PA Lawmakers Move Closer to Passing Bill That Will Stiffen the Penalties for First-Time DUI Offenders

As the Tribune-Review reported yesterday, the Pennsylvania House is preparing to vote on a Bill that will require first-time DUI offenders to purchase an ignition interlock system as well as obtain a modified license that identifies the driver as a person required to use an ignition interlock.  The Bill was already unanimously passed by the Senate.  If/when officially enacted into law, the Bill will significantly increase the penalties for first-time DUI offenders.  Indeed, it will increase the already tremendously high costs of a first-time DUI offense by another $1,200 (the price to install and maintain the ignition interlock).  The modified license requirement will also pin a scarlet letter on a DUI offender for 12 months, which isn’t likely to help his or her employment prospects.