DUI Law in Pennsylvania

What is ‘legally drunk’ in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, drivers less than 21 years are considered to be legally drunk if their blood alcohol level is more than .02, for non-commercial drivers above 21 years, they are legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is more than .08. On the other hand, commercial vehicle drivers are considering being legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is more than .04. School bus drivers are considered to be commercial drivers; however, they are legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is more than .02.

Pennsylvania Drunk Driving Pennsylvania

For first time DUI offenders, the face the following penalties:

• A mandatory minimum term of 6 months’ probation
• The offender will be subjected to pay a fine of $300
• The offender will required to attend an alcohol highway safety school
• The offender must comply with all alcohol treatment requirements imposed by the judge
• The offender will be subjected to 150 hours of community service.

 
For second time offenders they face:

• A prison sentence of at least 5 days
• The offender will be subjected to pay a fine ranging from $300 to $2,500
• The offender must attend an alcohol highway safety school
• The offender must comply with all alcohol treatment requirements imposed by the judge
• The offender will be subjected to 150 hours of community service

 
For third time offenders, they face:

• A prison sentence of at least 10 days
• A fine ranging from $500 to $5,000
• The offender must comply with all alcohol treatment requirements imposed by the judge
• The offender will be subjected to 150 hours of community service

 
For fourth and subsequent offenders, they face:

• A prison sentence of at least 1 year
• The offender will be subjected to pay a fine ranging from $1,500 to $10,000
• The offender will be subjected to 150 hours of community service

The Point System in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) uses the point system to monitor dangerous drivers and improve road safety. Most moving traffic violations carry points, when you accumulate too many points you risk your driver’s license being suspended and being subjected to fines. When any driving record reaches 6 or more points for the first time, the driver will receive a written notice to take a special written point examination.