Connecticut’s DUI law consists primarily of two statutes:
1CGS §§ 14-227a and -227b. The first prohibits a person from driving (1) while “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs or (2) with an “elevated” blood alcohol content (BAC). A person is under the influence if his ability to drive is affected to an appreciable degree. The maximum allowable BAC depends on the driver’s age and the type of vehicle he or she is operating.
2 CGS § 14-227b, motorists implicitly consent to be tested for drugs or alcohol when they drive. The law establishes administrative license suspension procedures for drivers who refuse to submit to a test or whose test results indicate an elevated BAC.
1There are Court-sanctioned programs than can allow defendants to keep their “record clean” or to avoid jail.
Drivers over age 21 have an elevated BAC:
1Drivers over age 21 have an elevated BAC if it is found to be .08% or more.
2 Drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (e.g., a large truck) have an elevated BAC if it is .04% or more
1Under CGS § 14-227g, people younger than 21 have an elevated BAC if it is found to be .02% or more.
1Fines
2 Prison terms
3 License Suspensions
1Under CGS § 14-227g, people younger than 21 have an elevated BAC if it is found to be .02% or more.
Criminal penalties for DUI include fines, prison terms, and license suspensions. By law, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must impose 45-day license suspensions for drivers age 21 or older convicted of DUI. Once their licenses are reinstated, these offenders can drive only vehicles equipped with ignition interlock devices for specified periods of time.
1An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a device installed in a motor vehicle to prohibit an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs from operating it. You need to blow into the IID before starting the vehicle, and if the device detects alcohol or drugs, the vehicle won’t start. Drivers with an IID installed are prompted to blow into the device at random times. This is known as a rolling retest. It ensures that they’re not under the influence while driving.
Click here for more information on IID installation and process