Connecticut DUI Laws

Connecticut, like most states, has what is referred to as an implied consent law. When you obtain a Connecticut driver’s license, you are agreeing to submit yourself to a breath, blood, or urine test to determine if you are driving under the influence (DUI). Refusal to be tested can result in penalties which are consistent with the drunk driving laws of the state. You can be arrested even if you don’t show obvious signs of intoxication and convicted of a DUI in Connecticut without the chemical tests. The influence can be drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two which includes inhalants. Connecticut takes DUI offenses very seriously. These penalties will include the jail time, community service, suspended license and the ignition interlock device (IID) installed on your vehicle, assessments, fees, and fines between $500.00 to $8,000.00. There is a zero tolerance policy in place for under age drinkers with the drinking age set at 21.

It is considered a crime in Connecticut to operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. In the state of Connecticut, this includes sitting in a parked car on any public access area whether it be a parking lot or a public road. Sentences are more severe for persons found to have a BAC of 0.15% or more. The “Per Se” BAC does not need any other proof of intoxication other than the 0.08% level for you to be convicted. The enhanced penalties applied to individuals with 0.15 to 0.20% will include more jail time, harsher fines, and driver’s license sanctions.

Connecticut law states that drivers under 21 may not be 0.02% or more. DUI’s will be issued to 18 year olds or younger individuals with a measurable BAC of .02%, persons over 21 with a BAC of 0.08% and commercial drivers with a BAC of 0.04% or more.
Connecticut requires anyone who has had their license taken to carry an SR22 Insurance and Financial Responsibility certificate. The reason for the suspension does not make a difference. You will not be able to get your license back until you obtain the SR22 coverage by filling out the Connecticut forms.



The first conviction will result in 48 hours to 6 months of jail time and $500.00 to $1,000.00 in fines. Your license will also be suspended for 1 year. You will have to complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program and serve 100 hours of Community Service if your jail sentence is suspended. You will also have to pay for the towing and a fee to get your car out of the impound lot after 48 hours plus obtain proof of Financial Responsibility (SR-22) before you license will be reinstated.

The second offense will result in 120 days to 2 years of jail time, fines between $1,000.00 and $4,000.00 and a license suspension of 1 year. You will have to pay the installation fee for the IID in your vehicle and pay the rent of that device for up to 2 years after you get your suspended license back. You will have to complete a Substance Abuse Treatment Program and perform at least 100 hours of Community Service. You will also be required to pay for the towing and release of your vehicle from the impound lot after 48 hours has passed from the time of your arrest. If you receive your second DUI in another state, the suspension of your license will be three years from the date of that arrest unless you are under 21. In this case it will be three years or your 21st birthday.

The third offence will result in 1 year to 3 years of jail time, fines between $2,000.00 and $8,000.00 and a permanent license suspension. You will serve 100 hours of Community Service and complete Substance Abuse Treatment Program. At the end of 6 years, you may attempt to get a new hearing in order to try to get your license back.

The IID device will be installed on your vehicle after your second DUI offense or a conviction of vehicular manslaughter or vehicular assault. The IID will be installed at your expense after you have served 1 year of your sentence, have a valid Connecticut license, have completed the IID application, and are once again eligible to get your license.