Increased DUI Checkpoints for July 4th

With over 548,000 local residents expected to travel for the Independence Day Holiday period, motorists should practice extreme caution.

Additionally, PennDOT and local law enforcement agencies across the state will be cracking down on impaired drivers. The initiative is part of a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

According to PennDOT data, 355 alcohol-related crashes and 20 fatalities occurred during last year’s holiday period (between Friday June 29 and Sunday July 8).

Getting a DUI in Pennsylvania is no joke. If a driver exhibits a BAC of .08 or higher, penalties may include jail time, license suspension and fines between $500 and $5,000. There is a zero tolerance law for drivers under the age of 21, meaning a driver under 21 can be charged with a DUI if they exhibit a BAC of .02 or higher.

Learn what to do if you are stopped at a DUI checkpoint. Visit PennDOT for more information about holiday travel.

About the Author

Tom Bellwoar is a criminal defense attorney at Luongo Bellwoar LLP. The West Chester law firm deals with criminal, bankruptcy and chester county DUI cases.