Getting an OUI in Connecticut
If you’re a first-offender, here are some quick answers to questions you may have about an OUI.
Can I continue to drive?
There are two separate license suspensions or revocations for an OUI: One when you’re arrested and a different one if you’re convicted.
The first is an administrative suspension. After your arrest, the DMV will impose a suspension of 45 days, along with a six-month IID requirement. It will generally begin within 30 days of the arrest date.
If you are convicted, your license could be suspended for at least 45 days, with an IID requirement of at least 6 months. This is separate from the administrative penalty, although the two may overlap. They do not run consecutively.
You may be eligible to continue to drive if you:
- Obtain a Special Operator’s Permit.
- Install an Ignition Interlock Device (car breathalyzer) on any vehicles you drive.
- Obtain an SR-22 certificate verifying that you are carrying the amount of auto insurance required by law.
What are the penalties if I’m convicted for drunk driving?
With no other factors – such as injury, property damage, Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above the legal limit, under the age of 21, and so on – conviction will involve:
Jail
- First offense: 48 hours to 6 months
- Second offense: 120 days to 2 years
- Subsequent offenses: 1 to 3 years
Fines
- First offense: $500 to $1,000
- Second offense: $1,000 to $4,000
- Subsequent offenses: $2,000 to $8,000
License suspension
- First offense: 45 days
- Second offense: 45 days
- Subsequent offenses: Permanent
If you’re a first offender, the judge has the option of suspending all but 48 hours of your prison time. You’ll also be allowed to substitute 100 hours of community service in place of the 48 hours.
Plea bargains are not allowed in Connecticut. However, first-time offenders can participate in court-ordered diversion in a pre-trial alcohol education program. Successful completion entitles you to dismissal of your charges, although this option can be used only once every 10 years.
How long will I have a Ignition Interlock Device (car breathalyzer)?
Drivers under 21 years old
- First offense: 1 year
- Second offense: 2 years
- Subsequent offenses: 3 years
Drivers 21 years old and older
- First offense: 6 months
- Second offense: 1 year
- Subsequent offenses: 2 years
What should I do next?
Start by getting an Ignition Interlock quote using the form on this page.
