House passes bipartisan bill to reform and streamline ignition interlock program

Rep. Ed Neilson    October 28, 2025 | 2:25 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 1862 with a unanimous vote. This bipartisan legislation, jointly authored by state Reps. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, and Kerry Benninghoff, minority chair of the committee, would reform and streamline administrative procedures related to the ignition interlock program.

Currently, certain first-time and repeat DUI offenders with high blood alcohol content have their driver’s licenses suspended and are subject to the ignition interlock program. An ignition interlock is a breathalyzer used for certain DUI offenses; it’s installed in a vehicle to prevent it from starting or running if the driver’s alcohol level exceeds certain limits.

Neilson said that slow processing times and bureaucratic delays have made it common for drivers to wait months before being approved for an interlock license. As a result, these devices are often left on vehicles far past the initial court sentence costing drivers hundreds of dollars in extra fees and employment opportunities, which counters the program’s goal of prevention and rehabilitation.

Neilson stressed that driving under the influence is a serious crime that can have deadly consequences:

“DUI offenders know the risk they take and should be held accountable for their reckless decision with serious penalties, including an ignition interlock, however those penalties should not be delayed due to overly complicated application procedures and bureaucratic red tape,” said Neilson, D-Phila. “This bill addresses the problems with the program while ensuring offenders still face the penalties.”

House Bill 1862 would make the following changes to the ignition interlock program:

  • Create a single, comprehensive Ignition Interlock Driver’s License instead of the two currently required.
  • Provide additional opportunities for applications to be submitted rather than certified mail only, such as online or at a driver’s license center.
  • Require a person’s application to be approved first, before installing the interlock.
  • Require PennDOT to issue the license within 14 days of receiving the application and all other requirements.
  • Require PennDOT to establish an online portal within five years to provide multiple customer service options related to ignition interlock.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.