Pennsylvania’s “Party Plates”: What You Need to Know

A DUI lawyer can explain that Pennsylvania law requires some drivers with limited driving privileges after a DUI conviction to use special license plates. These are bright yellow with red lettering and are commonly known as “party plates,” though their official name is “restricted license plates.” If a court orders you to use these plates, you are responsible for purchasing and installing them on your vehicle. The requirement for these plates can be either optional or mandatory, depending on the specifics of your charges. For any DUI charge beyond a first offense, they are mandatory.

The party plates must be installed on any vehicle you operate during your limited driving period, regardless of who owns the car. The only exception is for a company vehicle, but in this scenario, your employer must be informed about your restricted driving privileges. A Mercer criminal lawyer can help clarify these specific conditions. You cannot remove the party plates until the entire period of your limited driving privileges has been served, which could range from several months to years, based on your case.

When are Party Plates Required?

Restricted license plates may be optional in some cases but are mandatory in others. Here’s a breakdown:

• 1st Offense DUI: Optional
• 1st Offense with a high BAC: Mandatory
• 2nd Offense or more in a ten-year period: Mandatory
• 4th Offense or more in a twenty-year period: Mandatory

If party plates are a condition for your limited driving privileges, you must complete an “application for registration of a motor vehicle with restricted plates.” This form needs approval from a judge, magistrate, or another court official. Once approved, you take it to your local BMV office, surrender your old plates, and purchase the new restricted ones. Your limited driving privileges are not considered valid until these plates are on your car. A Mercer DUI lawyer can guide you through this administrative process to ensure compliance.

How Can I Avoid Being Forced to Have Party Plates?

Some individuals aren’t troubled by the yellow and red plates, but for many, it’s the most challenging aspect of a DUI conviction. If you want to avoid having party plates, you have the option to plead not guilty and contest the DUI charge. This is a significant decision and should not be made without legal counsel. DUI laws are intricate and subject to frequent changes. Navigating the justice system effectively requires an attorney with specialized training in every facet of DUI law, from roadblocks and field sobriety tests to the complexities of the court process. Only an experienced Mercer criminal lawyer can effectively guide you through a trial and help achieve the outcome you desire.

Although Pennsylvania judges have had the authority to order party plates since 1967, their use only became mandatory for certain offenses in 2004. Driving with these noticeable plates can be embarrassing and cause anxiety, as other drivers are aware you have a DUI conviction. This can affect your professional life; your boss might hear about it from colleagues or see the plates in the parking lot, potentially impacting promotions or even your employment. Your neighbors will also see them, revealing your criminal charge. Furthermore, it might lead to increased scrutiny from law enforcement. If you want to fight the party plate requirement, a Mercer DUI lawyer like those at Logue Law Group can help.

If you are facing a license suspension and need to drive to work or school, or if you want to contest the party plate requirement, contact a criminal lawyer at 412.389.0805. At Logue Law Group, we possess the qualities you need in a Mercer criminal lawyer: dedication, aggressiveness, and deep knowledge of DUI law.

For more detailed information on Pennsylvania’s DUI laws and restricted license plates, you can refer to the Pennsylvania Revised Code, Title 45, Chapter 4511.19.