Navigating the DUI process can be a challenge, so knowing what to expect can help. We’ve collected some general information about DUI requirements and penalties in Pennsylvania to get you started.
DUI charges in Pennsylvania are assigned to one of three tiers, based on your blood alcohol content (BAC) as tested by law enforcement:
- General Impairment (BAC .08% to .099%)
- High BAC (BAC .10% to .159%)
- Highest BAC (BAC .16% and above, or you refused a field test)
Depending on which category you fall into, as well as other factors such as whether it’s your first DUI, you might face penalties from the State of Pennsylvania such as:
- Traffic fines between $300-$10,000
- Alcohol evaluation, education, and treatment requirement
- Probation or jail time
- Driver’s license suspension between 12-18 months
- Ignition Interlock requirement of 1 year
You also might be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in any vehicle you drive. You’ll need to pay the cost to install and maintain the device, which must be installed by a PA interlock vendor like Smart Start.