VA HB561

Requires ignition interlock systems for persons younger than 21 convicted of driving after illegally consuming alcohol, with the interlock period not to exceed one year as a condition of receiving a restricted license.

Allows persons charged with DWI-related test refusal to enter an alcohol safety action program prior to trial and pre-qualify for ignition interlock installation, with any pre-trial installation time counting toward court-ordered interlock requirements.

Permits persons convicted of a third or subsequent DWI offense within 10 years to potentially participate in the alcohol safety action program "upon good cause shown," removing the previous absolute prohibition on program eligibility for repeat offenders.

Extends ignition interlock requirements to all DWI-related convictions under § 18.2-266.1 (underage drinking and driving) in addition to existing covered offenses.

Removes the previous 30-day waiting period before petitioning for a restricted license following a first-offense test refusal conviction.