Connecticut DUI Laws, Limits, and Penalties
Driving is a big responsibility.You are responsible for yourself, your passengers, and pedestrians. So, it is never a good idea to drive after consuming alcohol. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has strict penalties that will be implemented to anyone who is caught driving under the influence(DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated
The Connecticut DMV applies an alcohol percentage to determine how much alcohol an individual has consumed. The numbers differ for drivers under the age of 21 and those over 21.The numbers are obtained during a blood-alcohol concentration test (BAC). Refusing to take the test will result in your license suspension.
For drivers over the age of 21, if their blood-alcohol concentration test reads 0.08% or higher, it is considered a DUI. Less than the age of 21, drivers having a reading of 0.02%or higher is also DUI.
Penalties for DUI or DWI
The penalties will vary according to the violations and if it was a first-time offense or a repeater. If you refuse a BAC, your license will be suspended. The suspension could be up to 30 days or higher if you were involved in an accident that results in damages of property or injury to another person.
In some cases, an ignition interlock device (IID) is attached to the offender’s vehicle. It is used by blowing into it and if the reading exceeds 0.02% (drivers under 21) or 0.08% (drivers over 21); the ignition is lock preventing the vehicle to move.
Here is a breakdown of the penalties for DUI and DWI
If you failed a BAC test, your license is suspended for 30 to 45 days. The same result will be if you refuse the test. Drivers who are required to use the IID must have it for at least one year.
Drivers under the age of 21
Refusing a BAC test requires the IID installed for:
- 1st offense: 12 months
- 2nd offense: 24 months
- 3rd offense: 36 months
Failed the BAC test:
- 1st offense: 12 months
- 2nd offense: 24 months
- 3rd offense: 36 months
Drivers over 21 years
Refusing a BAC test requires the IID installed for:
- 1st offense: 12 months
- 2nd offense: 24 months
- 3rd offense: 36 months
Failed the BAC test:
- 1st offense: 6 months
- 2nd offense: 12 months
- 3rd offense: 24 months
The Ignition Interlock Device
Once you are required to use an IID, you must complete Form P-246 (Ignition Interlock Device Installation Application). Also, contact an approved IID vendor to complete the form. You must pay the cost of $175 for restoration fee and $100 for administration fee.
You must now submit the documents to the Connecticut DMV and receive the time you will be required to have the IID.
