Driving Under The Influence
On February 1, 2004, Pennsylvania’s enacted DUI laws went into effect. Under the current law,
Penalties for General Impairment (BAC .08-.099%) License suspension of up to eighteen (18) months; six (6) months of probation up to seven (7) years in prison; $300.00 to $5,000.00 fine; alcohol highway safety school; treatment when ordered; and possible ignition interlock.
Penalties for High Level of Alcohol (BAC .10-.159%) License suspension of up to eighteen (18) months; six (6) months of probation up to seven (7) years in prison; $500.00 to $10,000.00 fine; possible alcohol highway safety school; treatment when ordered; possible ignition interlock.
Penalties for Highest Level of Alcohol (BAC .16 & above) – License suspension of up to eighteen (18) months; six (6) months of probation up to seven (7) years in prison; $1,000.00 to $15,000.00 fine; alcohol highway safety school; treatment when ordered; and possible ignition interlock.
Penalties for minors (under age 21) at BAC of .02-.159% is treated the same as Penalties for High Level of Alcohol for adults; and BAC of .16% and above is treated the same as Penalties for Highest Level of Alcohol for adults.
Act 59 of 2022 (effective 11/15/22) changed certain Pennsylvania DUI laws. Below is our quick take on the law:
1) 3rd Tier; 4th or more DUIs: will now be graded as Felony 2 offenses.
2) Mandatory Consecutive Sentencing for 3rd or more DUIs.
3) Sentence Enhancement: Tier 3, 5th or more DUIs will be subject to a sentencing enhancement to be provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.
4) License Suspensions: The “new” Felony 2 grading listed above carries an 18-month license suspension.