Pennsylvania Penalties

Ignition Interlock

• The ignition interlock is now require before an unrestricted license will be issued to anyone who has:
  • Had a prior conviction for DUI under either PMVC 3731 or 3802.
  • Was suspended for violating PMVC Section 1547(b.1)
  • Violation of section 3808 relating to driving a vehicle without the ignition interlock.
• The installation of the ignition interlock is no longer discretionary.
• Now, when the suspension for the underlying offense is complete, the only way a licensee can have an unrestricted license restored is to have a restricted license for one year.
• A restricted license will be granted only:
  • When each vehicle owned by licensee is equipped with the ignition interlock device, or
  • The licensee certifies to the court they have no motor vehicle in their possession.
• This section applies only to offenses committed after October 1, 2003. Offenses committed prior to that date required an order by a judge requiring the installation of the ignition interlock.
• There is now an employee exemption and a hardship exemption.
  • the employee exemption allows an employee to operate company owned vehicles without the interlock as long as the employer is notified and the employee has certification of notice in possession. The exemption does not apply to companies owned in whole or in part by the licensee.