Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Being Convicted of DUI / DWI Can Have Life Changing Consequences

Browse DUI Laws by State or Learn More About Field Sobriety Tests & Ignition Interlock Devices

Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania DUI Laws: Penalties, Fines, Requirements & Information

I’ve been arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, what should I do?
If you’ve been arrested or charged with DUI / DWI in the state of Pennsylvania, the first thing you should do is talk with an experienced local DUI lawyer! Pennsylvania DUI laws are complex and an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer will be able to negotiate the best possible outcome. Call 1.855.700.0754 for a FREE Pennsylvania DUI consultation with a local DUI lawyer.
What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Pennsylvania?
The BAC legal limit in Pennsylvania for adults is .08%. You will be charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania if you are found to have a BAC higher than .08. Pennsylvania also has a zero tolerance or underage BAC of .02%, meaning that any underage driver with this BAC or higher will be charged with DUI / DWI.
Does Pennsylvania have an aggravated DUI charge if my BAC is extremely high?
Yes, Pennsylvania does have a enhanced or aggravated DUI charges. Pennsylvania uses a “tiered” penalties systems based upon your BAC, as well as previous convictions.
Do I have to take a field sobriety test or chemical test in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania DUI laws include “implied consent”, which means you are required to submit to field sobriety tests or chemical testing, or you will face serious consequences.
If I’m convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania will I lose my car?
Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania DUI laws do not allow confiscation of vehicles.
Will I have to use an ignition interlock device if I’m convicted of DUI in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania DUI laws do require the use of an ignition interlock device if convicted of DUI / DWI.
How much does a DUI in Pennsylvania cost?
A first time DUI offense in Pennsylvania can cost between $5,000 – $10,000.
Will an Pennsylvania DUI conviction increase my auto insurance?
Yes. If you are convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania, your insurance could increase by $2,000 to $6,000.
Will I have to serve jail time if I’m convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a tiered penalty system based upon your BAC and prior DUI convictions. Penalties range from up to 6 months probation all the way up to 1 to 5 years in prison.

Overview of Pennsylvania DUI Law Penalties, Fines, Jail Time & Requirements

Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Laws create a tiered approach toward DUI enforcement and treatment, and includes many changes to the penalties, terms of suspension, fines and other requirements. The combination of an individual’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level, and prior offenses, determines the licensing requirements and penalties. The Pennsylvania DUI laws focus on treatment for first-time DUI offenders, rather than strictly punishment and suspension.

Under Pennsylvania DUI laws minors, commercial drivers, school vehicle or bus drivers, and offenders involved in an accident that injures someone or causes property damage may be subject to the high BAC penalties even if their BAC is not in the high category. Offenders who refuse breath or chemical testing may be subject to the highest BAC penalties.

Pennsylvania DUI Laws General Impairment Penalties (Undetermined BAC, .08 to .099% BAC)

No prior DUI offenses	ungraded misdemeanor up to 6 months probation $300 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense	ungraded misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 5 days to 6 months jail time alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses	2nd degree misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 10 days to 2 years prison $500 to $5,000 fine treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock

Pennsylvania DUI Laws High BAC penalties (.10 to .159% BAC)

No prior DUI offenses	ungraded misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 48 hours to 6 months prison $500 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense	ungraded misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 30 days to 6 months prison $750 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses	1st degree misdemeanor 18 month license suspension 90 days to 5 years prison $1,500 to $10,000 fine treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock
3 or more prior DUI offenses	1st degree misdemeanor 18 month license suspension 1 to 5 years prison $1,500 to $10,000 fine treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock

Pennsylvania DUI Laws Highest BAC penalties (.16% and higher) or Controlled Substance

No prior DUI offenses	ungraded misdemeanor 12 month license suspension 72 hours to 6 months prison $1000 to $5,000 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered
1 prior DUI offense	1st degree misdemeanor 18 month license suspension 90 days to 5 years prison $1500 to $10,000 fine alcohol highway safety school treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock
2 or more prior DUI offenses	1st degree misdemeanor 18 month license suspension 1 to 5 years prison $2,500 to $10,000 fine treatment when ordered 1 year ignition interlock

Pennsylvania DUI Laws Apply To All Pennsylvania Counties

Adams County
Allegheny County
Armstrong County
Beaver County
Bedford County
Berks County
Blair County
Bradford County
Bucks County
Butler County
Cambria County
Cameron County
Carbon County
Centre County
Chester County
Clarion County
Clearfield County
Clinton County

Columbia County
Crawford County
Cumberland County
Dauphin County
Delaware County
Elk County
Erie County
Fayette County
Forest County
Franklin County
Fulton County
Greene County
Huntingdon County
Indiana County
Jefferson County
Juniata County
Lackawanna County
Lancaster County

Lawrence County
Lebanon County
Lehigh County
Luzerne County
Lycoming County
McKean County
Mercer County
Mifflin County
Monroe County
Montgomery County
Montour County
Northampton County
Northumberland County
Perry County
Philadelphia County
Pike County

Potter County
Schuylkill County
Snyder County
Somerset County
Sullivan County
Susquehanna County
Tioga County
Union County
Venango County
Warren County
Washington County
Wayne County
Westmoreland County
Wyoming County
York County

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State DUI Laws

Welcome to StateDUILaws.net! This site is dedicated to providing DUI information and resources for each state in America. We have compiled the DUI Laws of each state as well as other relevant DUI information for those looking for DUI information in their state.

Our site includes information about DUI penalties, 1st, 2nd and 3rd DUI convictions, Ignition Interlock Devices, field sobriety tests and other DUI arrest information.

If you've been arrested for DUI, then we also offer access to a FREE initial DUI consultation from a local DUI attorney.

Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Being Convicted of DUI / DWI Can Have Life Changing Consequences