What Is the Legal Limit for DUI in Connecticut?

 Posted on February 28, 2024 in Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, although the legal limit is determined on a state-by-state basis. In Connecticut, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if he or she has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% mg/dL.

The limit is much lower for commercial drivers, with federal and state regulations being at 0.04% mg/dL. In this article, our Stamford DUI defense lawyer will discuss the DUI laws pertaining to passenger vehicle drivers.

Legal Intoxication in Connecticut

It is against the law in most states, including Connecticut, to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. At this level, motorists can have reduced muscle coordination, impaired judgment, and diminished reasoning.

Connecticut’s zero-tolerance law prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from driving with any traceable amount of alcohol in their blood. Therefore, if you are younger than the legal drinking age, you are considered impaired if you have a blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02%.  

Implied Consent

Motorists who get a Connecticut driver’s license comply with blood alcohol testing. Under Connecticut’s implied consent law, drivers agree to blood, urine, or chemical testing. If you are pulled over by a police officer, you must provide a sample at the officer’s request. Refusing or failing a DUI test will result in your license being automatically revoked.

Penalties for DUI

License Suspension

If you fail or refuse a blood test, your license will be suspended for a mandatory period of 45 days. This begins 30 days after your arrest date.

To have your license reinstated, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. Your age and prior offenses will determine what length of time you are required to have an IID before your driving privileges are restored. For instance, if you are over the age of 21 and it is your third DUI offense, you will be required to drive with an IID for two years before your license will be reinstated.

Incarceration

According to CGS §14-227a (g), a first-time offender will be sentenced to at least two days, with the potential of up to six months in jail. They will be eligible for probation with a requirement to complete 100 hours of community service.

A second-time offender at least 21 years of age may serve up to two years in jail, with a minimum of 120 days. They will also be eligible for probation with a 100 hours of community service requirement. A third-time offender (including any subsequent offenders) will be sentenced to a minimum of one year in prison, with a maximum of three years. They will be eligible for probation with 100 hours of community service.

Fines

Connecticut imposes the following fee schedule for DUI offenses:

• First-time offenders: $500 to $1,000
• Second-time offenders: $1,000 to $4,000
• Third-time and subsequent offenders (at least 21 years old): $2,000 to $8,000

A Fairfield County DUI defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain to get your charges reduced, saving you thousands of dollars and time in prison.

Consult with a Stamford, CT, DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Connecticut law punishes DUI offenders harshly. If you have been convicted of a DUI, you may lose your driving privileges, be imprisoned, and have to pay hefty fines. To avoid these punishments, you need a Fairfield County, CT, DUI defense lawyer working on your behalf. Contact the office today online or by calling 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.