Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania DUI Laws: Penalties, Fines, Requirements & Information

I’ve been arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, what should I do?

If you’ve been arrested or charged with DUI / DWI in the state of Pennsylvania, the first thing you should do is talk with an experienced local DUI lawyer!  Pennsylvania DUI laws are complex and an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer will be able to negotiate the best possible outcome.  Call 1.855.700.0754 for a FREE Pennsylvania DUI consultation with a local DUI lawyer.

What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Pennsylvania?

The BAC legal limit in Pennsylvania for adults is .08%. You will be charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania if you are found to have a BAC higher than .08. Pennsylvania also has a zero tolerance or underage BAC of .02%, meaning that any underage driver with this BAC or higher will be charged with DUI / DWI.

Does Pennsylvania have an aggravated DUI charge if my BAC is extremely high?

Yes, Pennsylvania does have a enhanced or aggravated DUI charges.  Pennsylvania uses a “tiered” penalties systems based upon your BAC, as well as previous convictions.

Do I have to take a field sobriety test or chemical test in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania DUI laws include “implied consent”, which means you are required to submit to field sobriety tests or chemical testing, or you will face serious consequences.

If I’m convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania will I lose my car?

Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania DUI laws do not allow confiscation of vehicles.

Will I have to use an ignition interlock device if I’m convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania DUI laws do require the use of an ignition interlock device if convicted of DUI / DWI.

How much does a DUI in Pennsylvania cost?

A first time DUI offense in Pennsylvania can cost between $5,000 – $10,000.

Will an Pennsylvania DUI conviction increase my auto insurance?

Yes. If you are convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania, your insurance could increase by $2,000 to $6,000.

Will I have to serve jail time if I’m convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a tiered penalty system based upon your BAC and prior DUI convictions. Penalties range from up to 6 months probation all the way up to 1 to 5 years in prison.

Overview of Pennsylvania DUI Law Penalties, Fines, Jail Time & Requirements

Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws create a tiered approach toward DUI enforcement and treatment, and includes many changes to the penalties, terms of suspension, fines and other requirements. The combination of an individual’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, and prior offenses, determines the licensing requirements and penalties. The Pennsylvania DUI laws focus on treatment for first-time DUI offenders, rather than strictly punishment and suspension.

Under Pennsylvania DUI laws minors, commercial drivers, school vehicle or bus drivers, and offenders involved in an accident that injures someone or causes property damage may be subject to the high BAC penalties even if their BAC is not in the high category. Offenders who refuse breath or chemical testing may be subject to the highest BAC penalties.

Pennsylvania DUI Laws General Impairment Penalties (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC)

No prior DUI offenses

  • ungraded misdemeanor
  • up to 6 months probation
  • $300 fine
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered

1 prior DUI offense

  • ungraded misdemeanor
  • 12 month license suspension
  • 5 days to 6 months jail time
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

2 or more prior DUI offenses

  • 2nd degree misdemeanor
  • 12 month license suspension
  • 10 days to 2 years prison
  • $500 to $5,000 fine
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

 

Pennsylvania DUI Laws High BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC) 

No prior DUI offenses

  • ungraded misdemeanor
  • 12 month license suspension
  • 48 hours to 6 months prison
  • $500 to $5,000 fine
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered

1 prior DUI offense

  • ungraded misdemeanor
  • 12 month license suspension
  • 30 days to 6 months prison
  • $750 to $5,000 fine
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

2 or more prior DUI offenses

  • 1st degree misdemeanor
  • 18 month license suspension
  • 90 days to 5 years prison
  • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

3 or more prior DUI offenses

  • 1st degree misdemeanor
  • 18 month license suspension
  • 1 to 5 years prison
  • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

Pennsylvania DUI Laws Highest BAC penalties (.16% and higher) or Controlled Substance

No prior DUI offenses

  • ungraded misdemeanor
  • 12 month license suspension
  • 72 hours to 6 months prison
  • $1000 to $5,000 fine
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered

1 prior DUI offense

  • 1st degree misdemeanor
  • 18 month license suspension
  • 90 days to 5 years prison
  • $1500 to $10,000 fine
  • alcohol highway safety school
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

2 or more prior DUI offenses

  • 1st degree misdemeanor
  • 18 month license suspension
  • 1 to 5 years prison
  • $2,500 to $10,000 fine
  • treatment when ordered
  • 1 year ignition interlock

 

Pennsylvania DUI Laws Apply To All Pennsylvania Counties

 

  • Adams County
  • Allegheny County
  • Armstrong County
  • Beaver County
  • Bedford County
  • Berks County
  • Blair County
  • Bradford County
  • Bucks County
  • Butler County
  • Cambria County
  • Cameron County
  • Carbon County
  • Centre County
  • Chester County
  • Clarion County
  • Clearfield County
  • Clinton County

 

  • Columbia County
  • Crawford County
  • Cumberland County
  • Dauphin County
  • Delaware County
  • Elk County
  • Erie County
  • Fayette County
  • Forest County
  • Franklin County
  • Fulton County
  • Greene County
  • Huntingdon County
  • Indiana County
  • Jefferson County
  • Juniata County
  • Lackawanna County
  • Lancaster County

 

  • Lawrence County
  • Lebanon County
  • Lehigh County
  • Luzerne County
  • Lycoming County
  • McKean County
  • Mercer County
  • Mifflin County
  • Monroe County
  • Montgomery County
  • Montour County
  • Northampton County
  • Northumberland County
  • Perry County
  • Philadelphia County
  • Pike County

 

  • Potter County
  • Schuylkill County
  • Snyder County
  • Somerset County
  • Sullivan County
  • Susquehanna County
  • Tioga County
  • Union County
  • Venango County
  • Warren County
  • Washington County
  • Wayne County
  • Westmoreland County
  • Wyoming County
  • York County