Virginia § 18.2-271.5 - Restricted permits to operate a motor vehicle; ignition interlock systems
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 18.2-271.5 — Restricted permits to operate a motor vehicle; ignition interlock systems, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18.2-271.5. Restricted permits to operate a motor vehicle; ignition interlock systems
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any criminal case for any violation of Article 7 ( § 46.2-852 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 where a defendant's license to operate a motor vehicle, engine, or train in the Commonwealth is subject to revocation or suspension and the court orders a defendant, as a condition of probation or otherwise, to enter into and successfully complete an alcohol safety action program in the judicial district in which such charge is brought or in any other judicial district upon such terms and conditions as the court may set forth, the court may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, issue the defendant a restricted license to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 where the only restriction of such restricted license that the court shall impose is to prohibit the defendant from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning, certified ignition interlock system for a period of not less than six consecutive months without alcohol-related violations of the interlock requirements.
In no event shall a defendant be permitted to enter any such alcohol safety action program that is not certified as meeting minimum standards and criteria established by the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) pursuant to § 18.2-271.2.
No restricted license issued pursuant to this section shall permit any person to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Virginia Commercial Driver's License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.).
The provisions of subsections E and F of § 18.2-271.1 shall apply to this section mutatis mutandis, except as herein provided.
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 279.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 18.2-271.5
What does Code of Virginia § 18.2-271.5 cover?
Section 18.2-271.5 ("Restricted permits to operate a motor vehicle; ignition interlock systems") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 18.2-271.5?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 18.2-271.5" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 18.2-271.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.