The State of Connecticut’s DUI laws are very similar to the DUI laws of other states in that they make it unlawful for drivers to operate a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content (“BAC”) of 0.08 percent or above. The BAC limit is substantially lower, however, for drivers under the age of 21 or those operating a commercial vehicle. Specifically, Connecticut DUI laws prohibit the following:
- Drivers under the age of 21 operating a motor vehicle with BAC of 0.02 or higher;
- Drivers 21 or older operating a motor vehicle with BAC of 0.08 or higher;
- Drivers with commercial driver license operating a vehicle with BAC of 0.08 or higher; and
- Drivers operating a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any other drugs, or both alcohol and drugs.
Penalties for DUI convictions in Connecticut include, but are not limited to, the following:
First DUI Conviction
- For a first DUI conviction in Connecticut, drivers may be sentenced to jail for 48 hours to 6 months and may be fined from $500 to $1000. In addition, drivers will face suspension of their driver license for up to a year and will be required to complete a substance treatment program that costs extra money. Drivers may also be required to complete up to 100 hours of community service in lieu of jail time. Finally, the vehicle of those arrested for DUI will be impounded for 48 hours and the drivers will be required to pay fees in order to obtain possession of their vehicle.
Second DUI Conviction
- For a second DUI conviction in Connecticut, drivers may be sentenced to jail for 120 days minimum to 2 years and may be fined from $1000 to $4000. In addition, drivers will face suspension of their driver license for up to a year and will be required to complete a substance treatment program that costs extra money. Drivers may also be required to complete up to 100 hours of community service in lieu of jail time. Drivers will also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device for 2 years after reinstatement of the driver license. Finally, the vehicle of those arrested for DUI will be impounded for 48 hours and the drivers will be required to pay fees in order to obtain possession of their vehicle.
Third DUI Conviction
- For a third DUI conviction in Connecticut, drivers may be sentenced to jail for 1 year minimum and up to 3 years and may be fined from $2000 to $8000. In addition, those convicted of a third DUI will face permanent suspension of their drivers license; however, drivers may request a hearing on reinstatement of the drivers license after 6 years. Drivers may also be required to complete up to 100 hours of community service.
Implied Consent Laws of Connecticut
Under the implied consent law of Connecticut, drivers holding a drivers license issued by the State agree to submit to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine and a refusal to submit to such testing subjects the drivers to penalties similar to those for a DUI conviction.