New Consequences For Convicted Drunk Drivers In PA

A new Pennsylvania law requires all convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .10 or higher to use ignition interlocks for a year. Previously, ignition interlocks were only required in Pennsylvania for repeat offenders.

The law, SB 290, was passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly Wednesday. The House approved the bill Tuesday, followed by a Senate vote Wendesday in favor of the measure.

The bill will be sent to Governor Tom Wolf for his signature.

“This is a tremendous step toward eliminating the dangerous, revolving door of repeat drunk driving,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church. “Ignition interlocks save lives by keeping convicted drunk drivers from repeating their decision to drive impaired. This legislation reflects the commitment of Senator Rafferty and Representative Greiner and the dozens of dedicated family members who worked tirelessly in honor of their loved ones lost to this completely preventable crime.”

In 2014, 345 people were killed in crashes caused by a drunk driver in Pennsylvania, according to information from MADD.

“This legislation will surely save lives and prevent other families from experiencing the heartache that we face every day due to the loss of our daughter Meredith as well as thousands of other families like ours who have lost a loved one to DUI,” said Chris and Susan Demko.

In February, MADD released a report showing how many times ignition interlocks have stopped someone from driving drunk. That report shows that, by the group's estimation, ignition interlocks have stopped 1.77 million drunk driving attempts.

In Pennsylvania, ignition interlocks have stopped 78,210 attempts to drive drunk.

“Senate Bill 290 received overwhelming support from my colleagues in the Senate and the House, which demonstrates the significance of ignition interlocks for most first-time DUI offenders”, said Senator Rafferty, who is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and primary bill sponsor. “The enactment of Senate Bill 290 is smart on crime and will strengthen our DUI laws, save lives and place offenders in a controlled driving environment.”