Driving Under the Influence Laws (DUI/OUI) and Penalties in Connecticut

As in other states, in Connecticut, it's illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Connecticut uses the term "operating under the influence" (OUI), but some people still refer to the offense as "driving under the influence" or "DUI."

This article covers some of the basics of Connecticut's OUI laws and the penalties you'll face for a first, second, or third OUI conviction.

How Connecticut Defines Operating Under the Influence

In Connecticut, you can be convicted of an OUI charge for operating a motor vehicle:

• with an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) (.08% or greater, .04% or greater if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, and .02% or greater if the driver was under 21 years old), or
• while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227g (2025).)

Connecticut law defines "under the influence" as so affected in the mental, physical, or nervous processes that the driver lacks—to an appreciable degree—the ability to function properly in relation to the operation of a vehicle. (Infield v. Sullivan, 199 A.2d 693 (Conn. 1964).)

An OUI for an elevated BAC—also called a "per se OUI,"—is based on chemical test results and not the actual level of impairment. The amount of alcohol a person can consume before exceeding the BAC limit depends on several factors, including gender, body size, and the type of alcohol.

Unlike most states, Connecticut generally imposes the same penalties for an underage DUI (.02% to .079%) as it does for standard DUIs (.08% and above). (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227g (2025).)

Penalties for a First OUI in Connecticut—Misdemeanor

For a first OUI within 10 years, the driver will normally face:

• 48 hours to 6 months in jail (30 days to 1 year if the offense involved minor passengers)
• $500 to $1,000 in fines (up to $2,000 if the offense involved minor passengers)
• probation
• up to 100 hours of community service (community service can substitute for jail time),
• a one-year ignition interlock device (IID) requirement, and
• a 45-day license suspension.

A first OUI generally is a misdemeanor. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227m (2025).)

Penalties for a Second OUI in Connecticut—Misdemeanor

For a second OUI within 10 years, the driver will normally face:

• 120 days to 2 years in jail (180 days to 3 years if the offense involved minor passengers)
• $1,000 to $4,000 in fines
• probation
• 100 hours of community service,
• a three-year IID requirement, and
• a 45-day license suspension.

A second OUI generally is a misdemeanor. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227m (2025).)

For repeat OUI violations, the driver must complete a drug and alcohol evaluation before sentencing. The court will review the evaluation results and can order the offender to complete treatment or other rehabilitation programs. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a (2025).)

Penalties for a Third OUI/DUI in Connecticut—Felony

For a third or subsequent OUI within 10 years, the driver will normally face:

• one to three years in jail (two to five years if the offense involved minor passengers)
• $2,000 to $8,000 in fines
• probation
• 100 hours of community service, and
• a permanent license revocation.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227m (2025).)

A third OUI is generally a felony. Third offenders must complete a drug and alcohol evaluation and complete any treatment ordered by the judge. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a (2025).)

A person convicted of a third or subsequent OUI may petition the DMV to reinstate a revoked license after two years. If the DMV reinstates the license, the petitioner must have an IID for at least 15 years. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-111, 14-227a (2025).)

Connecticut's Underage DUI Law

Connecticut has essentially a zero-tolerance policy for motorists younger than 21. For these underage drivers, it's illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC of .02% or greater. The penalties for an underage OUI are the same as the penalties for a standard OUI. (See the penalties for first, second, and third offenses above.) (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-227a, 14-227g, 14-227m (2025).)

Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP)

Depending upon certain factors, the Impaired Driver Intervention Program (IDIP) is available to drivers for a first OUI or underage OUI arrest. IDIP involves ten to 15 alcohol intervention sessions, several hundred dollars in program fees, and, usually, a victim impact panel. By successfully completing IDIP the offender can have a first OUI dismissed without a conviction. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-56r (2025).)

Administrative Driver's License Penalties for OUI Violations in Connecticut

All drivers in Connecticut are considered to have given "implied consent" to a drug influence evaluation and testing of breath, blood, or urine for an OUI investigation. Any driver who unlawfully refuses an evaluation or testing—or produces a BAC over the legal limit—will be subject to immediate license seizure, a 45-day license suspension, and IID restrictions. (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227b (2025).)

Getting Help From a Connecticut OUI Lawyer

Because the penalties for an OUI are so severe, it's a good idea to get in contact with a qualified lawyer following an OUI arrest. An experienced OUI attorney can review your case, let you know what you're facing, and help you decide on the best way to deal with your situation.