What are the penalties for refusing a breathalyzer test in Pennsylvania?

Refusing a breathalyzer test in Pennsylvania results in an automatic one-year license suspension. This consequence is part of the state's implied consent law, which asserts that any driver operating a vehicle implicitly agrees to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test when suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). If a driver refuses to comply with the breathalyzer request, they face immediate penalties designed to discourage refusal and ensure compliance with testing to maintain road safety. The one-year suspension serves as a significant deterrent, emphasizing the state's strict stance on impaired driving and the importance of following the legal requirements.

The other options do not align with the legal framework surrounding DUI testing in Pennsylvania, as there are no warnings or fines specifically linked to refusal, community service does not typically apply in these circumstances, and while jail time can be a penalty for DUI offenses, it is not a direct consequence of refusing the breathalyzer itself.