Pennsylvania (PA) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Program

Under the relatively new Pennsylvania ignition interlock law, Pennsylvania does allow some drivers to obtain an Occupational Limited License after they serve 60 days of their suspension if they install an ignition interlock device. Pennsylvania DUI laws call for a one-year driver’s license suspension for repeat DUI offenders, and the state also requires those drivers to install an ignition interlock Pennsylvania approves. The state takes a tiered approach to DUI offenses, with progressively larger penalties for repeat offenders.

All DUI Convictions that result in a 12-month or greater suspension being imposed have a 1-year Ignition Interlock Requirement. Participating in the Ignition Interlock Program is the ONLY way to get your unrestricted license back.

Ignition interlock devices require drivers to pass a Breath Alcohol Content test before they can start their car. A passing result is anything below .025 percent BrAC, or .020 for anyone under 21. Any failed results will be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation PennDOT. Drivers are responsible for the cost of the device, which can vary depending on the provider. Intoxalock devices cost between $2.50-$3.50 per day. Drivers are responsible for their device and will need to return for calibration 30 days after installation, and every 60 days afterward during the course of the lease.

What Happens if I Get a DUI in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there are tiered penalties for each offense. This means that as the number of convictions increases, so do the financial and other penalties for DUI. They include:

First DUI Offense

12 month license suspension
72 hours to six months in prison $1,000-$5,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school
Alcohol abuse treatment if ordered

Second DUI Offense

18 month license suspension
90 days to five years in prison
$1,500-$10,000 fine
Alcohol highway safety school, treatment if ordered
Must have IID for one year

Third DUI Offense

18 month license suspension
One to five years in prison
$2,500-$10,000 fine
Treatment if ordered
Must install an ignition interlock Pennsylvania approves for one year

Suspensions are typically applied to drivers whose blood alcohol content is more than .10 percent. Here is how those offenders are treated:

BAC < .10 percent: No suspension on a first offense if driver meets certain criteria, 12-month suspension for repeat offenders
BAC equal or > .10 percent: 12 month license suspension for first and second offenders, 18 month suspension for third offenders
BAC > or equal to .16 percent: 12 month suspension for first offenders. 18 months for repeat offenders.

What Happens if I Fail or Refuse to Take a Test?

Pennsylvania DUI laws say that drivers who refuse to take a field sobriety or breathalyzer test in Pennsylvania risk being arrested and other additional penalties like increased license suspension on top of DUI fines.