PA DMV Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving in Pennsylvania 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Pennsylvania, what is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drivers 21 years of age and older?
- 0.05%
- 0.08% (Correct answer)
- 0.10%
- 0.12%
Correct answer: 0.08%
Pennsylvania law sets the legal BAC limit at 0.08% for drivers 21 and older; at or above this level a driver is considered legally impaired.
Question 2: What BAC level is considered 'General Impairment' for a DUI charge in Pennsylvania?
- 0.02% to 0.049%
- 0.05% to 0.079%
- 0.08% to 0.099% (Correct answer)
- 0.10% to 0.159%
Correct answer: 0.08% to 0.099%
Pennsylvania defines General Impairment DUI as a BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%, which is the lowest tier of DUI offense.
Question 3: Under Pennsylvania's zero tolerance law, what BAC level can result in a DUI charge for a driver under 21 years old?
- 0.08% or higher
- 0.05% or higher
- 0.02% or higher (Correct answer)
- 0.01% or higher
Correct answer: 0.02% or higher
Pennsylvania's zero tolerance law prohibits drivers under 21 from having a BAC of 0.02% or higher while operating a vehicle.
Question 4: What is the BAC threshold for the 'High BAC' tier of DUI in Pennsylvania?
- 0.08% to 0.099%
- 0.10% to 0.159% (Correct answer)
- 0.16% or higher
- 0.20% or higher
Correct answer: 0.10% to 0.159%
Pennsylvania's High BAC tier applies when a driver's BAC is between 0.10% and 0.159%, carrying harsher penalties than General Impairment.
Question 5: In Pennsylvania, if you refuse a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) after a lawful DUI arrest, what happens to your license?
- Nothing — refusal cannot be penalized
- License suspended for 12 months for first offense (Correct answer)
- License suspended for 6 months for first offense
- License revoked permanently
Correct answer: License suspended for 12 months for first offense
Under Pennsylvania's implied consent law, refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest results in a 12-month license suspension for a first offense.
Question 6: Which of the following is classified as the 'Highest BAC' tier for DUI in Pennsylvania?
- 0.10% to 0.159%
- 0.12% or higher
- 0.16% or higher (Correct answer)
- 0.20% or higher
Correct answer: 0.16% or higher
Pennsylvania's Highest BAC tier applies at 0.16% or higher, or when a driver refuses chemical testing, and carries the most severe penalties.
Question 7: How long is the license suspension for a first-offense DUI conviction in the General Impairment tier in Pennsylvania?
- No suspension — only fines (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 12 months
Correct answer: No suspension — only fines
A first-offense General Impairment DUI in Pennsylvania does not include a mandatory license suspension, though fines, probation, and other penalties apply.
PA DMV Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving in Pennsylvania 1
In Pennsylvania, what is the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drivers 21 years of age and older?