PA DUI & DWI

Eradicating drunk drivers from the roadways has always been a high priority, but has just recently become a higher priority than ever before. In 2003, the state of Pennsylvania decided that it was time to get things going in the removal of these drivers, with Act 24, which you can research at DUI Legislation, which gives authorities more power over these drivers and crimes, decreasing the BAC limit allowed to 0.08% or less, with alcohol treatment now part of the state’s penalties.

PA Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Explained

There is a three-tiered definition in place by PA to determine driver’s intoxication.

  • 0.08% to 0.099% is considered to be general impairment
  • 0.10% to 0.159% is considered a high BAC level
  • 0.16% and higher is considered to be the highest BAC level
Penalties for General Impairment in PA

You aren’t given any chances when it comes to a DUI offense in PA. However, the penalties can be much more severe as you accumulate offenses.

First Offense:

  • Up to 6 months of probation
  • Fine up to $300
  • Mandatory Highway Safety course required
  • Alcohol and drug treatment court order
Second Offense:

  • License suspension up to 1 year
  • 5 days to 6 months incarceration
  • Fine between $300 and $2,500
  • Mandatory Alcohol Highway Safety course required
  • Court order to complete alcohol and drug treatment
  • IID, ignition interlock device, required for 1 year
Third Offense or Subsequent:

  • Second-degree misdemeanor charge
  • License suspension for no less than 1 year
  • 10 days to 2 year incarceration
  • Fine between $500 to $5,000
  • Court order for alcohol and drug treatment
  • IID, ignition interlock device, for no less than 1 year
High BAC Penalties in PA

First Offense:

  • License suspension 1 year
  • 48 hours to 6 month incarceration
  • Fine between $500 and $5,000
  • Mandatory completion of Alcohol Highway Safety class
  • Drug and alcohol treatment court order
Second Offense:

  • 1 year automatic license suspension
  • 30 day to 6 month incarceration
  • Fine between $750 and $5,000
  • Mandatory completion of Alcohol Highway Safety class
  • Court order completion of drug and alcohol treatment
  • IID for one year
Third Offense:

  • 1st degree misdemeanor charge
  • 18 month automatic license suspension
  • 90 day to 5 year incarceration
  • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Alcohol and drug treatment court ordered
  • IID for one year
Fourth or Subsequent Offenses:

  • 1st degree misdemeanor charge
  • 18 month automatic suspension
  • One to five year incarceration
  • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Mandatory alcohol and drug treatment
  • IID for 1 year
Highest BAC Penalties in PA

First Offense:

  • 1 year license suspension
  • 72 hour to 6 month jail time
  • $1,000 to $5,000 fine
  • Alcohol Highway Safety class mandatory enrollment
  • Drug and alcohol treatment ordered by court
Second Offense:

  • 1st degree misdemeanor charge
  • 18 month automatic suspension
  • 90 day to 5 year jail term
  • $1,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Mandatory attendance in Alcohol Highway Safety class
  • Drug and Alcohol Treatment required
  • IID for one year
Third or Subsequent Offenses:

  • 1st degree misdemeanor charge
  • 18 month automatic suspension
  • 1 to 5 year incarceration
  • $2,500 to $10,000 fine
  • Alcohol and drug treatment required
  • IID for one year
Other Consequences for DUI

There are several court-ordered penalties that result from a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania, but that isn’t the end. Another penalty is felt by your wallet a bit deeper as it becomes difficult to find a good auto insurance policy for a price you can afford. Your rates increase, and in most cases your driver’s record will definitely hold you back.

More PA DUI Information

The driver’s manual holds a great deal of information concerning DUI laws in Pennsylvania, with Chapter Four focusing on these crimes, which you can visit online.

  • Zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21
  • Implied Consent law which requires submission to testing
  • Impairment through medication
  • Driver’s License Interstate Compact