Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Limited Licenses

Individuals convicted of driving under the influence, who previously would not be able to drive on a suspended license, may now qualify for an ignition interlock limited license.  Once individuals receive their ignition interlock limited license, and have the device installed, they are required to blow into the device prior to starting their vehicle.

As of the date of this blog, PennDOT estimates that the average cost of leasing an ignition interlock device ranges from $900 to $1,300 per year.  Furthermore, there are various maintenance requirements once the device is installed, and individuals may face severe penalties if they tamper with the device, drive a vehicle without the device, or receive another DUI.

ARD participants are now eligible for an ignition interlock limited license.  However, commercial vehicle drivers are not eligible for an ignition interlock to operate their commercial vehicles, but may be eligible to operate their personal vehicles.  Eligible individuals include those who are convicted of certain driving under the influence offenses, and refusal cases.  One must petition PennDOT to gain approval for an ignition interlock limited license, and send the petition to PennDOT via certified mail along with paying the required application fees.  As of the date of this blog, the application fee for an Ignition Interlock Limited License is $65.00.  Also, the individual must contact a licensed vendor to have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.  The individual does not have to install the device on all of the vehicles that they own.  Rather, they must install the device on all vehicles that they plan on operating.

If you have questions about whether you are eligible for an ignition interlock limited license, or have been charged with a DUI, then contact one of our attorneys today.