Virginia’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a high-visibility enforcement initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving and enhancing road safety through awareness messaging and increased law enforcement presence. Supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), this campaign has significantly impacted reducing alcohol-related traffic incidents since its inception in 2002. Statistics show that since the campaign’s launch, alcohol-related crashes have decreased by 38%, fatalities by 18%, and injuries have been nearly halved. This progress reflects the campaign’s success in promoting sober driving and raising awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence.

Virginia is known for having some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the United States, which apply to both alcohol and drug impairment. A driver is considered under the influence if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, penalties can still apply with a lower BAC if the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired. Moreover, Virginia law permits DUI arrests without a warrant if an officer has probable cause within three hours of a crash. The campaign emphasizes that drinking and driving come with severe consequences, including automatic license suspension and potential jail time for repeated offences. Through education and enforcement, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” aims to keep Virginia’s roads safer for all.

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