5 Pennsylvania DUI Laws You Should Know
Pennsylvania lawmakers and state troopers keep drivers on their toes when it comes to Pennsylvania’s motor vehicle laws, and some of the least well-known motor vehicle laws center on driving under the influence.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys LLC, our experienced Pittsburgh DUI attorneys have helped numerous individuals who have been charged with driving under the influence. That’s why we’ve compiled the following list of the top five Pennsylvania DUI laws we think everyone should know.
5 Pennsylvania DUI Laws Everyone Should Know
- You Don’t Have To Be Drinking To Be Charged With A DUI
It’s a common belief that a DUI is given to someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, you can be charged with a DUI for any number of reasons unrelated to alcohol, including driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). If a police or state trooper has reason to believe you’ve been influenced by a controlled substance or even a legally prescribed medication, you could still be charged with driving under the influence.
- You Can Be Arrested for a DUI Even If You Aren’t Driving
In Pennsylvania, you can be arrested for a DUI even in cases where your vehicle is not in motion. In fact, simply being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence can lead to an arrest. For example, if you decide to sleep in the driver’s seat of your car after having had a few drinks, you could be charged with a DUI simply for being in operation of your motor vehicle.
- You Can Lose Driving Privileges For Refusing a Breathalyzer
Under Pennsylvania’s “implied consent” law, a driver automatically consents to chemical testing. As a result, if you’ve been pulled over and refuse to undergo breath, blood, or urine testing, your license could be suspended for up to 1 year.
- If You’re Driving On a CDL, You’re Held To Stricter Standards
Many commercial truck and bus drivers don’t realize that CDL drivers are held to stricter standards when it comes to drinking and driving. While the state’s legal BAC limit for most drivers is .08 or higher, enhanced standards apply to CDL drivers who must maintain a BAC below .04.
- Underage Drivers Can Be Charged At Virtually Any BAC
If a person under the age of 21 has any measurable amount of alcohol in his or her bloodstream, he or she could be charged with an underage DUI due to the Commonwealth’s “zero tolerance” policy, which considers it illegal for an underage person to have a BAC above .02.
The Pittsburgh DUI Defense Attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC Can Help
Pennsylvania’s DUI laws can take effect in any number of scenarios, not all of them involving driving and not all of them involving alcohol. No matter what type of DUI you’re facing, know that at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC we’ve helped countless individuals fight their DUI charges. Whether you’ve been charged with a DUI or a DUID, our experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys can help you. For a free, initial consultation, call us at (412) 281-2146 today.