{"id":375994,"date":"2024-04-04T10:28:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T15:28:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-dui-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-04-04T12:17:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-04T17:17:07","slug":"pennsylvania-dui-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-dui-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania DUI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania DUI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a pressing public health issue. Drugged and drunk driving is not only harmful to you, but it risks the lives of everyone around you. It’s a sad truth that DUI charges are one of the most common arrests made in the US.<\/p>\r\n

In Pennsylvania, DUIs made up one in four arrests in 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Whether you made a poor choice or have a problem you need help with, DUI charges are a serious matter. The Pennsylvania legislature revised its drunk driving laws to include more severe penalties. A conviction can carry jail time and fines in the thousands of dollars. A DUI conviction can impact your life for many years beyond court-ordered penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of DUI Laws in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\r\n

Learn more about what to expect if facing a DUI in Pennsylvania from the chart below.<\/p>\r\n

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/p>\r\n<\/h3>\r\n\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody>
"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/th>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/th>\r\n0.02%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/th>\r\n0.10%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/th>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Select Penalties<\/p>\r\n<\/h3>\r\n

\r\n<\/tr>
Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a><\/th>\r\n
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  • First Offense: None<\/li>\r\n
  • Second Offense: One Year<\/li>\r\n
  • Third Offense: One year (Lowest Tier)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment, and Treatment<\/a><\/th>\r\nBoth<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/th>\r\nNo<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/th>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Disclaimer: State laws can change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania’s Driving Under the Influence Law<\/h2>\r\n

The state of Pennsylvania prohibits anyone from driving, operating, or being in actual physical control of a vehicle:<\/p>\r\n