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DUI Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania DUI cases may be referred to as drunk driving, driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI) or the new driving after imbibing (DAI). Under Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent law, any person who holds a Pennsylvania driver’s license or chooses to drive a motor vehicle on the roadways of Pennsylvania shall be deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of breath, blood or urine if an officer has reason to believe the individual had been operating a motor vehicle while in an impaired state.

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Pennsylvania drunk driving convictions

Pennsylvania drunk driving law has different punishment levels for first, second and third DUI and DAI offense, which vary depending on alcohol content and other factors.

First offense

The first time you are arrested and convicted for drunk driving in Pennsylvania you will receive 6 months probation and a $300 fine if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was between .08-.99 percent.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was from .10-.159 percent, you will receive from 2 days-6 months in prison, a $500-$5000 fine plus suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months. The court has the option to receive a restricted license after 60 days of your initial suspension. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was above .16 percent you will be sentenced to 3 days-6 months in jail, a fined ranging from $1000-$5000 and your driver’s license will be suspended for 12 months.

Second offense

For your second 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- $2500 if your blood alcohol content was between .08-.99 percent and a 12 month driver’s license suspension. If your blood alcohol content was from .10-.159 you will receive from 30 days-6 months in prison, a $750-$5000 fine and a 12 month driver’s license suspension. If your blood alcohol content was above .16 you will face between 90 days-5 years in prison, a fine of $1500 and an 18 month drivers license suspension.

Third offense

The third arrested and convicted for a DUI in Pennsylvania will get you 10 days -2 years in prison and a fine between $500- $5000 if your blood alcohol concentration was between .08-.99. You will also receive a 12 month driver’s license suspension. If your blood alcohol concentration recorded .10-.159 you will receive from 90 days-5 years in prison, a $1500-$10,000 fine and suspension of your driver’s license for 18 months. If your blood alcohol concentration shows above .16 you will face between 1-5 years in jail, a minimum fine of $2500 and suspension of your driver’s license for 18 months.

All second and third arrest and conviction of a DUI in Pennsylvania, will require installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 1 year. The court can also order you to participate in alcohol testing and treatment programs.