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
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.
Connecticut Drunk Driving Fines & Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
For 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.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction (within 10 years of the first Conviction)
For 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.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction (within 10 years of the first Conviction)
If you are convicted for a third 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.
Additional Information on Drunk Driving Laws in Connecticut
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