Each day, numerous people are stopped by law enforcement throughout Pennsylvania on suspicion of driving under the influence. If convicted of drunk driving in the state, you could face significant penalties, including jail time, fines or the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. At the law firm of Worth, Magee & Fisher, P.C., we have helped many people understand the potential consequences of a DUI arrest and mitigate the potential consequences on their lives in the present, as well as in the future.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the installation of ignition interlock devices is required for drivers with a history of DUI convictions. Those convicted of a first-time DUI may be ordered to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.10% or higher. Drivers who refuse to comply with requests for chemical testing to determine their BAC levels are also required to have these devices installed in cars.
Before motorists whose driver’s licenses were suspended for alcohol-related traffic offenses can have their privileges restored, they must comply with the ignition interlock requirement. This system requires them to blow into the device before starting their vehicles, and ignition interlocks prevent cars from starting when alcohol is detected in people’s breath samples. With few exceptions, drivers must maintain these systems in their vehicles for one year after their driving privileges are restored.
An aspect of their DUI conviction penalties, the cost of ignition interlock devices falls to drivers themselves. Depending on the vender from whom people lease their systems, the cost averages between $900 and $1,300 per year. This may include the cost of installation, as well as monthly monitoring fees. Operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock system while still under orders to do so could lead to an extension of the ignition interlock period, fines and imprisonment. More information about driving under the influence is available on our website.
