Pennsylvania DUI Penalties

Bucks County DUI-drunk driving penalties are the same as the Pennsylvania state-wide penalties. PA DUI-drunk driving penalties are broken down by the number of the DUI offense (first, second, third, etc.) and into three basic levels based on your blood alcohol level.

“General Impairment” is described as .08% through .099% blood alcohol within two hours of driving or operation.

“High Rate of Alcohol” is described as .10% to .159% blood alcohol within two hours of driving or operation.

“Highest Rate of Alcohol” is described as .16% and above blood alcohol within two hours of driving or operation.

If you are given a blood test and drugs are found in your system you will receive the same DUI penalties as having the highest rate of alcohol possible.

If you refuse to take a Bucks County blood test at the hospital or the breath test at the police station, this is considered a refusal under Pennsylvania DUI-drunk driving laws. Recent changes in Pennsylvania DUI law have changed the penalties associated with DUI refusals.

Other Categories

If a minor (under 18 years of age) is caught drinking and driving with a .02% blood alcohol level or above, he or she will be considered over the legal limit and can be charged and convicted of DUI.

If a school bus driver or a driver with a commercial driver’s license (C.D.L.) is caught drinking and driving with a .04% blood alcohol level or above, he or she will be considered over the legal limit and can be charged and convicted of DUI.

As of December 24, 2018, the number of prior DUI offenses you have been convicted of will factor in to whether your DUI is considered a misdemeanor or a felony. This new change to DUI laws will impact many repeat offenders and will drastically increase the penalties you are facing if you are charged with a felony DUI.