(HB561) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION 1.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB561
Driving While Intoxicated; Ignition Interlocks and License Restrictions
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act allows courts to issue immediate ignition interlock systems for certain driving while intoxicated offenders, including repeat offenders and those who refuse tests.
What it does
- Allows a court to give a restricted license with an installed ignition interlock system right away to people charged with driving while intoxicated or refusing breath/blood tests.
- Requires the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Commission to form a work group to review laws about drunk driving and submit recommendations by November 1, 2026.
Who it affects
- People charged with driving while intoxicated, including minors and repeat offenders.
- Courts that handle cases involving drunk driving violations.
- The Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program Commission.
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not specify the exact penalties for those who refuse breath or blood tests.
- It is unclear how many people will be affected by these changes in practice.
- There are no details on funding for implementing new ignition interlock systems.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Ignition interlock system
- A device installed in a car to prevent it from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
- Restricted license
- A type of driving permit that allows limited use of a vehicle, often with specific conditions like an ignition interlock system.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Driving while intoxicated; refusal of tests; repeat offenders; ignition interlocks. Permits a court to issue a restricted license with immediate installation of ignition interlock systems for certain offenders charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal of tests, or repeat offender violations. The bill also directs the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program to convene a work group to evaluate the provisions governing driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and submit recommendations and a draft report to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice by November 1, 2026. Current law requires various time limits of driver's license suspension for such violations before a restricted license may be issued.
Official activity
Bill history
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1112 (effective 7/1/2026)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1112)Governor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Governor's recommendation received by HouseGovernor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)House
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB561ER)House
- Senate amendments agreed to by House (90-Y 7-N 0-A)House
- Read third timeSenate
Changes
Amendments
7 stored
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 2/04/2026 HB 561 SUBCOMMITTEE 1.
2/04/2026 HB 561 SUBCOMMITTEE 1.
2/11/2026 HB 561 COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 3/05/2026 HB 561 COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
3/09/2026 (HB561) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.
3/10/2026 (HB561) AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE COURTS OF JUSTICE 1.