West Virginia Ignition Interlock Program

What the ATLP Actually Is

The Alcohol Test and Lock Program (ATLP) is West Virginia's mechanism for giving DUI-revoked drivers restricted driving privileges while they serve their revocation period. Instead of sitting out the entire revocation with no driving at all, you install a certified ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The device tests your breath alcohol content every time you start the engine — and at random intervals while driving — and only lets the vehicle operate if you pass.

The program is administered by the DMV Division of User Services, and it's the only way to get any form of restricted driving after a DUI in West Virginia. The state does not offer a general hardship license or work permit for standard suspensions, so for non-DUI suspensions (unpaid fines, insurance lapse, points), there's no interlock option and no restricted license available.

Who's Eligible — and Who Isn't

The ATLP is strictly limited to alcohol-related DUI offenses. If your license was revoked for driving under the influence of controlled substances or drugs, you're ineligible. Period.

Two other disqualifiers:

• Recent driving-while-suspended conviction: If you've been convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license under West Virginia Code §17B-4-3 within the two years immediately before your application, you're disqualified.
• Application limits: If you're ruled ineligible, you can reapply no more than two times within a six-month period.

Interlock Duration by Offense

The mandatory interlock period depends on your specific offense:

The hard suspension period means zero driving — no exceptions. The interlock period begins after you've served the hard suspension and had the device installed.

What It Costs

DMV application fee: $100 paid directly to the DMV with your ATLP application.

Device installation: Typically $60 to $100, paid to the private interlock vendor.

Monthly lease and calibration: Varies by vendor but generally runs $60 to $100 per month. The device must be calibrated every 30 to 60 days, and each calibration appointment includes a data download.

Indigency waiver: If you meet established financial criteria, you may qualify for waivers on certain program fees. Contact the DMV or your vendor to ask about the application process.

Over the course of a 5-month interlock period, total device costs typically run $400 to $600 on top of the $100 application fee. For longer periods — especially second-offense cases at 18 months — the cumulative cost is significant.

How Compliance Monitoring Works

During each monthly calibration, the vendor downloads the device's data log. That log records:

• Every breath test you took
• Every engine start
• Every rolling re-test (random tests while the vehicle is in motion)
• Any BAC reading above the programmed threshold (typically 0.02% to 0.025%)

This data is transmitted directly to the DMV. You don't get to review or filter it before it's sent.

What Counts as a Violation

The DMV will extend your interlock period — or remove you from the program entirely — for any of these:

• Failing a breath test with a BAC above the device threshold
• Missing a rolling re-test requested while the vehicle is running
• Missing a scheduled calibration appointment
• Tampering, bypass attempts, or unauthorized vehicle starting

A single confirmed violation can add months to your interlock requirement. Repeated violations can result in program termination, at which point you return to active revocation with no restricted driving privileges.

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility — alcohol-related offense only, no driving-while-suspended conviction in the past two years
2. Submit the ATLP application to the DMV with a check for the $100 fee
3. Wait for the official DMV approval letter
4. Contact an authorized ignition interlock provider to schedule installation
5. Ensure the technician completes and signs the installation verification form
6. Begin your restricted driving period — drive only as authorized under the program terms

Getting the Interlock Removed

When your minimum interlock period is complete and your compliance record is clean:

1. Complete the DUI Safety and Treatment Program (if not already done)
2. Obtain a formal interlock removal order from the DMV
3. Have the vendor remove the device
4. Pay the standard $50 reinstatement fee
5. Submit all compliance documents to DMV Headquarters in Charleston

If your license was revoked for more than three consecutive years total, you'll also need to pass the vision screening, written exam, and road test.

The West Virginia Driver's License Reinstatement Guide includes the complete ATLP timeline for every offense category, a cost calculator, and a compliance tracking worksheet for your monthly calibrations.

See more West Virginia guides →