Governor Tom Wolf signed Act 33 of 2016, establishing the Ignition Interlock Limited License. As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) notes, the Ignition Interlock Limited License is a driver’s license issued to a person whose operating privilege has been suspended or revoked for one or more violations of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or a controlled substance or refusal to submit to chemical testing.
Whereas an ignition interlock device used to be a requirement only for certain repeat offenders, a first-time offender with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or higher could now be ordered to install an ignition interlock device (referred to in state law as “ignition interlock system”) in any motor vehicle he or she operates,
The Ignition Interlock Limited License allows individuals to operate only vehicles equipped with ignition interlock devices. If an alleged offender operates a vehicle without an ignition interlock device while he or she has been issued an Ignition Interlock Limited License, he or she could face criminal penalties.
Ignition Interlock Requirements in Pennsylvania
PennDOT will issue an Ignition Interlock Limited License only after the motor vehicle to be operated by the applicant has been equipped with an ignition interlock device. It must remain this way for the duration of the Ignition Interlock Limited License period.
All costs associated with the installation and regular maintenance for an ignition interlock device are solely at the expense of the alleged offender. In most cases, this can be several hundreds of dollars.
In order for a person to regain an unrestricted license, PennDOT will require him or her to submit proof that he or she completed the Ignition Interlock Limited License period. This must include certification from a vendor that the alleged offender complied with all requirements of state law.
Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Violations
When a person who has been issued an Ignition Interlock Limited License operates a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device, it is a misdemeanor offense. A conviction for this crime can result in a fine of up to $1,000 as well as up to 90 days in jail.
The same criminal penalties also apply to alleged attempts to tamper with an ignition interlock device. Tampering includes using another individual to provide a breath sample. Convictions for these violations can also result in increased license suspension periods.
Find a DUI Defense Lawyer in Pittsburgh
Were you recently arrested for drunk driving in Pennsylvania? Contact the Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz for help possibly getting your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Our experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney can determine your best options to remain on the road and minimize or possibly avoid the amount of time you could be required to install an ignition interlock device. Call (412) 391-3030 or contact us online today to set up a free, no obligation consultation that will let our firm review your case and discuss all of your legal options.