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4 Questions About Your License after a Pittsburgh DUI

January 22, 2021 by Mike Worgul in DUI

A Pittsburgh DUI conviction carries various practical problems beyond fines and time in custody. Your ability to drive can also be impacted, leaving your license suspended. It can also lead to higher car insurance premiums. Even if you can still drive, you may need to install an ignition interlock device, which is expensive and inconvenient.

If your license and ability to drive are in jeopardy after a DUI charge, it’s best to work with a Pittsburgh DUI defense lawyer to know what you’re facing and improve your situation. This could be the difference in keeping your driving privileges.

With decades of experience and a long history of success in protecting people’s licenses after DUI charges, call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys at (412) 281-2146, for a free, initial consultation.

Pennsylvania DUI Charges & License Suspensions

After a DUI, a license suspension is based on your blood alcohol content level and any prior offenses. The legal limit in Pennsylvania is a BAC of 0.08. If breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests indicate you’re at that level or higher, you may be charged with DUI.

Here are the different tiers of a DUI arrest:

First-tier (BAC of 0.08 to 0.099): If you have no prior offenses, you will be on probation for up to six months but will still be able to drive. With a second or third offense, your driver’s license will be suspended for a year.
Second-tier (BAC of 0.10 to 0.159): If this is your first or second offense, your license will be suspended for a year. A third offense causes an 18-month license suspension.
Third-tier (BAC of 0.16 or more): The first offense results in a one-year license suspension. The second or third offense increases it to 18 months.

DUI License Questions & Answers

If My License Is Suspended, How Do I Get To Work?You could use mass transit or a service like Uber or Lyft. You can also get rides from friends or family or apply for a restricted driver’s license. Driving with an IID may be an option. You won’t be eligible for an occupational limited license if your license was suspended due to a DUI and the minimum suspension hasn’t been completed. An OLL allows you to drive a designated motor vehicle when necessary for your occupation, work, trade, medical treatment, or education.
Do I Need To Install an IID?An IID is required for first-time and repeat DUI offenders with high BAC levels. If you want your driving privileges restored, you must have a motor vehicle equipped with an IID for the restricted license duration. If you don’t own a car, you must certify this with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
If your vehicle has an IID, you’ll need to blow into the device before starting it. If the IID detects alcohol, it won’t start. At random times while you’re driving, you’ll need to repeat the process to keep the vehicle running.
How Does a DUI Affect Insurance?The higher the risk the insurance company thinks you are, the higher your rates. If that risk is high enough, they won’t offer you any coverage. If you have a DUI on your record, your rates will likely go up substantially. The insurance carrier will see you as a dangerous driver more likely to get into an accident. A carrier may not offer you any coverage after your second or third DUI.
Can I Get My License Back?Yes, but you would need to pay a reinstatement fee of $88.

A Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer Can Help

If you are charged with a DUI, issues involving your license and insurance may be avoided by successfully disputing the DUI charge or negotiating a favorable plea agreement. There are also steps your lawyer can take with PennDOT to reduce the impact on your life.

Talk to a Pittsburgh DUI lawyer at Worgul, Sarna & Ness if you’re charged with DUI. An experienced lawyer can discuss your situation, how the law may apply, and your options for what to do next.