Pennsylvania · DUI · Checked October 2026
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Pennsylvania
Refusing a Breath or Blood Test in Pennsylvania: What Are the Rules?
What happens if you refuse a breath or blood test in Pennsylvania.
- Refusal penalty
- PennDOT suspends your license for 12 months (18 months with a prior refusal suspension or prior DUI sentence), with a restoration fee of $500, $1,000 or $2,000; a DUI conviction after refusing a breath test carries the highest-tier penalties
- License suspension for refusing
- 12 months; 18 months if you had a prior refusal suspension or a prior DUI sentence
- Deadline to challenge
- 30 days
Refusal Penalties in Pennsylvania
PennDOT suspends your license for 12 months (18 months with a prior refusal suspension or prior DUI sentence), with a restoration fee of $500, $1,000 or $2,000; a DUI conviction after refusing a breath test carries the highest-tier penalties75 Pa.C.S. § 1547(b), (b.2); § 3804(c)
License Suspension for Refusing in Pennsylvania
12 months; 18 months if you had a prior refusal suspension or a prior DUI sentence75 Pa.C.S. §§ 1547(b), 1550(a)-(b), 3804(e); 42 Pa.C.S. § 5571(b)
Official source: license suspension for refusing (Pennsylvania)
More on DUI Law in Pennsylvania
See the full overview of DUI laws in Pennsylvania and read about implied consent laws in every state.
This page summarizes Pennsylvania law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if You Refuse a Breath Test in Pennsylvania?
PennDOT suspends your license for 12 months (18 months with a prior refusal suspension or prior DUI sentence), with a restoration fee of $500, $1,000 or $2,000; a DUI conviction after refusing a breath test carries the highest-tier penalties
How Long Is the Suspension for Refusing?
12 months; 18 months if you had a prior refusal suspension or a prior DUI sentence