Subcommittee backs expanding ignition interlock option in DUI cases

The House subcommittee voted unanimously (9-0) to report HB561, a bill that would give judges broader authority to require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) and restricted licenses in lieu of many mandatory license suspensions for DUI offenses.

Sponsor Delegate Hope said the policy is aimed at improving highway safety because many drivers continue to drive despite suspensions. "Roughly 75 percent of the people that have a suspended license drive anyway," the sponsor said, citing national association findings and listing endorsements from law-enforcement and safety organizations.

Christopher Morris of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VSAP) said the commission reviewed the concept and supported it in principle, and referenced AAMVA research supporting the view that suspensions often fail to deter driving. "This bill allows them to do that, that they can drive earlier. That's good for highway safety because we're getting an ignition interlock into the car quicker," Morris said.

Other witnesses including Christy Noonan (Smart Start) and Patrick Cushing (AAA) also testified in favor, describing the bill as a modernization that preserves judicial discretion while expanding tools to improve traffic safety.

The subcommittee reported the bill as amended, 9-0, and the sponsor said a working group could further refine best practices from other states if the measure advances.