Connecticut OUI Laws

Connecticut's operating under the influence (OUI) laws cover a wide range of impaired driving offenses. Drugs, alcohol, or both can impair your ability to drive.

In fact, to be charged with OUI (Connecticut's equivalent to DUI), you don't even need to be actually driving. Simply being in a vehicle with the keys in the ignition can be enough for an arrest.

Under the law, a motor vehicle can include a snowmobile, a golf cart, or even a snowblower.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime with stiff penalties. The following information will help you understand Connecticut's OUI laws and criminal penalties.

Note: State laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it's a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.

Connecticut OUI Laws

The state of Connecticut recognizes impaired driving as "operating under the influence" (OUI) but may still refer to it as a DUI or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Connecticut law prohibits using a motor vehicle when you have an elevated blood alcohol content (BAC), while under the influence of an intoxicant, or while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.

OUI is a misdemeanor for a first offense if your BAC is under 0.16%. If a police officer finds your BAC is at 0.08% or greater, you are per se intoxicated. A commercial driver needs only a BAC of 0.04% for per se intoxication. Per se intoxication means they do not need further proof of your impairment to arrest you for OUI.

OUI Tests

If a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of OUI, they will conduct chemical tests and field sobriety tests. Chemical tests may include a Breathalyzer or breath test. You may need to have blood and urine tests. These test results are evidence of your intoxication for the court.

While you may refuse these tests, the penalties are severe and immediate. Under the implied consent law, you have agreed to submit to chemical testing as part of your driving privileges. You can still face arrest. Evidence of your refusal to take these tests will be used against you at trial.

You may undergo arrest and prosecution even if no alcohol tests show you are above the legal limit. Evidence of intoxication and impairment may be enough to get you a DUI conviction.

OUI Penalties

The penalties you face will depend on whether this is your first OUI or a subsequent offense. You will face increased penalties if your BAC is 0.16% or higher. Your sentence will also increase if you caused an accident, property damage, injuries, or death.

Any DUI conviction may result in a judge ordering you to take part in a victim impact panel. A victim impact panel consists of the victims of impaired driving offenses or their survivors discussing their experiences in a non-confrontational environment.

First-Time OUI

DUI penalties for a first-time offender include two days to six months in jail, or six months of probation with 100 hours of community service. A judge may impose a fine of $500 to $1000. Your driver's license suspension is for 45 days, during which you cannot drive for any reason. You must install an ignition interlock device (IID) for one year after your suspension is up.

As a first-time offender, you may be eligible to complete an alcohol education program and undergo treatment. If allowed, upon successful completion, your case is eligible for dismissal. It is at the judge and prosecutor's discretion to allow you to complete this course.

Second OUI Offense

A second DUI within ten years increases your penalties. A judge can fine you between $1000 and $4000 and sentence you to 120 days to two years in jail with probation. You must complete 100 hours of community service and undergo substance abuse treatment as part of your probation. You must also have an ignition interlock device for three years after your 45-day suspension period.

Third or Subsequent Offense

After a third or subsequent offense, drivers can have their license revoked permanently. You may request a hearing after two years of revocation to have limited driving privileges reinstated. You must maintain an IID for 15 years as part of this reinstatement.

You will face fines of $2,000 to $8,000, one to three years in jail with one-year mandatory probation, 100 hours of community service, and completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program.

Under-21 Offenders

Connecticut has stringent penalties for minors convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Motorists under 21 years of age whose blood alcohol concentration is 0.02% or higher will have their license suspended for one year.

After that one year, they must install an IID. For a first-time offense, the motorist must install the IID for one year. A second offense can result in a three-year suspension and two-year IID order.

Minors with a BAC of 0.08% or higher will have these penalties enhanced.

Connecticut Ignition Interlock Device Program

You must install an IID in your vehicle as a condition of driving in Connecticut for the following offenses:

• Failure or refusal of a BAC test
• Operating under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or other drugs
• Vehicular assault
• Vehicular manslaughter

You will bear the costs of installing and maintaining the IID. Your driving privileges are very restricted during this period. You can only drive to and from work, meetings with your probation officer, substance abuse treatment, and IID maintenance.

Refusal to submit to chemical testing will result in an automatic requirement of an IID for one year, regardless of the outcome of your case. You can apply for an IID after you serve 45 days of license suspension (during which you cannot drive for any reason).

Be aware of the special penalties for failure to use the IID properly.

Connecticut OUI Resources

• Connecticut OUI Statutes: Operation While Under the Influence (GSC section 14-227a)
• Connecticut's Drunk Driving Law: Overview of Connecticut DUI laws (Conn. DMV)
• Ignition Interlock Device Program Overview: Information about the state's IID program (Conn. DMV)
• Driver's License Reinstatement: How to get your driver's license reinstated after a suspension (Conn. DMV)

Don't Face OUI Charges Alone: Get Help From an Attorney

The law is complicated, particularly with criminal charges. If you receive an OUI in Connecticut, remember that you may face more than fines. An experienced attorney can protect your interests and help you get the best outcome possible. Find a Connecticut OUI attorney near you today.