The Court Code "A" is a restriction placed on your Virginia license by a court order
If you see the letter "A" printed in the "Restrictions" section of your Virginia driver's license, it means a Virginia court has ordered that you cannot drive without a court-ordered ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This is not a choice or a suggestion — it is a legal requirement tied to a court case, usually involving alcohol or drug-related driving offenses.
The code appears on your physical license as a permanent reminder of the restriction. You cannot legally operate any vehicle without the interlock device, even if you own multiple cars. Driving without it, or tampering with it, is a separate criminal offense in Virginia and can result in additional charges, fines, and jail time.
This restriction stays on your license for the length of time the court specified in your sentence. That period varies depending on the offense, your driving history, and the judge's decision — it could be six months, one year, or longer. Once the court-ordered period ends, you can petition the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to have the restriction removed.
Key Takeaways
- Court Code "A" means you must have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle you drive; driving without one is illegal.
- The restriction appears on your license because a Virginia court ordered it, usually as part of a DUI, DWI, or related conviction.
- You cannot remove the restriction yourself — only the court that imposed it, or the DMV after the court-ordered period ends, can authorize removal.
- The interlock device requires you to pass a breath test before the vehicle will start and at random intervals while driving.
- Tampering with, circumventing, or driving without the device is a separate crime in Virginia with its own penalties.
How the ignition interlock device works
An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer machine wired into your vehicle's ignition system. Before you can start the engine, you must blow into the device. If it detects alcohol above a set threshold (usually 0.02 percent blood alcohol content), the vehicle will not start. You will see a message on the device's display and hear a tone, but the engine remains locked.
Once the vehicle is running, the device continues to work. At random intervals — typically every 5 to 15 minutes — it will prompt you to provide another breath sample. This is called a "rolling retest." You have a set time (usually 3 to 5 minutes) to pull over safely and provide the sample. If you do not comply, or if the sample shows alcohol, the device logs a violation and may trigger the vehicle's horn and lights to alert you.
Every time you use the device, it records the result. These records are downloaded monthly by the service provider and sent to the court and the DMV. The court reviews them to confirm you are complying with the restriction. Violations — failed tests, missed rolling retests, or tampering — are reported to the court and can result in extended restrictions, additional fines, or criminal charges.
Who installs and maintains the device
You are responsible for finding a Virginia-certified interlock service provider and scheduling the installation yourself. The court order will tell you that you must have the device installed within a certain timeframe — often 10 to 30 days from the date of sentencing. Failure to install it by the important date can result in a suspended license or additional charges.
Virginia maintains a list of certified providers on the DMV website. You can search by location and contact them directly to schedule installation. The installation typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will pay an installation fee (usually $75 to $150) and a monthly monitoring fee (usually $50 to $100), depending on the provider. These costs are your responsibility.
The device must be serviced and calibrated monthly. The provider will send you a reminder, and you must visit their office or an authorized service location to have the device checked and the data downloaded. Missing a service appointment can be treated as non-compliance and reported to the court.
When the restriction can be removed
The court order specifies exactly how long the restriction will remain in effect. This is called the "interlock period." It might be 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or longer, depending on the offense and your history. You cannot shorten this period on your own — only the court that imposed it can modify or terminate the restriction early, and only in rare circumstances (such as a successful appeal or a change in the law).
Once the court-ordered interlock period has ended, you do not automatically have the restriction removed. You must contact the Virginia DMV and request removal. You will need to provide proof that the interlock period has expired — usually a letter from your attorney, the court, or the interlock service provider confirming the end date. The DMV will then issue you a new license without the "A" restriction.
If you remove or tamper with the device before the court-ordered period ends, or if you fail to maintain it, the court can extend the restriction, impose additional fines, or file new criminal charges. Do not attempt to bypass or disable the device.
What happens if you violate the restriction
Driving without the interlock device installed, or driving a vehicle that does not have one, is a violation of your court order. In Virginia, this is treated as a separate offense and can result in criminal charges, additional fines up to $1,000, and jail time. Your license can also be suspended or revoked.
If the device records violations — such as failed breath tests, missed rolling retests, or signs of tampering — those violations are automatically reported to the court and the DMV. The court may hold a hearing to determine whether you have willfully violated the restriction. If found in violation, the court can extend the interlock period, increase monitoring requirements, or impose additional penalties.
Tampering with the device — disconnecting it, having someone else blow into it, or attempting to disable it — is a separate criminal offense in Virginia. Convictions for tampering carry fines and potential jail time, and the court will almost certainly extend your interlock restriction.
How to prepare for life with the restriction
Before your installation appointment, identify which vehicle you will be driving most often. The device must be installed in that vehicle. If you own multiple cars and need to drive different ones, you will need to have the device installed in each vehicle you plan to use, which means paying installation and monitoring fees for each one. Many people choose to drive only one vehicle during the interlock period to reduce costs.
Plan your daily schedule around the rolling retest prompts. You cannot ignore them or delay them — you must pull over safely and provide a breath sample within the time window. If you are frequently in situations where you cannot safely pull over (such as on a highway with no shoulder), discuss this with your interlock provider; they may be able to adjust the retest intervals.
Keep the monthly service appointments. Missing even one can be reported as non-compliance. Set phone reminders and mark the dates on your calendar. If you know you will be traveling or unable to make an appointment, contact your provider in advance to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the restriction removed early?
Only the court that imposed the restriction can terminate it early, and this is rare. You would need to file a motion with the court and present evidence of exceptional circumstances. Your attorney can advise whether this is possible in your case. Otherwise, you must wait until the court-ordered period expires.
What if I cannot afford the installation and monthly fees?
The costs are your legal responsibility. Some interlock providers offer payment plans. If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can request a hearing with the court to ask about fee waivers or reductions, though courts are not required to grant them. Contact your attorney or a legal aid organization for guidance.
Can someone else drive my car while the device is installed?
Yes, but they must be willing to blow into the device before starting the vehicle and comply with rolling retests while driving. If they fail a breath test or refuse to provide a sample, it is recorded as a violation on your record and reported to the court. You are responsible for all violations, regardless of who is driving.
What happens if I move out of Virginia?
You must continue to comply with the Virginia court order, even if you relocate. This means maintaining the interlock device and monthly service appointments. If you move to another state, contact the Virginia court and your interlock provider when ready to discuss your options. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Virginia, but you cannot straightforward stop complying with a Virginia court order.
How do I know when my interlock period ends?
The court order you received at sentencing states the exact end date. Your interlock service provider should also have this information and can confirm it. About 30 days before the period ends, contact the provider and ask for written confirmation of the end date. You will need this documentation to request removal of the restriction from the DMV.