DUI Rules & Regulations

A Look at Recent Changes in DUI Laws and Penalties

MAY 26, 2016

Attention drivers in New Castle! There have been significant changes to DUI regulations in Pennsylvania, and the penalties are more stringent than ever. At Logue Law Group, we have been closely following these updates to keep you informed. Unfortunately, the changes indicate a tough road ahead for those who make the reckless decision to drive under the influence. Remember, even prescription medications prescribed by your doctor can lead to a DUI charge if they impair your ability to drive.

First-Time Offenders and Ignition Interlock Devices

What Changed in August 2017?

Pennsylvania’s revised DUI laws introduced major adjustments specifically targeting first-time offenders in August 2017. Here’s what you need to know:

• Mandatory Ignition Interlock Installation: First-time DUI offenders are now required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
  • How It Works:
    • Before the vehicle’s engine can start, the driver must provide a breath sample. If their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is above the legal limit of 0.08%, the car won’t start.
    • The device allows multiple attempts for accuracy. After a failed attempt, there’s a lockout period of five minutes. A second failed attempt results in a thirty-minute lockout.
• Costs and Duration:
  • Offenders pay for the installation, which is carried out by PennDOT-approved mechanics, at an approximate annual cost of $100.
  • The device must remain in the vehicle for one year.
• Driving Privileges with Interlock Licenses:
  • First-time offenders who install the ignition interlock can drive to work and other approved locations using a special ignition interlock license.

Penalties for Refusing a Blood Alcohol Test

The law also covers cases where drivers refuse a blood-alcohol test during a first offense. Previously, such refusals led to driver’s license suspensions ranging from 12 to 18 months. Under the updated regulations:

• Offenders can reduce this suspension to six months by installing the ignition interlock device.

Preventing Cheating Attempts

To ensure compliance, the ignition interlock device conducts random tests while the vehicle is in motion, also known as “rolling re-tests”. This requires the driver to provide another breath sample, reinforcing the integrity of the process. And the best way to do that is to hire a New Castle DUI attorney right away.

Why the Laws Changed

Before these updates, ignition interlock devices were mandatory only for repeat DUI offenders. However, changes were introduced to address specific social and financial concerns:

• Job Security Concerns:
  • Many individuals lost jobs or had reduced work hours due to suspended licenses, leading to financial strain.
  • Such hardships often left offenders unable to pay fines or support their families, forcing some to illegally drive with suspended licenses.
• Impact on Families:
  • License suspensions also had a personal toll, preventing parents from attending family events or participating in their children’s activities.

Updates to DUI Laws as of December 23, 2018

Stricter Penalties for High-DUI Offenses

Pennsylvania introduced new measures in December 2018 to further crack down on DUI offenses. Notable changes include:

• Felony Charges for Third DUI Offenses:
  • Drivers with a BAC of 0.16% or higher (High-DUI offense) now face felony charges for their third conviction.
• Felony Charges for Repeat Offenses:
  • A fourth or subsequent DUI offense will automatically be charged as a felony.
• First-Degree Felony for Fatal DUIs:
  • Causing a fatality while driving under the influence now carries first-degree felony charges, including an additional five years of prison time.

Harsher Penalties for Driving Without a License

Driving without a valid license while committing certain offenses, like aggravated assault while DUI, now results in:

• Extended Prison Terms:
  • Aggravated assault sentences have been increased by an additional two years.
• Higher Fines and Jail Time:
  • For first-time offenses of driving under a DUI-related suspension, penalties include:
    • $500 minimum fine
    • Up to a maximum of 60 days in jail
  • A second offense results in:
    • A $1,000 fine
    • A mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail

That’s why you need to seek help from New Castle criminal lawyers for the best assistance.

What This Means for Residents in New Castle

The changes to Pennsylvania’s DUI laws reflect a stronger stance against impaired driving. While they aim to reduce DUI incidents and promote public safety, the consequences for offenders have grown considerably.

Whether it is the mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, stricter penalties for repeat offenses, or measures preventing cheating the system, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and compliance.

If you’re facing DUI charges, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming. Consulting with a knowledgeable New Castle DUI attorney is essential to understanding your rights and potential options.

Contact a New Castle DUI Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, don’t face these challenges alone. At Logue Law Group, our team of experienced New Castle criminal lawyers is here to guide you through this complex legal terrain. We’ll ensure you receive representation that protects both your rights and your future.

Contact us 844.PITT.DUI today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help!