Connecticut Penalties for a DUI Conviction (2024)
Penalties in CT increase with each subsequent DUI. Repeat offenders will face fines as high as $8,000, get up to three years in jail, and lose their licenses.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Producer
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Drinking and driving or using drugs and driving is illegal in every state. There isn’t a state in which you may drive under the influence legally at any time, and a police officer has the right to test you for DUI during a traffic stop if they have probable cause.
Connecticut law does not allow law enforcement officers to pull over any person for a suspected DUI without probable cause, which means the officer must witness you doing something illegal:
- Speeding
- Running stop lights or stop signs
- Not using appropriate turn signals
- Driving without a tail light, headlight, or brake lights
- Breaking any other traffic laws
If an officer witnesses this or has received a call from another driver who has witnessed you breaking laws on the road, the officer may pull you over.
If there seems to be a reason to test you for DUI, the officer will do just that. An officer might request a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test for any of the following reasons.
- Visible open containers in the car
- The smell of alcohol
- Visible drugs either prescription or illegal in the vehicle
- Slurred speech, darting eyes, other physical factors
If you are pulled over and arrested for DUI, your future becomes complicated. Not only do you face potential jail time and serious monetary fines in Connecticut, you also face other financial problems.
One of the biggest financial problems associated with a DUI in Connecticut is the increase in insurance premiums guilty parties receive.
Even comparing insurance quotes from various companies won’t find your rates even remotely close to what you were paying prior to being arrested and charged with a DUI.
If you have a DUI on your record, or even if you don’t, you should compare car insurance quotes to make sure you find the best rate possible for the coverage you need. Use our free comparison tool above to get started.
- Connecticut law only counts DUIS within 10 years of one another as subsequent DUIs
- The minimum fine for a DUI in Connecticut is $500
- First-time offenders can spend up to six months in jail
What is a DUI?
Driving Under the Influence is what DUI stands for, and it doesn’t only mean driving under the influence of alcohol. That’s a common misconception.
It also means driving under the influence of drugs whether they are legal or prescription.
Even prescription drugs become illegal if they are not your prescription drugs issued to you by your own medical doctor.
Connecticut laws don’t consider everyone who has been drinking prior to driving a problem. If you are younger than 21 and your blood-alcohol content (BAC) is 0.02 percent, you are guilty of DUI.
If you are older than 21, the BAC limit is 0.08 percent. If you are a commercial vehicle driver, the legal BAC limit is 0.04 percent.
If you’re curious how many drinks it takes to meet the legal limit, you’ll be disappointed to know it differs for everyone based on age, size, weight, and other factors.
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What are the penalties for a first-time DUI?
There are serious penalties in Connecticut for anyone who makes the decision to drive under the influence.
The law imposes jail time, monetary fines, and even license suspension as well as additional penalties that vary depending on how many times you’ve been arrested for DUI in the past 10 years.
Your DUI record is essentially “wiped clean” every 10 years, which is something you should keep in mind.
Jail Time
A first-time offender arrested for DUI in Connecticut might spend as many as six months in jail. Six months is the maximum amount of time a person can be sentenced for DUI charges in Connecticut. The minimum jail term is two days for someone found guilty of a DUI for the first time. Additionally, DUI fees will apply.
Monetary Fines
If you are found guilty of a DUI for the first time, the fines for DUI in Connecticut range from $500 to $1,000. The DUI cost can vary based on several factors, including your financial ability and whether you would prefer to spend time in jail rather than pay the fine to the court.
License Suspension
There is a mandatory license suspension of one year for anyone found guilty of a first-time DUI. You do have the legal right to check with the court to petition for specific driving abilities such as to and from work, for medical emergencies, or to care for your children.
The court gets to make this decision when suspending your license, but there is no mandatory law requiring you to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle for a first offense.
Penalties for a Second DUI
A second DUI is only possible if your first DUI was within 10 years of the second. If your first DUI was longer than 10 years ago, it’s considered a washout in Connecticut and this is going to turn into your first DUI once again.
If it is your second offense, however, the penalties are far worse than they were the first time.
