Connecticut DUI Laws
Connecticut DUI Defense
What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Connecticut (CT) law.
BAC Limit
0.08
Enhanced BAC
0.16
Higher penalties above this
Lookback Period
10 years
Prior offenses count within
7 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
In Connecticut, you have 7 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically , even if the criminal case is later dismissed.
First Offense Penalties in Connecticut
Implied Consent & Test Refusal
Like all 50 states, Connecticut has an implied consent law, by driving on Connecticutroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.
Refusal Penalty
45-day license suspension + 6-month IID
Connecticut-Specific Detail
Connecticut's ignition interlock requirement applies to all first-offense DUI convictions regardless of BAC level.
Is your Connecticut DUI defense on track?
The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.
Take the Free Defense ScoreDUI Defense Playbook — $127
26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Connecticut DUI defendants.
Other Connecticut defense topics
Facing a different charge in Connecticut? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:
Important: This page provides general legal information about Connecticut DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Connecticut-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.