Pennsylvania Gets Tough on Drunk Driving with New Ignition Interlock Law
Pennsylvania strengthens interlock laws
Pennsylvania is taking steps to make their roads safer by strengthening their ignition interlock laws. Senate Bill 290 was signed into law on May 25 of last year by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe and will take effect this Friday (August 25, 2017).
Interlocks now required for some first offenders in Pennsylvania
SB290, or Act 33, has a few key changes to the current ignition interlock guidelines in Pennsylvania. The biggest change is that it’ll require first-time drunk driving offenders convicted of a DUI with a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of .10% and greater to install an ignition interlock device for at least one year following a year-long mandatory suspension period. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before the first arrest so it’s critical to require interlocks for as many offenders as possible.
Ignition Interlock Limited License
With this new law, Pennsylvania is also implementing a new interlock license. With this Ignition Interlock Limited License, first-time drunk driving offenders required to obtain an ignition interlock device (.10% BrAC or greater) can petition Pennsylvania DOT (Penn DOT) immediately after their conviction to obtain their interlock early instead of waiting out the otherwise required year-long suspension.
In addition, consecutive drunk driving offenders (and those charged with refusals) will also be able to apply for the Ignition Interlock Limited License early by shortening their hard suspension period.
Ignition interlocks save lives
Pennsylvania’s previous laws only required ignition interlock devices for repeat drunk driving offenders. By extending these requirements to first offenders with a BrAC of .10% and above, Pennsylvania will keep more drunk drivers off the roads and will cut down on the number of people who re-offend. 50-75% of people continue driving on a suspended license, according to MADD. It’s clear that the immediate installation of an ignition interlock device is crucial in helping to prevent people from starting their vehicles after consuming alcohol.
Intoxalock Ignition Interlock supports Pennsylvania’s commitment to safer and sober driving. With 130 installation locations state-wide, Intoxalock is committed to making the interlock process as easy and convenient as possible for Pennsylvania customers.
If you are an affiliate interested in working with Intoxalock, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us today at Partners@Intoxalock.com. To learn more about installing an Intoxalock ignition interlock device, call one of our Pennsylvania interlock specialists today at 833-623-0200.
