DUI Rules & Regulations

Attention Drunk Drivers! Brace yourself for significant changes in DUI penalties in the State of Pennsylvania. As experts at Logue Law Group carefully monitor these updates, the outlook doesn’t seem promising for those who make the reckless decision to drink and drive. It’s worth noting that even the influence of certain prescription drugs, when prescribed by your doctor, can lead to a DUI charge.

Effective August 2017, Pennsylvania introduced noteworthy changes to its DUI laws, putting first-time offenders in the spotlight. Now, individuals facing their initial DUI offense must install a special device in their vehicles. This device actively checks for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) before allowing the ignition to start. Offenders bear the cost of this ignition interlock device, which examines the breath of the driver and permits vehicle activation only when the BAC is below the legal limit of .08%. Moreover, the device provides multiple attempts for accuracy. If the BAC is too high on the first try, the ignition interlock holds it for five minutes. A second unsuccessful attempt triggers a thirty-minute lockout period.

In addition to installing the device, first-time DUI offenders are granted permission to drive to work, provided they possess an ignition interlock license. The device must remain installed for a year in their vehicle. Approved PennDOT mechanics are responsible for installation, which costs approximately $100 per year.

Previously, a first-time DUI conviction automatically resulted in a year-long driver’s license suspension. Under the new law, individuals who refuse to submit to a blood-alcohol test during their first offense can install the interlock device and regain driving privileges after serving a six-month license suspension, regardless of its original duration. Previously, this action led to a suspension of anywhere between one to 18 months.

Moreover, to counter any attempts of cheating the system, the device now performs random tests while the vehicle is in motion, with the driver behind the wheel. This “rolling re-test” fortifies the integrity of the process.

In the past, ignition interlock devices were exclusively reserved for repeat DUI offenders. However, with the recent changes in Pennsylvania’s DUI legislation, even first-time offenders are subject to the installation of these devices. Don’t let the law catch up to you—make responsible choices and stay safe on the road.

The recent change in legislation has been primarily motivated by the considerable number of individuals whose job security has been compromised due to suspended licenses. This has led to lost employment opportunities, reduced working hours, and subsequent financial hardships for offenders, making it difficult for them to pay fines or support their families. Consequently, many have resorted to driving with suspended licenses, further exacerbating their legal and financial burdens.

Moreover, the impact of license suspensions extends beyond livelihood and financial concerns. Parents with suspended licenses due to DUI offenses often experience unfortunate absences from family events and are unable to actively participate in their children’s activities.

Update July 1, 2019, significant updates have been made to DUI laws in Pennsylvania, effective from December 23, 2018. These changes have severe implications, especially for individuals facing a third High-DUI offense, which now carries a felony charge. A High-DUI offense is determined when a person’s blood alcohol content reaches 0.16 percent or higher. Similarly, a fourth or subsequent DUI offense will result in the same charges.

In cases where a fatality occurs due to driving under the influence, the individual may face a first-degree felony, accompanied by an additional five years of prison time.

The new legislation also imposes harsher penalties for driving without a license and committing aggravated assault. Specifically, the prison term for aggravated assault has been extended by two years.

Additionally, there are increased fines and jail terms for driving under suspension resulting from a previous DUI conviction. A first offense carries a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum jail term of 60 days, while a second offense mandates a minimum jail term of 90 days and a $1,000 fine.

These updates to DUI laws aim to address the issues faced by individuals with suspended licenses, while also ensuring stricter consequences for repeated offenses and cases involving fatalities.