Will I Lose My License After a DUI in Connecticut?
Losing your driver’s license is one of the most common concerns for people after getting arrested for a DUI (also referred to as OUI or DWI) in Connecticut. In many DUI cases, a DUI arrest can result in a license suspension, or in rare cases, a license revocation, under Connecticut law. The question about how and when this occurs is much easier to understand when it’s broken down more clearly.
DMV License Suspension
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is the agency that gets notified when someone is arrested for a DUI. In response to this notification, the DMV, in most situations, will send out a Notice of License Suspension, with a date of suspension, to that arrestee. The DMV can suspend your license after an arrest if either of the two occurred:
failure of a breathalyzer or chemical test (breath, blood, or urine), or
refusal of the breathalyzer or chemical test
This is because in Connecticut, every time you get into your vehicle to drive, you are giving implied consent to submit to chemical testing to prove you are not under the influence, if law enforcement requests it. Driving is considered a privilege, not a right in Connecticut, and that privilege can be taken away for failing or refusing the breathalyzer or other chemical testing.
Once you receive a license suspension notice from the DMV, you have the opportunity to appeal that decision by requesting a hearing within 7 days. If you choose not to appeal the decision, your license suspension will take effect on the date that is stated in the notice.
DMV license penalties happen regardless of what happens in criminal court, even if the DUI charges are later dismissed. This is because the DMV is handing down this penalty, not because you are guilty of a DUI, but because you refused or failed the breathalyzer.
Typical Suspension Periods in Connecticut
Generally, these are the license penalties for DUI charges in Connecticut:
First Offense
45-day license suspension. After the suspension, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be installed to restore your license, and must be in place for one year.
Second Offense
45-day license suspension. After the suspension, the IID requirement is generally 3 years.
Third Offense
The DMV has the ability to revoke or permanently take away your license for third or subsequent offenses. You may be eligible to apply for reinstatement after a period of time, usually 2 years minimum.
To get back on the road after a DUI suspension in Connecticut, there are some hoops to jump through. You may first need to serve your full license suspension, install the IID, and pay license restoration fees with he DMV.
If your license is suspended after getting arrested, it is possible to apply for a special operator’s permit, to be able to drive to and from work. This is generally granted after proving the hours and days you work and if it is your first DUI arrest.
