What are DUI penalties in Virginia?

Virginia DUI law is found at Va. Code § 18.2-266 et seq. and applies tiered mandatory minimums based on BAC.

1. BAC Limits — .08% for drivers 21+, .04% for commercial drivers, .02% for drivers under 21 (Va. Code § 18.2-266.1).

2. First Offense — Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, mandatory minimum $250 fine (max $2,500), 12-month license suspension (no restricted license for first 30 days, then with IID), mandatory ignition interlock for at least 6 months for restricted driving, mandatory Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).

3. First Offense — BAC .15-.20 — Adds mandatory minimum 5 days jail.

4. First Offense — BAC over .20 — Adds mandatory minimum 10 days jail.

5. Second Offense within 10 years — Class 1 misdemeanor: mandatory minimum 1 month in jail (10 days if more than 5 years from prior; 20 days if within 5 years), $500-$2,500 fine, 3-year license revocation, mandatory IID for 6 months minimum.

6. Second Offense within 5 years — Mandatory minimum 20 days jail.

7. Second Offense — BAC .15-.20 — Adds mandatory minimum 10 days jail.

8. Second Offense — BAC over .20 — Adds mandatory minimum 20 days jail.

9. Third Offense within 10 years — Class 6 felony: 90 days mandatory minimum jail (6 months if within 5 years of prior two), $1,000 minimum fine, indefinite license revocation, vehicle forfeiture possible.

10. Fourth Offense within 10 years — Class 6 felony: mandatory minimum 1 year prison.

11. Implied Consent (§ 18.2-268.3) — Refusing chemical test is a separate civil offense for first refusal (1-year license suspension) and a Class 1 misdemeanor for second refusal.

12. Aggravating Factors — Child passenger 17 or younger adds mandatory minimum 5 days jail and $500-$1,000 fine; injury accidents elevate the charge.

This is legal information, not legal advice.