Gov. Bob McDonnell signed two bills in Virginia Beach Tuesday that require ignition interlocks for people convicted with a DUI for the first time.

McDonnell spoke about the bills with reporters Tuesday in Dale City Tuesday, where he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for extended Express Lanes on I-95.

McDonnell signed House Bill 279 and its companion Senate Bill 378, which requires "all individuals convicted of driving under the influence, including first-time offenders, to operate only vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device when driving on a restricted license."

"Ignition interlock devices will be installed and monitored at the expense of the offender," said a release from McDonnell's office. "Prior to this legislation, Virginia law required ignition interlock devices when the offender's blood alcohol level was 0.15 or greater or after a second or subsequent DUI offense."

In 2011, 245 people were killed in crashes in Virginia where alcohol was a factor. Another 5,465 people received injuries, according to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles DUI statistics. This number of people killed in 2011 was a decrease of close to 50 percent from 1986.  

"No family should have to hear the news that their loved one was killed or injured by a drunk driver," said McDonnell in a release. 

The legislation went into effect July 1.

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