Pennsylvania’s new DUI law goes into effect

A new DUI law, Act 153, went into effect in Pennsylvania on December 23, 2018, introducing tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

What’s new about this law?

Under the new DUI law, individuals convicted of a third DUI with a BAC of .16 or higher, or those convicted of four (or more) DUI’s can be charged with a felony. Under the previous law, Pennsylvania was one of only a few states in which a third DUI was treated as a misdemeanor.

The new law also increases penalties for offenders who cause the death of another person while driving under the influence. Increased penalties include potential felony charges for repeat offenders, and an additional five years of prison time for someone who commits homicide by vehicle while driving without a license or with a suspended license.

Additionally, the law increases fines and jail time for driving under suspension for a prior DUI. Repeat offenders can now expect to pay a fine of $2,500 and spend six months in

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys associate attorney Jordan Mazzoni commented on the new law, going into effect just in time for one of the worst drunk driving nights of the year, New Year’s Eve.

As Jordan points out, too many lives are lost or forever altered, needlessly, when people get behind the wheel of a car after drinking. We urge all Pennsylvania drivers to avoid a senseless tragedy by planning a safe ride home before beginning your New Year’s Eve celebration this year. Whether it’s an Uber, Lyft, taxi, public transit, or designating a sober driver, there are more ways than ever to get yourself and your friends home safely.