New Virginia DUI Law Takes Effect January 1, 2008

There’s a new law that is going to take effect in Virginia on New Year’s Day 2008. It’s aimed at making it more difficult for individuals convicted of DUI to get a license from the Virginia DMV. People who have been convicted of one of the following offenses will be required to show proof that they have double the minimum automobile liability insurance coverage limits:

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Maiming while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Driving while suspended/revoked for one of the above DUI-related offenses

If you’re wondering what double the insurance liability coverage limits comes out to, here it is:

• $50,000 for injury or death to one person
• $100,000 for injury or death to two or more people
• $40,000 for property damage

If the affected driver does not furnish the appropriate form to the DMV proving that this level of coverage was purchased, the DMV will suspend the person’s privileges. This includes the privilege to drive, register a motor vehicle in the state of Virginia, and obtain vehicle decals in the state of Virginia. Do you think this law goes far enough… or too far? Leave a comment and let us know. Also, please check out our article discussing what is being done to reduce accidents from impaired drivers.