Connecticut · DUI · Checked October 2026
Connecticut DUI Penalties: First, Second and Third Offense
Connecticut DUI Penalties: What Are the Rules?
Connecticut sets DUI penalties by offense, and they rise with each conviction.
- First offense jail
- Up to 6 months, with 48 consecutive hours that cannot be suspended or reduced; or up to 6 months fully suspended with probation that requires 100 hours of community service
- First offense fine
- $500 to $1,000
- First offense license
- 45 days
- Felony
- A second DUI within 10 years carries up to 2 years and a third up to 3 years; any offense punishable by more than 1 year is a felony in Connecticut
- Lookback period
- 10 years
Connecticut DUI Penalties by Offense
| Penalty | First offense | Second offense | Third offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge | misdemeanor (maximum term of 1 year or less) | felony (maximum term over 1 year) | felony (maximum term over 1 year) |
| Jail | up to 6 months, with 48 consecutive hours that cannot be suspended or reduced; or up to 6 months fully suspended with probation that requires 100 hours of community service | up to 2 years, with 120 consecutive days that cannot be suspended or reduced (second violation within 10 years of a prior conviction) | up to 3 years, with 1 year that cannot be suspended or reduced (third or later violation within 10 years of a prior conviction) |
| Fine | $500 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $4,000 | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| License suspension | 45 days | 45 days | permanent revocation; you may request a reconsideration hearing at least 2 years after the revocation date |
| Ignition interlock | required on every vehicle you own or operate as a condition of restoring your license, then for 1 year after restoration | required as a condition of restoration, then for 3 years after restoration; during the first year you may drive only to and from work or school, an alcohol or drug treatment program, an interlock service center or a probation appointment | required for the period set by § 14-111(i)(2) if the revocation is reversed or reduced |
Other First Offense Penalties in Connecticut
- Court may order an alcohol education and treatment program or the pretrial impaired driving intervention program
Official source: other first offense penalties (Connecticut)
Other Second Offense Penalties in Connecticut
- Probation with 100 hours of community service
- Alcohol or drug assessment through the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division
- Treatment program if ordered
Official source: other second offense penalties (Connecticut)
Other Third Offense Penalties in Connecticut
- Probation with 100 hours of community service
- Alcohol or drug assessment through the Court Support Services Division
- Treatment program if ordered
Official source: other third offense penalties (Connecticut)
When Penalties Are Higher in Connecticut
- child passenger under 18 in the vehicle: Separate offense. First: $500 to $2,000 fine; up to 1 year with 30 consecutive days that cannot be suspended or reduced; probation with 100 hours of community service, assessment, Department of Children and Families evaluation; 45-day suspension and 1 year of interlock. Second within 10 years: $1,000 to $4,000; up to 3 years with 180 days mandatory; 45-day suspension and 3 years of interlock. Third within 10 years: $2,000 to $8,000; up to 5 years with 2 years mandatory; permanent revocation
- driving a school bus, student transportation vehicle or other vehicle specially designated for carrying children: Separate offense with fines up to $10,000 and higher penalties, more when a child under 18 is aboard
- driving on a special operator's permit at the time of the offense: the DMV suspends your license for twice the period set in § 14-227a(g)
When a DUI Is a Felony in Connecticut
a second DUI within 10 years carries up to 2 years and a third up to 3 years; any offense punishable by more than 1 year is a felony in ConnecticutConn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g)(2)-(3); § 53a-25(a)
How Far Back Prior Offenses Count in Connecticut
10 years. second and third offense penalties apply to a violation within 10 years after a prior conviction; prior convictions include § 14-227a, § 14-227m, § 14-227n(a)(1)-(2), § 53a-56b, § 53a-60d and substantially similar out-of-state offensesConn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g)
Official source: how far back prior offenses count (Connecticut)
More on DUI Law in Connecticut
See the full overview of DUI laws in Connecticut and read about first-offense DUI penalties across the states.
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
What Is the Penalty for a First DUI in Connecticut?
Jail: up to 6 months, with 48 consecutive hours that cannot be suspended or reduced; or up to 6 months fully suspended with probation that requires 100 hours of community service. Fine: $500 to $1,000. License suspension: 45 days.
What Is the Penalty for a Second DUI in Connecticut?
Jail: up to 2 years, with 120 consecutive days that cannot be suspended or reduced (second violation within 10 years of a prior conviction). Fine: $1,000 to $4,000. License suspension: 45 days.
When Is a DUI a Felony in Connecticut?
a second DUI within 10 years carries up to 2 years and a third up to 3 years; any offense punishable by more than 1 year is a felony in Connecticut