What are the ARD requirements for a DUI offense?
What is the ARD Program for DUI in Pennsylvania?
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program is a pre-trial diversion option for many first-time DUI offenders in Pennsylvania. Instead of pleading guilty, the individual pleads “not guilty” but agrees to follow a set of court-ordered conditions.
Upon successful completion of ARD:
DUI charges can be expunged from your criminal record
A notation remains on your Pennsylvania driving record
After 10 years, PennDOT is generally required to remove the ARD notation, unless you had a CDL (commercial driver’s license) or became a habitual offender
📋 ARD Requirements for DUI in Pennsylvania
While ARD avoids a criminal conviction, it still involves strict conditions. These vary by county and case, but typically include:
✅ 1. Supervision by Probation Department
Most participants are placed under probation supervision for 6–12 months. Supervision may involve:
Avoiding new criminal charges
Regular contact with a probation officer (in-person, by phone, or email)
Following any other rules imposed by the probation department
✅ 2. Completion of Alcohol Highway Safety School (AHSS)
This state-mandated DUI class is required in all ARD-DUI cases:
Total: 12.5 hours of alcohol education
Includes testing and classroom-style instruction
Some counties allow online completion, others do not
May be completed in a different Pennsylvania county if approved
✅ 3. Suspension of Driving Privileges
Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3807, a license suspension is usually mandatory:
Suspension period depends on BAC (blood alcohol content) level and the DUI tier:
0, 30, 60, or 90 days
Suspension begins after ARD admission
✅ 4. Payment of ARD Fees & Costs
There is no DUI fine with ARD, but you’ll still pay for:
Probation supervision
DUI class (AHSS)
Court administrative costs
Fingerprint processing
Blood alcohol tests
💰 Estimated cost: $3,000 – $3,500 (varies by county and by certain case factors)
✅ 5. Drug and Alcohol Evaluation
Most counties require a drug and alcohol assessment to determine if counseling is needed:
If counseling is recommended, it becomes a mandatory condition of ARD
If not recommended, no further action is required
✅ 6. Community Service (Varies by County)
Community service is not always required, but some counties mandate it:
Centre County: Often 1 day of service, must be performed in-county
Other counties: Up to 50–100 hours, with more flexibility on location of completion
⚠️ Common ARD Pitfalls to Avoid
Many people mistakenly believe they’ve completed all ARD requirements, only to find out at the end of the supervision period that something was missed.
If you don’t complete ARD properly:
You may need to request an extension of time in which to complete the requirements
You could face removal from the ARD program
You might need to appear at an ARD revocation hearing
👩⚖️ When to Contact a DUI Lawyer
📞 Charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania, contat a qualified Pennsylvania DUI attorney as soon as possible to avoid costly mistakes and to get the best resolution possible. Contact JD Law, P.C. for a free case evaluation by email or by leaving a message at (814) 689-9139.