provisions take effect only if the 2027 Session reenacts them. Until then, the interlock and suspension rules on this page still apply. It also directs the Commission on VASAP to study Virginia’s DUI laws and report by November 1, 2026.
July 1, 2025
Interlock before conviction counts toward your sentence (SB 1006, Chapter 320)
A person charged with a first or second DUI who enters VASAP before trial can have an ignition interlock installed before conviction, and that time counts toward any interlock or restricted-license period the court or DMV later imposes.
Official sources
- Va. Code § 18.2-270 — DUI penalties
- Va. Code Title 18.2, Chapter 7, Article 2 — Driving while intoxicated
- Va. Code § 46.2-391.2 — Administrative suspension
- Va. Code § 46.2-391 — Revocation for multiple convictions
- Va. Code § 46.2-316 — Financial responsibility (FR-44)
- Va. Code § 46.2-341.28 — Commercial vehicle DUI penalties
- Virginia DMV — Virginia is TOUGH on drunk and drugged drivers (DMV 168)
- Virginia DMV — Driver’s Manual Section 5: Penalties
- Virginia DMV — A Guide to Reinstating Your Driving Privilege
- Virginia DMV — Financial Responsibility Certifications
- Virginia DMV — Restricted Driving Privileges
- Virginia Courts — Notice of Administrative Suspension (DC-201)
- Virginia Courts — Motion for Review of Administrative Suspension (DC-202)
- Virginia Courts — Application for Restricted Driver’s License (DC-263)
- Code of Virginia § 18.2-271.1 (probation, education, rehabilitation; restricted license)
- Code of Virginia § 16.1-132 (right of appeal from district court)
- Virginia Courts — General District Court Manual
- Commission on VASAP — FAQs
- Virginia LIS — HB 561 (2026), Chapter 1112
- Virginia LIS — SB 1006 (2025), Chapter 320
- Virginia DMV — Reinstatement Fees
- Virginia Courts — Virginia Beach General District Court
- Virginia Beach Courts — General District Court, Traffic Court
- Virginia Courts — Norfolk General District Court
- Virginia Courts — Chesapeake General District Court
- Virginia Courts — District Courts Directory
- Virginia Courts — Richmond City General District Court
- Virginia Courts — Richmond-John Marshall Criminal-Traffic General District Court
- Virginia Courts — Richmond-Marsh Criminal-Traffic at Manchester General District Court
- Division of Legislative Services — In Due Course: 2025 Changes to Virginia’s Laws
Educational information, not legal advice. Virginia law changes and every case is different. Confirm deadlines with General District Court (review of suspension) and talk to a licensed Virginia attorney about your situation.
Some details on this page are still being verified against official sources. Check the linked sources before relying on a specific number or deadline.
Last reviewed October 1, 2026.