A hand holds a lit sparkler and a small American flag against a dark background, creating a bright and festive atmosphere with sparks illuminating the scene. Celebrate responsibly and remember to avoid any DUI situations during your festivities.

Many people celebrate the Fourth of July with barbecues and fireworks—often accompanied by alcohol. While a few drinks may seem harmless, getting behind the wheel afterward is never worth the risk. In fact, Pennsylvania has seen a marked decline in impaired-driving tragedies, yet the danger remains urgent. According to PennDOT and state police data, there were 40,823 DUI arrests in 2023, down from 42,409 in 2022. Encouragingly, 2024 saw further progress: the number of fatalities involving impaired drivers dropped from 429 in 2023 to 342 in 2024. Despite these improvements, alcohol-related crashes still account for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania, underscoring how deadly impaired driving can be.

That’s why Pennsylvania enforces DUI laws rigorously — with escalating penalties that reflect both BAC levels and prior convictions. Read on to learn what happens after a first, second, or third DUI offense in PA, and why taking the risk just isn’t worth it.

What are the Penalties for a First-Offense DUI?

In Pennsylvania, DUI offenses are tiered. This means that your prior offenses will play a role when it comes to your penalties. If you are pulled over with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between .08 and .09 percent, the penalties for a first-offense DUI are as follows:

  • Potential participation in the alcohol highway safety school
  • You may have to pay a $300 fine
  • You may face up to 6 months of probation
  • Your insurance premiums may spike due to points on your license–this is true for all DUI charges
  • You may have to participate in court-ordered treatment
  • You may receive an ungraded misdemeanor
  • One year with the ignition interlock device

What are the Penalties for a Second-Offense DUI?

If you are charged with a second DUI, you will now be treated as a repeat offender. As a result, you can incur even harsher penalties, including:

  • You may receive an ungraded misdemeanor
  • 5  days minimum to 6 months jail, 12 month suspension
  • You may have to pay a $300-$2,500 fine
  • You will have to participate in the alcohol highway safety school
  • You may have to install and use the ignition interlock device for 1 year, at your own cost
  • You may have to attend court-ordered treatment

What are the Penalties for a Third-Offense DUI?

A third DUI can have life-altering consequences, including:

  • You will lose your license for at least 12 months
  • You will receive a 2nd-degree misdemeanor
  • You may spend two years in jail
  • You may have to pay a $5,000 fine
  • Possible court-ordered treatment
  • The potential installation and use of the ignition interlock device for at least one year, at your own cost

If you are facing charges for a DUI in Pennsylvania, you will need the help of a dedicated criminal defense attorney. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM

We understand that going through the legal system alone can be both confusing and highly stressful. That is why it is our job to help you through every step of the process ahead. For years, we have been helping clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas through a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury cases, criminal defense matters, family law issues, estate planning law matters, and more. If you need legal assistance, we are here to help. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.