Connecticut · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Connecticut: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Connecticut: What Are the Rules?
You have 7 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Connecticut.
- Deadline to challenge
- 7 days
- How it is counted
- The date the DMV mails the suspension notice
- Failed test
- 45 days, usually starting 30 days after the arrest; then interlock for 6 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) if 21 or older, or 1 year, 2 years, 3 years if under 21
- Refused test
- 45 days; then interlock for 1 year (first), 2 years (second), 3 years (third or later), regardless of age
- Hardship license
- Not available for this suspension
How to Request a Hearing in Connecticut
call the DMV Administrative Per Se Unit at 860-263-5204 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) or email the DMV Administrative Per Se Unit (the address is on its hearing page) before the deadline on your notice
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Connecticut
45 days, usually starting 30 days after the arrest; then interlock for 6 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) if 21 or older, or 1 year, 2 years, 3 years if under 21Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227b(e), (f), (g), (i)
Official source: suspension if you fail a test (Connecticut)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Connecticut
45 days; then interlock for 1 year (first), 2 years (second), 3 years (third or later), regardless of ageConn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227b(e), (f), (g), (i)
Official source: suspension if you refuse a test (Connecticut)
Getting a Special Operator's Permit (Special Use Permit) in Connecticut
Connecticut doesn't offer a hardship license for this suspension. The special use permit for work, school or medical driving is not available for DUI suspensions or to drivers with a prior alcohol-related offense. After the 45-day suspension you can restore your license with an ignition interlock; after a second offense, interlock driving is limited for the first year to work or school, treatment, interlock service and probation appointments.
Official source: getting a special operator's permit (special use permit) (Connecticut)
More on DUI Law in Connecticut
See the full overview of DUI laws in Connecticut and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Connecticut law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Connecticut can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Connecticut?
7 days. How it is counted: the date the DMV mails the suspension notice.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
45 days, usually starting 30 days after the arrest; then interlock for 6 months (first), 1 year (second), 2 years (third or later) if 21 or older, or 1 year, 2 years, 3 years if under 21
Can You Get a Hardship License in Connecticut?
The special use permit for work, school or medical driving is not available for DUI suspensions or to drivers with a prior alcohol-related offense. After the 45-day suspension you can restore your license with an ignition interlock; after a second offense, interlock driving is limited for the first year to work or school, treatment, interlock service and probation appointments.