Connecticut DUI Laws and Penalties
Explained
Dealing with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accusation in Connecticut requires thorough knowledge of the state's DUI laws and penalties to effectively manage your legal situation.
Connecticut DUI laws are severe, with harsh consequences for those convicted, including financial penalties, license revocation, and possible incarceration. This resource provides a detailed examination of DUI penalties in Connecticut to ensure you remain well-informed and prepared.
An Overview of Connecticut DUI Laws
Connecticut DUI regulations are controlled by CGS § 14-227a, which makes it illegal to drive or maintain actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The state enforces severe penalties for DUI violations, with consequences that escalate significantly for repeat violators.
Under Connecticut law, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, established by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of 0.08 or above.
Connecticut operates under an "implied consent" law, meaning that by driving on Connecticut roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing to submit to testing results in automatic license revocation and can be used as evidence against you in court.
An Overview of Connecticut DUI Penalties
Under Connecticut law (CGS § 14-227a), DUI penalties can include substantial fines, potential jail time, license revocation, and the installation of an ignition interlock device, with the severity depending on your history and specific circumstances.
These consequences can have a lasting impact on your driving privileges, employment opportunities, and financial well-being. Whether you're seeking general information or facing DUI charges, it's crucial to understand Connecticut's strict laws and the escalating penalties that accompany each offense.
Specific Penalties for a DUI in Connecticut
Connecticut DUI Fine Schedule
In Connecticut, DUI fines escalate with each offense. The penalties are significantly higher if your blood alcohol level is 0.16 or above or if a child was in the car at the time of arrest. These circumstances are considered particularly dangerous.
The state uses financial penalties to emphasize the gravity of impaired driving. Repeat offenders face substantially higher fines as a method to discourage patterns of dangerous behavior and protect public safety.
First Conviction
Second Conviction
Third Conviction
Fourth+ Conviction
Connecticut Imprisonment Terms
Connecticut imposes harsher jail sentences for each DUI conviction. A first offense may result in up to six months of jail time with a mandatory minimum of 48 hours, but higher blood alcohol levels or aggravating factors can increase that penalty.
Repeat offenses lead to mandatory minimum jail stays. The law also requires some jail time to be served consecutively to ensure the offender cannot easily circumvent the sentence.
First Conviction
- Up to 6 months imprisonment (48 hours mandatory minimum)
- BAL .16+ or minor present: Additional penalties may apply
Second Conviction
- Up to 2 years imprisonment (120 days mandatory minimum)
- BAL .16+ or minor present: Enhanced penalties
Third Conviction
- Up to 3 years imprisonment (1 year mandatory minimum)
- BAL .16+ or minor present: Enhanced penalties
Fourth+ Conviction
- Class D felony: 1 to 5 years imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment
Connecticut Vehicle Impoundment/Immobilization
Connecticut law may require the offender's vehicle to be impounded after certain DUI convictions. The duration depends on the specific circumstances and prior offenses.
This penalty serves as a deterrent by limiting the offender's immediate ability to drive again. Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture may be ordered, especially for repeat offenders or when the vehicle was used in commission of the offense.
Unless the family has no other transportation:
Connecticut Driver License Revocation Periods
Losing your driver's license in Connecticut after a DUI is standard, and the duration depends on the specifics of the offense. First offenses typically result in a suspension that lasts 45 days, but that time increases significantly for repeat offenses.
Multiple offenses lead to much longer revocations. After multiple convictions within 10 years, the state may permanently revoke your license. In some cases, you may apply for limited driving privileges after serving a minimum period, but this is not guaranteed.
First Offense
- • 45 days suspension
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 45 days suspension + 1 year IID
Second Offense
- • Within 10 years: 45 days suspension + 3 years IID
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: 45 days suspension + 3 years IID
Third+ Offense
- • Within 10 years: Permanent revocation
- • Enhanced: Test refusal: Permanent revocation + permanent IID if restored
Fourth+ Offense
- • Permanent revocation
- • Enhanced: No eligibility for restoration
Serious DUI Offenses in Connecticut
Connecticut treats DUI-related fatalities as serious felonies. DUI manslaughter can carry up to 20 years in prison and a substantial fine. If the driver flees the scene, the charge becomes even more severe.
Vehicular homicide follows a similar pattern. These cases demonstrate how Connecticut distinguishes common DUI charges from those involving loss of life. The legal consequences reflect the permanent damage caused by one reckless decision.
DUI Manslaughter
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Vehicular Homicide
- Second degree felony
- Up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment
Connecticut Ignition Interlock Law and Device Guidelines
Connecticut law mandates ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions. The requirements vary based on the offense level and blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. First-time offenders must install an ignition interlock device for one year after license restoration.
Repeat offenders face mandatory ignition interlock requirements ranging from three years to permanent installation, depending on their conviction history. The device must be installed by a state-approved provider and requires regular maintenance and monitoring.
All costs associated with the ignition interlock device, including installation, monthly monitoring fees, and removal, are the responsibility of the offender. Tampering with or circumventing the device constitutes a separate criminal offense.
For complete statutory language and the most current information, please refer to:
CGS § 14-227aConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
About Low Cost Interlock
Low Cost Interlock is a premiere provider of ignition interlock devices in Connecticut. Our ignition interlock services are designed to make the ignition interlock program easy and convenient for you, ensuring that you complete your interlock obligations without hassle. Our system has been tested to ensure reliability in an affordable, easy-to-use design.
