New Law For First Time DUIs in Pennsylvania
On August 25th, 2017, a new law for first time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania went into effect. This law will order anyone convicted of a DUI for the first time with a blood alcohol content or BAC level of greater than .10 to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Drivers who refuse to submit chemical testing will also be eligible for the interlock device after six months.
An ignition interlock device will prohibit individuals who are under the influence of alcohol from operating a vehicle. They will be required to blow into the device prior to starting their vehicle and not be able to start it if alcohol is detected. The device may also prompt individuals to blow into the device at random times.
If you have been arrested for a DUI and are wondering if this new law applies to you or would like to reduce your risk of a conviction, you should contact a highly skilled Pittsburgh DUI lawyer at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC. Call us at (412) 281-2146 for a free consultation.
Details on Pennsylvania’s New Law for First Time DUI Offenders
This new law will give first-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania the right to drive immediately with an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. Prior to this law, their driver’s license would be suspended for up to one year before an ignition interlock device was installed for 12 months. They may have been able to obtain an Occupational Limited License or OLL to enable them to drive to and from work or for work-related purposes. This new law will eliminate the OLL for anyone with DUI-related license suspensions.
First-time offenders with a BAC level of greater than .10 are eligible for this new Ignition Interlock Limited License. They can apply for this license through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation so that they receive the right to install the device for one year while they continue to drive.
Eileen Lee, the director of Ignition Interlock Quality Assurance at the Pennsylvania DUI Association believes the ignition interlock device is more effective for first time DUI offenders than a driver’s license suspension. She stated that in addition to making Pennsylvania highways safer, the driver will be to receive the device immediately and get to work. This new law will also give the driver the chance to change their behavior of drinking and driving, saving lives as a result.
Governor Tom Wolf recently approved this law to individuals in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which grants some first-time offenders shorter license suspensions.
Consult a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC
If you would like further information on the Ignition Interlock Limited License or would like to learn how to apply for it, contact a Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC at (412) 281-2146. Our firm has a thorough understanding of this new law and can identify whether it can improve your situation and guide you through the application process if necessary.