Pennsylvania State DUI Law

Alcohol consumption can result in high blood alcohol penalities in Pennsylvania

In 2003, the Pennsylvania state government signed Act 24 into a new Driving Under the Influence (DUI) law. By lowering Pennsylvania's lawful alcohol limit for drivers from .10 to .08, Act 24 prompts changes in DUI penalties and treatment programs for offenders.

Limit

Pennsylvania state DUI law is divided into three tiers according to blood alcohol content (BAC) levels, and these include general impairment (.08 to .099% BAC), high BAC (.10% to .159%), and highest BAC (.16% and higher). Higher BAC levels mean heavier penalties.

Penalty

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, DUI penalties for Pennsylvania's drivers can include: misdemeanor charge, license suspension, monetary fine, probation, imprisonment, ignition interlock, treatment, and alcohol highway safety school.

Factors

Pennsylvania state DUI penalties depend on two main factors: driver's level of BAC and total number of DUI violations. Drivers who possess commercial/school bus licenses or are minor and/or unwilling to undergo alcohol testing can receive more severe penalties.

Ignition interlock

After September 2003, drivers with a second or subsequent DUI violation are mandated to install ignition interlocks in all vehicles owned or leased by them. Attempts to tamper with ignition interlocks may result in prolonged periods of ignition interlock penalty, usually up to 12 months.

Suspension

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation dictates that first time DUI offenders with a BAC level below .10% do not face license suspension. Subsequent offenses and DUI violations with BAC levels higher than .10% will result in suspension of either 12 months or 18 months.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: .08 DUI Legislation