HARRISBURG – A new law championed by Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Wayne Langerholc (R-35), and Judy Ward (R-30) will update and make several technical changes to Pennsylvania’s DUI law in light of recent court decisions.
The law came at the request of local district attorneys and local judges seeking changes to state law to reflect recent decisions made by both the U.S. and Pennsylvania Supreme courts regarding DUI enforcement.
Act 58 of 2025 incorporates provisions from Senate Bill 697, building on those decisions, and clarifies sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of operating a motor vehicle while their license is suspended due to a DUI offense. Under the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling, offenders must serve 60 days in prison for a first violation and 90 days for a second. Additionally, the law updates provisions related to refusing a breath or chemical test, aligning with Act 30 of 2017 and addressing a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
“I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate, including Rep. Rob Kauffman, who sponsored the underlying bill that was signed into law,” Phillips-Hill said. “Repeat impaired drivers will face meaningful penalties along with access to treatment options, such as Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), helping ensure accountability and rehabilitation. These measures will also enable our prosecutors and judicial system to resolve cases more efficiently.”
“Act 58 restores the General Assembly’s intent to fairly hold repeat DUI offenders accountable while preserving opportunities for ARD,” said Langerholc. “By closing judicial loopholes that weakened DUI sentencing, this legislation ensures that individuals who reoffend after ARD face appropriate consequences and that our communities are safer as a result. I’m proud to support this common-sense reform and to stand with my colleagues in returning Pennsylvania’s DUI laws to the intent of the legislature.”
“ARD is a longstanding program that promotes rehabilitation for eligible first-time defendants who agree to give back to their community and better themselves through things like service hours or drivers education and safety courses,” said Ward, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. “Aligning this program with the recent caselaw will ensure that it can continue to be a valuable tool for prosecutors and a productive second chance for defendants who deserve it.”
The new law takes effect immediately.