Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania has it all planned out. If you get caught driving under the influence (DUI) the severity of your penalties will be determined by just how high (or low) your blood alcohol content level (BAC) is at the time of arrest. Even for first offenses, stiff penalties apply for drivers that find themselves on the high end of the BAC level. If you are caught and convicted of DUI in the state of Pennsylvania, you could end up in prison for 6 months and your license could be suspended for 1 year.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Pennsylvania?

In the state of Pennsylvania, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties increase based on specific BAC level ranges. Ranges include: 0.08%-0.09%; 0.10%-0.15%, and 0.16% and above.

In the state of Pennsylvania what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Pennsylvania, there is no set administrative license suspension time if you are arrested for DUI. However, in some cases, the courts will grant you a restricted license after 60 days has passed from the date of your original suspension.

In the state of Pennsylvania, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

If you are arrested and convicted of DUI in the state of Pennsylvania, you will have to pay a $300 fine and you will be placed on probation for 6 months -- if your BAC is 0.08%-0.09%. If your BAC is 0.10%-0.15%, you might spend anywhere from 48 hours up to 6 months in jail, your license will be suspended for 12 months, and you will have to pay fines ranging from $500 up to $5,000. If your BAC is 0.16% or higher, you will spend 72 hours or up to 6 months in jail. Your license will be suspended for 1 year, and you will have to pay fines totaling anywhere from $1,000 up to $5,000.

For second offenses, the penalties are as follows:

• BAC Level of 0.08%-0.09%: Fines ranging from $300-$2,500 and anywhere from a minimum 5 days in prison up to 6 months.
• BAC Level of 0.10%-0.15%: Fines ranging from $750-$5,000; license suspension for 1 year, and 1-6 months in prison.
• BAC Level 0.16% and above: Minimum fine of $1,500, 3 months to 5 years in prison, your license will be suspended for 18 months, interlock device for up to 1 year, and mandatory alcohol screening and treatment.

For third offenses, the penalties are as follows:

• BAC Level of 0.08%-0.09%: Fines ranging from $500-$5,000, license suspension for 1 full year, and anywhere from a minimum 10 days in prison up to 2 years.
• BAC Level of 0.10%-0.15%: Fines ranging from $1,500-$10,000; license suspension for 18 months, and 3 months to 5 years in prison.
• BAC Level 0.16% and above: Minimum fine of $2,500, 1-5 years in prison, your license will be suspended for 18 months, interlock device for up to 1 year, and mandatory alcohol screening and treatment.