Jail time lasts anywhere from four months to two years. Monetary fines cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. Your license is automatically suspended for one year, and you’re required to have an IID installed in your vehicle.
An IID requires you blow into the machine. If you breathe higher than the legal limit, your vehicle will not start. You will also have an IID mark on your license to make it impossible for you to rent a car.
Penalties for a Third DUI
Connecticut law does not allow you to be arrested more than three times for a DUI. The reason is very simple. You don’t get a fourth chance. Your license is taken from you permanently if you are arrested three times within 10 years for driving under the influence.
Your jail time will last at least one year, but no more than three years. Fines are between $2,000 and $8,000.
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DUI Chemical Test Refusal in Connecticut
It is within your legal right to refuse to take any chemical tests when you are pulled over and suspected of DUI.
You will automatically be arrested even if you refuse to take a test, and it will not appear that you were innocent in a court of law.
In Connecticut, under Connecticut drunk driving laws, a judge and jury often view your refusal to submit to any sort of chemical test at the scene as an admission of guilt. This is particularly relevant when considering the alcohol limit in Connecticut. However, it is your legal right to refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, even though it may affect the outcome and potentially increase the DUI fine you face.
You must note that refusal to submit to testing does not mean you get off without an arrest. You can still be charged with a DUI, but the prosecutor has to prove you were driving under the influence using other means. You will still face punishment, however.
First Offense Refusal
For a first offense DUI in Connecticut, refusing to take a test will result in the suspension of your driver’s license for six months. Although you can petition the court to reconsider for special needs, the court is generally unsympathetic to those who refuse a test at the scene of a suspected DUI. This action will incur a DUI ticket cost, but it is important to remember that it is your legal right. The Connecticut legal limit for this offense is clear, yet the penalties remain strict.
Second Offense Refusal
If you are pulled over for a second time in 10 years, it’s classified as a second offense DUI in Connecticut. If you refuse to take a test at the scene during this second offense, you will lose your license for one year. You may petition the court for special driving privileges if you wish. Remember, adhering to the Connecticut DUI limit is crucial to avoid severe consequences for a DUI conviction.
Third Offense Refusal
In the state of Connecticut, if you refuse to take a chemical test during your third DUI stop within a 10-year period, you are still exercising your legal right to do so. However, this right comes with significant consequences. For a third refusal, your license will be suspended for three years. You have the option to request special driving privileges from the court. Understanding DUI penalties in Connecticut is crucial, especially since the Connecticut blood alcohol limit plays a key role in determining these penalties.
Additional Costs of DUI
Driving under the influence doesn’t just affect your ability to drive and your reputation. It also affects your financial situation outside of your monetary fines. DUIs change your insurance rates forever.
You can shop around and compare rates with various companies using free online quotes, but it’s near impossible to find affordable insurance rates when you are convicted of a DUI.
Compare quotes right here to find the lowest rates possible regardless of your record.
There are fewer discounts, there are fewer savings, and some companies might decide to drop your coverage depending on how many times you’ve been charged with DUI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential fines for a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
The fines for a DUI conviction in Connecticut can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the circumstances. The exact amount of the fine depends on factors such as the BAC level, the presence of aggravating factors, and the number of previous DUI convictions.
Will my driver’s license be suspended for a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
Yes, a DUI conviction in Connecticut generally results in a driver’s license suspension. The length of the suspension can vary based on the number of prior DUI convictions and other factors. For a first offense, the license suspension is typically for 45 days, but it can be longer for subsequent offenses.
Is participation in an alcohol education program mandatory for a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
Yes, participation in an alcohol education program is mandatory for a DUI conviction in Connecticut. The length and type of program can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the conviction. The program may include assessment, education, and potentially treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, in accordance with the Connecticut legal alcohol limit and the DUI new law.
Will I be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) after a DUI conviction in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, certain DUI convictions may result in a court order to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. This device acts as a breathalyzer that prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol in your breath. The duration for which the IID must be installed varies based on the specifics of your conviction. For details on Connecticut interlock costs and how the ignition interlock device fits into Connecticut DUI law, consult local regulations and legal guidance.
