Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.02 or higher, and anyone over 21 to drive a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
Penalties
If you are convicted of a DUI when under 21 and have a blood alcohol content below .16, penalties may include:
| Penalty * | 1st Offense ** | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine | $500-$5,000 | $750- $5,000 | $1,500- $10,000 |
| Jail Time | 2 days - 6 months | 30 days - 6 months | 90 days - 5 years |
| License Suspension | 1 year | 1 year | 18 months |
| Other | Alcohol Safety School + Court Reporting Network file | Court Reporting Network file + Alcohol Highway Safety School | Court Reporting Network file |
* Penalties differ based on age, blood alcohol content, and other factors.
** If you have a first-time violation, under certain circumstances you may qualify for an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.
Never put other people at risk for your own poor decision making.
If your home state is part of the national compact on Driving Under the Influence enforcement (46 states are), you must fulfill these penalties in Pennsylvania and your driver's license from your home state will be suspended, if applicable.