Being convicted of drunken driving in Pennsylvania is a serious matter, even as a first offense. DUI offenses should be avoided at all costs, as one of the repercussions of a DUI conviction are bans and/or restrictions on the defendant’s license to operate a motor vehicle.
When you consider the importance of holding a legal license to drive, don’t forget the following:
- Driving to and from your job.
- Driving the kids to school and picking them up in the afternoon.
- Driving the kids to soccer practice, ballet lessons, and other extracurricular activities
- Being able to exercise your visitation of the kids by picking them up and returning them to their other parent
- Freedom to drive and live your life on your own schedule.
Those are but a few examples of the hardship you could suffer if you are no longer allowed to drive.
YOU COULD HAVE SOME OPTIONS FOR AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DRIVER’S LICENSE
Under some circumstances, a Pennsylvania resident with a DUI conviction or on ARD may be granted an Ignition Interlock limited license (IILL) even though your driving privileges are suspended. This privilege is not extended to those whose Pennsylvania driving licenses have been recalled, revoked, canceled, or otherwise disqualified. Residents of other states who were convicted of DUI here in Pennsylvania are also ineligible for an IILL. DUI offenders in Pennsylvania are no longer eligible for an Occupational Limited License.
What is an ignition interlock?
An Ignition Interlock system is a device that is installed in a motor vehicle to prohibit an individual under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. An individual is required to blow into the device before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol, it will prevent the vehicle from starting. In addition, at periodic times during the operation of the vehicle, the individual will be prompted to blow into the device to ensure they are not under the influence. An Ignition Interlock system is leased from the Ignition Interlock vendor. Currently, the average costs associated with leasing an Ignition Interlock system is between $900 to $1,300 per year.
IS AN IILL ISSUED AUTOMATICALLY?
No. All those with suspended licenses must apply for an IILL and pay a nonrefundable $70 fee. Unless your driver’s license has already been confiscated, it must be surrendered. If the license is expired, the petitioner must complete an additional application and cover all accompanying fees for renewal. Learning more about the process to obtain an IILL license may help ensure that all outstanding issues have been resolved.