Can a DUI conviction impact my auto insurance rates in Connecticut?
Yes, a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates in Connecticut. Insurance companies consider DUI convictions as high-risk behavior, and as a result, your premiums are likely to increase. Some insurers may even choose to cancel or non-renew your policy. It’s important to contact your insurance provider to understand how a DUI conviction will affect your specific policy.
What does DUI stand for?
DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.”
What is the fine for a DUI?
The fine for a first-time DUI offense can range from $500 to $1,000. For subsequent offenses, the fines increase significantly.
What is the maximum sentence for a DUI?
The maximum sentence for a DUI can be up to three years in jail, depending on the number of prior offenses and the specific circumstances of the case.
What is the penalty for driving under the influence?
Penalties for driving under the influence can include fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.
What is the penalty for a DUI in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, penalties for a first-time DUI can include up to six months in jail (with a mandatory minimum of two days), fines between $500 and $1,000, and a license suspension of one year. Subsequent offenses carry more severe penalties.
What happens on your fourth DUI?
In Connecticut, if you are arrested for a DUI four times within 10 years, your driver’s license will be permanently revoked. For a fourth DUI conviction, you will face jail time for a fourth DUI ranging from one to three years, along with fines between $2,000 and $8,000.
Can you do Instacart with a DUI?
Instacart may disqualify applicants with a DUI on their record, especially if the offense is recent. However, specific policies can vary, so it’s best to check directly with Instacart regarding their Instacart DUI policy. Additionally, understanding how DUI laws in Connecticut might affect your application could be beneficial.
Do you go to jail for a DUI?
Yes, jail time is a possible penalty for a DUI. The length of the sentence depends on the number of prior offenses and other factors, with first-time offenders facing up to six months in jail.
How long does a DUI stay on your record in CT?
In Connecticut, a DUI conviction remains on your driving record for 10 years.
How many points is a DUI?
Connecticut does not use a point system for DUI offenses. Instead, penalties include fines, jail time, and license suspension.
What are the driving under the influence (DUI) penalties for someone of legal drinking age in the state of CT (up to 3 offenses)?
First Offense: Up to six months in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines, and a one-year license suspension.
Second Offense: Four months to two years in jail, $1,000 to $4,000 in fines, a one-year license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
Third Offense: One to three years in jail, $2,000 to $8,000 in fines, and permanent revocation of the driver’s license.
Is a DUI a felony in Connecticut?
A DUI can be classified as a felony in Connecticut if it involves serious injury, death, or multiple prior convictions within a specified period.
Is there no jail time for a second DUI in Connecticut?
No, a second DUI in Connecticut typically results in jail time ranging from four months to two years.
What happens if you can’t afford a DUI fine?
If you can’t afford a DUI fine, the court may offer alternatives such as community service or additional jail time, depending on the circumstances.
Does the punishment gets more severe under Progressive DUI laws?
Yes, under progressive DUI laws, the punishment increases with each subsequent offense.
What is the legal limit for alcohol in Connecticut?
The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Connecticut is 0.08% for drivers over 21, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
What are the consequences for an ignition interlock device violation in Connecticut?
Violating the terms of an ignition interlock device in Connecticut can result in additional penalties, including extended use of the device, fines, and possible jail time.
How can you get your license back after a DUI?
To get your license back after a DUI in Connecticut, you must serve the suspension period, complete any required alcohol education or treatment programs, and may need to install an ignition interlock device. Additionally, you will need to pay reinstatement fees.
How likely is jail time for a first DUI in Connecticut?
Jail time is possible for a first DUI in Connecticut, with a mandatory minimum of two days and a maximum of six months. However, some first-time offenders may be eligible for alternative sentencing options such as probation or community service.
Is there a Connecticut IIDP program?
Connecticut’s new DUI laws for 2024 include the Ignition Interlock Device Program (IIDP), which mandates that individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. This device measures the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The IIDP program in Connecticut is designed to reduce the DUI conviction rate by discouraging repeat offenses and improving road safety.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Producer
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.