Pennsylvania DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionPennsylvania drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving  have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Pennsylvania Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Pennsylvania:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher or ZERO Tolerance
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Pennsylvania Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you are arrested and convicted for drunk driving in the State of Pennsylvania you will receive 6 months probation and a $300 fine if your BAC was between .08-.99. If your BAC was from .10-.159 you will receive from 2 days-6 months in prison, a $500-$5,000 fine and a 12 month drivers license suspension. If the court allows, you may receive a restricted license after 60 days of your original suspension. If your BAC was above .16 you will face between 3 days-6 months in prison, a fine from $1,000-$5,000 and a 12 month drivers license suspension. If the court allows, you may receive a restricted license after 60 days of your original suspension.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
The second time you are arrested and convicted for a DUI in the State of Pennsylvania you will receive 5 days -6 months in prison and a fine between $300- $2,500 if your BAC was between .08-.99. You will also receive a 12 month drivers license suspension. If your BAC was from .10-.159 you will receive from 30 days-6 months in prison, a $750-$5,000 fine and a 12 month drivers license suspension. If your BAC was above .16 you will face between 90 days-5 years in prison, a fine of $1,500 and a 18 month drivers license suspension. For all second and 3rd offenses you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on you vehicle for 1 year. You may also be ordered by the court to attend alcohol screening and rehabilitation.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
The 3rd time you are arrested and convicted for a DUI in Pennsylvania you will receive 10 days -2 years in prison and a fine between $500- $5,000 if your BAC was between .08-.99. You will also receive a 12 month drivers license suspension. If your BAC was from .10-.159 you will receive from 90 days-5 years in prison, a $1,500-$10,000 fine and a 18 month drivers license suspension. If your BAC was above .16 you will face between 1-5 years in prison, a minimum fine of $2,500 and a 18 month drivers license suspension. For all second and 3rd offenses you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on you vehicle for 1 year. You may also be ordered by the court to attend alcohol screening and rehabilitation.
Pennsylvania Drivers License Issues
ennsylvania has what is known as an "Implied Consent" law. This law means that all drivers on the roadways of Pennsylvania agree to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine if an officer of the law suspects that they are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both. If you refuse to submit to such a test, your drivers license will be suspended for 1 year on the first refusal. You are considered guilty of a DUI if you refuse a test and each time you refuse this test the penalty increases. Like many states, the refusal to submit to testing often brings on harsher penalties than an actual DUI.
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has some very strenuous drunk driving laws. A DUI can cost you your drivers license, it caries heavy fines and penalties, and can even put you in jail. Follow the link to find out more information:
