New PA DUI Law Would Change Penalties for First-Time Offenders
The Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee has approved a proposed PA DUI bill that would require first-time DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. The bill, Senate Bill 1184, is sponsored by Montgomery County Senator John C. Rafferty, Jr.
Existing PA law requires ignition interlock systems for repeat DUI offenders only. Under the new legislation, first-time DUI offenders would be eligible for an occupational limited license after serving fifteen days of their mandatory driver’s license suspension. One condition of the occupational limited license, which is granted to those who need to drive to work or school, would be to install any vehicle to be operated by the offender with an ignition interlock device. Current law allows an individual convicted of his or her first PA DUI to apply for an occupational limited license after 60 days, with no provision for an ignition interlock system.
Learn more about Pennsylvania DUI penalties.
The new legislation is supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and a growing number of law enforcement officials. Pennsylvania enacted its law requiring those convicted of a second DUI to install an ignition interlock system in 2003. Since that time, 251,000 attempts by offenders to start their vehicles while intoxicated have been stopped.
This new Pennsylvania DUI bill is still in its early stages, and it could be months or years before it is passed into law.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible to learn your rights. The Martin Law Firm is a Pennsylvania DUI law firm located in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, PA. Attorney Jason B. Martin is a skilled and experienced PA DUI lawyer who represents individuals charged with PA DUI in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas. Contact The Martin Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your pending DUI charge.
Jason B. Martin is a Pennsylvania attorney and the founder of The Martin Law Firm, P.C., located in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, PA. Visit our home page to view our practice areas, and contact The Martin Law Firm today for a free consultation.