Pennsylvania DUI Laws

Pennsylvania's DUI Laws and Conviction Penalties

There doesn’t need to be proof of actual impairment for a driver to be convicted of a DUI. Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08% is considered a “per se” DUI. This threshold is lowered to .04% for commercial drivers and .02% for bus drivers and drivers under 21 years old.

First-Offense DUI in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s DUI law prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while actually intoxicated or having a BAC of .08% or more. Here are the penalties for a first DUI conviction in the state.

Second-Offense DUI in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s DUI law prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while having a BAC of .08% or more or actually impaired by drugs or alcohol. Read about the penalties for a second offense.

Third-Offense DUI in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s DUI law prohibits driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while: having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more having any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance in the body, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Read about the third-offense penalties

Pennsylvania's Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws and Penalties

Pennsylvania law prohibits operating or being in actual physical control of a watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read about what the law specifically prohibits and the penalties you'll face if convicted of a BUI/BWI

What Is a Felony DUI in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a DUI can be charged as a felony if the driver has several prior convictions or the offense involves other aggravating factors

Pennsylvania’s Underage DUI Laws and Penalties

An underage DUI is a misdemeanor, and a conviction will lead to license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.

Pennsylvania’s Open Container Law

Generally, Pennsylvania prohibits consumption of alcohol and drugs, as well as possession of open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. However, there are exceptions allowing passengers to drink alcohol and have open containers of alcohol in certain types of vehicles.

Pennsylvania’s Implied Consent Law and Refusing Alcohol Testing

Pennsylvania "implied consent" law requires you to take a blood, breath, or urine test if you are lawfully arrested for driving under the influence. Read about the penalties you'll face if you refuse.

Pennsylvania's Drug DUI Laws and Penalties

Pennsylvania's DUI laws apply to driving under the influence of drugs and, in some ways, are even more strict than the state's drunk driving laws. Here are the penalties you'll face if convicted of drugged driving.