DUI License Suspension in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh lawyer helps with reinstatements and driving while suspended charges

One potential consequence of a DUI conviction is the loss of your driving privileges. This punishment could make it difficult for you to attend work, take care of your children or get the medical treatment you need. If you’re facing a possible DUI license suspension in Pennsylvania, Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh can help. Our accomplished defense lawyers push back against drunk-driving charges and advocate for resolutions that enable our clients to remain behind the wheel whenever possible. 

How DUI convictions trigger license suspension in Pennsylvania

You might have heard that driving is a privilege, not a right. As a consequence, PennDOT has the ability to suspend a driver’s license even if they are not convicted of a crime. This frequently happens in DUI test refusal cases. License suspension of at least 12 months is mandatory. When you work with an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer from our firm, we will discuss your PennDOT license suspension status, as well as possible ways to stay behind the wheel, including Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) and potentially an Occupational Limited License (OLL). 

Length of DUI license suspension by offense and BAC level

For a first-offense DUI in a general impairment case (BAC between .08 and .099 percent), a driver can often avoid license suspension. Other rules pertaining to the loss of driving privileges are as follows for non-ARD cases:

• General impairment conviction — Someone with one or more DUI convictions in the previous 10 years faces a 12-month license suspension.
• High BAC conviction (between .10 and .159 percent) — First and second offenders in High BAC cases are subject to a 12-month suspension. This loss of driving privileges increases to 18 months for subsequent convictions.
• Highest BAC conviction (.16 percent and higher) — On the most severe DUI tier, a first conviction carries a 12-month suspension, with all multiple offenders receiving an 18-month suspension.

With an ARD, there is no loss of driving privileges for cases where the motorist’s BAC was below .10 percent. High BAC and Highest BAC cases carry 30- and 60-day suspensions respectively.

Whatever the particular circumstances entail, we know how important it is for you to minimize the time you are unable to use your car or truck. 

Chemical test refusal and automatic license suspension penalties

Under the rule of “implied consent,” anyone who operates a vehicle on a Pennsylvania road agrees to submit a breath or blood sample if they have been arrested on suspicion of DUI. This means that refusing a breath or blood test when stopped for DUI can result in a yearlong license suspension, even if you were not intoxicated. You could also face an increased sentence, including mandatory jail time, if you are convicted of drunk driving. 

Limited licenses and options to keep driving in Pittsburgh

Some individuals convicted of DUI can obtain an Occupational Limited License (OLL) to ease the burden of a license suspension. Circumstances vary. An OLL allows the holder to use their vehicle to attend work, school and medical appointments. First offenders convicted of a general impairment DUI can also apply for an Ignition Interlock Limited License, which allows vehicle operation if a driver proves through a breath test that they have not been drinking. 

Steps to reinstate your driver’s license after a DUI suspension

Once a person completes their license suspension, they can apply to PennDOT for reinstatement of driving privileges. Our attorneys can advise regarding this process and the fee that is charged. Documentation of insurance coverage, payment of fines, completion of an alcohol driver safety course and other materials might be required as well. 

Speak with a Pennsylvania lawyer about challenging a DUI license suspension

At Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, we help Western Pennsylvania drivers get back on the road following a DUI allegation or a sobriety test refusal. Please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney.