Losing your driver’s license can complicate your life. Whether getting to work or taking care of your family responsibilities, driving is a necessity for many Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, license restoration after a DUI isn’t automatic. You’ll need to follow specific processes before you’re legally allowed back on the road.
Serve Your Suspension Term
The length of a suspension depends on your specific case. Pennsylvania sets penalties based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prior DUI convictions, among other factors. For example:
- A first DUI with a general impairment BAC (.08 to .099) may not trigger a license suspension if you qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Without ARD, you could face up to a 12-month suspension.
- A higher BAC (.10 to .159 or .16 and above) results in longer suspensions, often 12 to 18 months.
- Multiple DUIs within 10 years almost always lead to longer suspensions, usually 18 months.
Before you can start the restoration process, you must serve the full suspension period ordered by the court and PennDOT.
Pay the Restoration Fees
Once your suspension period ends, you can’t just start driving again. You’ll need to pay a restoration fee to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The amount varies depending on your offense and history. You can usually pay online, by mail, or in person at a PennDOT office. If you don’t pay, your license remains suspended even if your suspension term is over.
Complete the Alcohol Highway Safety School and Treatment Requirements
Some drivers convicted of DUI must complete an Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS) program. This program is mandatory for first-time offenders. If the court determines that you have a substance abuse problem, you may also be ordered to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program.
Ignition Interlock Requirements
Many drivers in Pennsylvania must install an ignition interlock device before their license can be restored. An ignition interlock is a breath-testing system wired into your car that prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected.
Your license can’t be restored until you have proof of ignition interlock installation, provided by an approved vendor. You’re also responsible for paying the installation, monitoring, and removal costs.
SR-22 Insurance Requirements
After a DUI, you might need to file an SR-22 form before your license can be restored. This means filing an SR-22 form through your insurance company. An SR-22 form verifies you have the state’s minimum liability insurance coverage. If your policy lapses, PennDOT can re-suspend your license.
Submit Your Paperwork and Wait for Notice
Once you submit all your paperwork to PennDOT, you’ll get an official notice that your driving privileges have been restored. Driving before you get your notice is driving with a suspended license, which has separate penalties from your DUI conviction. Unless you’re driving with a limited or occupational license, you must stay off the road until you’re officially allowed to drive again. Similarly, if you do have a limited license, you must follow those terms until you get the official notice – even if you’re confident your license will be restored.
Get Legal Help with DUI Cases and License Restoration with Andrew F. Skala, Esquire
The process to get your license back after a DUI in Pennsylvania involves a lot of paperwork, and any mistakes or a missed requirement can extend your suspension. In turn, this will delay your ability to drive again legally.
Instead of doing it on your own, consider getting legal help. Andrew F. Skala, Esquire, helps clients throughout Pennsylvania navigate DUI cases and the license restoration process. Contact us today to discuss your case and find out how we can help.