Connecticut DUI Laws & Penalties

Connecticut First Offense DUI Penalties

A first offense DUI charge in Connecticut means that your blood alcohol concentration was .08% or greater and you have had no prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years.  A first offense DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor charge and carries the following penalties:

Jail time: You will either be sentenced to a mandatory minimum jail time of two days up to a maximum of 6-months in jail or up to a six month suspension with mandatory probation and 100 hours of community service.
Fines: The minimum fine amount is $500 and can increase up to $1,000 at the court’s discretion.
Test refusal: First offense refusal will result in a 6 month license suspension.
Probation: If you are sentenced to a period of probation, the court may require you to participate in a victim impact panel program that has been approved by the Court Support Services Division.  You will have to pay a fee of up to $25 to attend the program.
Ignition interlock: An ignition interlock is require for 1 year following reinstatement.
License suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 45 days following a first offense conviction followed by 1 year of IID driving.  You will be required to file a Connecticut SR22 insurance form with the DMV before they will reinstate your driver’s license.

Connecticut Second Offense DUI Penalties

A second offense DUI charge in Connecticut means that your blood alcohol concentration was .08% or greater and you have been convicted of one prior DUI in the past 10-years.  A second offense charge is considered a misdemeanor charge and carries the following penalties:

Jail time: The mandatory minimum amount of jail time for a second offense is 120 consecutive days or up to 2-years in jail.  You will also face a probationary period following the time in jail along with 100 hours of community service.
Fines: The minimum fine for a second offense DUI charge is $1,000 and can be increased up to $4,000 at the court’s discretion.
Test refusal: Second offense refusal will result in a 1 year license suspension.
Ignition interlock: An ignition interlock is require for 3 years following reinstatement.
License suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 45 days followed by 3 years of IID driving. You will be required to file a Connecticut SR22 insurance form with the DMV before they will reinstate your driver’s license.

Connecticut Third or Subsequent Offense DUI Penalties

A third or subsequent offense DUI charge in Connecticut means that your blood alcohol concentration was .08% or greater and you have been convicted of one DUI within the past 10-years and have had at least one DUI conviction beyond the past 10-years.  A second or subsequent offense charge carries the following penalties:

Jail time: The mandatory minimum amount of jail time for a third or subsequent offense is 1-year and can be up to 3-years in jail.  You will also face a probationary period following the time in jail along with 100 hours of community service.
Fines: The minimum fine for a third or subsequent offense DUI charge is $2,000 and can go as high as $8,000 at the court’s discretion.
Test refusal: Third offense refusal will result in a 3 year license suspension.
Ignition interlock: An ignition interlock is require for 3 years following reinstatement.
License revocation: Your license will be permanently revoked following a third offense. You may be eligible for reinstatement following 2 years of revocation, followed by a minimum of 15 years of ignition interlock driving. You will be required to file a Connecticut SR22 insurance form with the DMV before they will reinstate your driver’s license.

Connecticut SR22 Requirements

Before the Connecticut DMV will reinstate your license following your suspension period or before issuing you a special work-only permit, they will require you to file an SR22 form with them before issuing you a new license. You will be required to carry your SR22 insurance for a period of 3-years.

At anytime during this 3-year period if there is a lapse in your SR22 insurance coverage, your insurance provider is obligated by law to immediately inform the Connecticut DMV of the lapse.  If a lapse in coverage occurs, the Connecticut DMV will immediately suspended your license and you will be required to re file an SR22 form with the DMV before they will issue you another license.

Since you are going to have to have your SR22 insurance for a period of 3-years, it is important to find the cheapest policy you can before choosing one.  DUI Process has partnered with the largest and most trusted SR22 insurance provider in the state of Connecticut and has worked out a special discount only available here for our website visitors.

Additional Connecticut DUI Resources

• Connecticut First Offense DUI – First offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
• Connecticut Second Offense DUI – Second offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
• Connecticut Third Offense DUI – Third offense information including penalties, fines, potential jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and more.
• Connecticut SR22 Insurance Filing – We have compiled everything you need to know about Connecticut’s SR22 insurance and filing requirements including important addresses, phone numbers, etc.
• Connecticut DUI Education Classes – We offer a complete listing of state approved DUI education classes.
• Connecticut Bail Bondsmen – Comprehensive list of Connecticut bail bond agents including address, phone, website, etc.
• State Statutes – Complete Connecticut DUI statute regarding DUI laws and penalties.