The New Pennsylvania DUI Law: What’s it Mean to You?

August 25 was the date when Pennsylvania kicked off its new DUI law. What changes have been made, and what’s this mean to someone with a DUI conviction? In most cases, an offender will need an Ignition Interlock Device through an Ignition Interlock Limited License.

Ignition Interlocks are installed in one’s vehicle. When the user blows into the device, it can read their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). If their BrAC is above the device’s set fail level, the user’s vehicle will not start.

Ignition Interlock Limited License for First-Time DUI Offenders

Pennsylvania’s mandatory use for Ignition Interlocks now expands to first offenders with a BAC level of .10 or above.

The Pennsylvania DUI law will allow an offender who’s eligible to petition PennDOT for an Ignition Interlock limited license. This limited license will let the user continue to drive if they have an Interlock in their vehicle.

Applying for an Ignition Interlock Limited License involves a few steps. First, the individual must complete an Ignition Interlock Limited License Petition, which includes a DL-9108SC form. It must be sent with the required fees and documentation to PennDOT by certified mail to the address listed on the petition.

A Suspended License in Pennsylvania

The alternative is a suspended license, which means the individual can’t drive at all for 12 months. Only after that 12-month period can an offender install an Interlock device.

Before the new law took effect, a first-time offender mostly just received a suspended license. In addition, an Ignition Interlock was only required for a first offender with a BAC of .10 or above under some circumstances. For example, if you refused a breathalyzer test from police, caused injury and/or death, or had a child in your vehicle, one would be required to install an Ignition Interlock.

All-Offender Laws

All-offender Ignition Interlock laws with compliance-based removal proves to be a success in other states. In Arizona, drunk driving fatalities were cut in half in 2014, several years after their all-offender law took effect. Compliance-based removal means offenders ordered on Ignition Interlocks must provide proof that they complied with their order. Once this happens, they can receive unrestricted driving privileges again.

Pennsylvania’s DUI law is keeping drunk drivers off the road and providing a safer environment. It also allows an offender to use an Ignition Interlock and drive instead of losing their license.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start can provide you the most reliable device and round-the-clock customer service. Call today to schedule your installation appointment at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.