Virginia Hardship License After DUI
Virginia requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteVirginia at a Glance
50/100/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$145
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Virginia
Virginia operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages in an accident. After a DUI conviction, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires SR-22 filing as proof of continuous liability coverage for 3 years. License reinstatement also requires completion of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP), payment of reinstatement fees, and proof of ignition interlock device installation if mandated by the court.
Liability Insurance (SR-22)
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Non-Owner SR-22
What Drivers Pay in Virginia
$260–$314/mo
Typical monthly rate in Virginia, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- First-offense DUI in Virginia typically increases premiums by 160 to 180 percent for the first year after conviction.
- Second-offense DUI or refusal cases increase premiums by 220 to 280 percent and limit carrier options to specialty high-risk insurers.
- BAC level at arrest affects premium — convictions with BAC 0.15 or higher are classified as aggravated DUI and result in higher underwriting surcharges.
- Northern Virginia drivers (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria) pay 15 to 25 percent more than rural areas due to higher accident frequency and repair costs.
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf your license is suspended
Restricted driving privileges
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is SR-22 required after a DUI in Virginia?
Virginia requires SR-22 filing for 3 consecutive years after a DUI conviction, measured from the date the SR-22 is filed with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, not from the conviction date. If your coverage lapses for even one day during the 3-year period, the clock resets and you must file a new SR-22 and serve an additional 3 years from the new filing date.
Can I drive to work on a restricted license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia restricted licenses allow driving to and from work, during work hours if your job requires driving, to and from VASAP classes, to medical appointments, and to court-ordered obligations. You must carry a copy of the restricted license order in the vehicle at all times and driving outside approved purposes is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer with the Virginia DMV proving you carry continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI conviction.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability coverage for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to satisfy Virginia's proof of insurance requirement.
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Coverage for vehicles equipped with court-ordered ignition interlock devices. Not all carriers will insure IID-equipped vehicles.
Liability Insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Virginia requires 25/50/20 minimums after DUI conviction.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your injuries and vehicle damage if you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Optional in Virginia but must be rejected in writing.