How much do you have to drink (BAC*) for a DUI in Connecticut?

** BAC = blood alcohol content

How many drinks does it take? Check the BAC chart.

What if you refuse to take a chemical test in Connecticut?

Connecticut has an implied consent law. That means that if you refuse to submit to a chemical test you will be subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. Learn more about Connecticut’s implied consent law.

What is the minimum jail time?

Lookback Period: 10 years (Period of time that prior DUIs are relevant for sentencing. Also known as a “washout” period.)

Can you plead to a lesser offense than DUI in Connecticut?

A defendant might receive a "wet reckless," or a conviction of reckless driving involving alcohol, as a result of a plea bargain in which a charge of drunk driving is reduced to a case of reckless driving. There is no statutory provision on whether a wet reckless plea bargain will be accepted in Connecticut, but it's possible a lawyer may be able to create a plea bargain for you.

1st Connecticut DUI Conviction

First Drunk Driving Offense

• Jail – 48 Hour Minimum up to 6 Months
• Community Service – 100 Hours if Jail Suspended
• Fine – From $500 to $1,000
• License Suspension – 1 Year
• Complete Substance Abuse Treatment Program
• Vehicle Towed and Impounded for 48 Hours

More Information: First Offense DUI in Connecticut

Important Note from the Editor

Disclaimer: We try to keep the information provided here up to date. However, laws often change, as do their interpretation and application. Different jurisdictions within a state may enforce the laws in different ways. For that reason, we recommended that you seek the advice of a local attorney familiar with DUI cases in your area.

2nd Connecticut DUI Conviction

Second Drunk Driving Offense

• Jail – 120 Days Minimum up to 2 Years
• Fine – From $1,000 to $4,000
• License Suspension – 1 Year
• Ignition Interlock Device for 2 Years After Suspension
• Complete Substance Abuse Treatment Program
• Community Service – Minimum 100 Hours
• Vehicle Towed and Impounded for 48 Hours

More Information: Second Offense DUI in Connecticut

3rd Connecticut DUI Offense

Third Drunk Driving Conviction

• Jail – 1 Year Minimum up to 3 Years
• Fine – From $2,000 to $8,000
• License Suspension – Permanent*
• Community Service – Minimum 100 Hours

*May Request Hearing After 6 Years

More Information: Third Offense DUI in Connecticut

Drinking and Driving Laws in Connecticut

The State of Connecticut has drunk driving laws that address driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Like many other states around the country, Connecticut has a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under the age of 21. It is illegal for a minor to drive with a BAC of .02 percent or above. Adult drivers are considered legally intoxicated if their BAC is .08 percent and above.

How many drinks does it take to reach the legal limit in Connecticut?

There isn't one right answer to this question. Each driver has individual attributes that may impact the number of drinks that it takes to become legally drunk. Many factors, including weight, age and number of drinks consumed within a given time frame, all contribute to a drivers blood alcohol concentration (BAC). One study showed that one drink could raise your BAC by .05 percent. Keep in mind that in Connecticut you can be prosecuted for a DUI without being chemically tested, and you may be arrested without any direct evidence if your ability to drive has been "affected to an appreciable degree".

The best answer is not to drink and drive . The State of Connecticut has strict laws for drunk driving, and when you drink and drive in Connecticut, you risk your freedom, finances and your future.

Drunk Driving Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut Drunk Driving and Wet Reckless Laws - Nolo.com

State of Connecticut BAC Laws

• Drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of .02 or higher.
• Any vehicle requiring a commercial driver license with a BAC of .04 percent or higher.
• Operation of a motor vehicle "while under the influence" of intoxicating liquor or any or drug, or both.
• All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.

If you are arrested in Connecticut for a DUI your first drunk driving conviction you will be fined between $500 and $1000. Your Jail time will be from 48 Hours (Mandatory Minimum) to 6 Months suspended with 100 hours of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 1 year. The Vehicle must be impounded for 48 hours following the arrest and the driver must pay for storage and towing.

A second drunk driving conviction you will be fined between $1,000 and $4,000. Your Jail time will be from 120 days (Mandatory Minimum) to 2 years, and 100 hours of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended for a period of 1 year followed by 24 months with an approved ignition interlock device. The Vehicle must be impounded for 48 hours following the arrest, and the driver must pay for storage and towing.

If you are convicted third time for a drunk driving offense in the State of Connecticut within 10 years of the first conviction, you will be fined between $2,000-$8,000. Your Jail Time will be a Mandatory Minimum of 1 Year to 3 Years and 100 Hours of community service. You will also receive a Permanent Revocation of your drivers license in the State of Connecticut. Your Vehicle must be impounded for 48 hours following the arrest and the driver must pay for storage and towing.

The Implied Consent Law in the State of Connecticut

The implied consent law in Connecticut means that by holding a State of Connecticut drivers license, you agree to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine. Refusing to abide by the implied consent law carries penalties similar to a drunk driving conviction.

State of Connecticut Website - More DUI Information

State of Connecticut Website - Criminal Penalties

Other Connecticut Information on this Website

Connecticut SR22 Insurance

Connecticut Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements

Connecticut Driving & Cell Phone Laws