Driving is a necessity for so many of us. Work, school, medical appointments, and important errands are just some of the reasons we rely on our vehicles, not to mention social activities and adventurous road trips. So, what happens when your license is suspended due to a DUI offense? Here we explain the whys and hows of a Connecticut DUI license suspension. 

When you are charged with a Connecticut CUI, a copy of the arrest report is sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is this institution, not the court or the police, who issue the suspension on your license. Driving is classified as a privilege and not a right so your license to operate a motor vehicle can be suspended by the issuing entity.

If caught driving with a suspended license, the penalties include fines and jail time as well as additional challenges in having your license restored.

Once the suspension period has ended, you must pay a fee to the DMV and apply to have your license reinstated. It is your responsibility to make this happen as the DMV will not initiate the process. 

All Connecticut DUIs result in license suspension but the length of time depends on the offense. Certain factors create unique circumstances such as whether or not you caused an accident that resulted in the physical injury or death of another person. The license suspension penalties in Connecticut include:

• First Time DUI: 45 days 
• Second DUI: 45 days 
• Third DUI: Permanent lifetime suspension 

Under Connecticut’s Implied Consent Law, anyone granted a license to drive has agreed to give consent to field sobriety tests. For this reason, the license suspension period or other penalties may be greater for those who refuse to comply with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test.

Drivers who have had their licenses suspended after a first-time DUI can apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a work or school permit. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee as well as very strict requirements for anyone granted these permits. Depending on which type of Special Operator’s Permit you are requesting, you will be asked to provide details including:

• Signature of employer, occupation, work schedule and commute distance
• Signature of school registrar/designee, copy of class/exam schedule and commute distance

In order to qualify for a permit, you can not have any prior DUI offenses. Your driving record also must be clear of several violations including convictions of reckless driving, vehicular assault, vehicular manslaughter and others.

If you received a permanent suspension after a DUI offense, you must wait at least two years from the effective revocation date to request a hearing to have your license reinstated. You can start the restoration process on your own although an experienced DUI knows which steps to take to ensure the best chances of getting you safely behind the wheel again.

Since 2008, the team at the Law Offices of Pat Brown have helped drivers with DUI convictions regain their driving privileges. Retaining our lawyers early in the process can navigate you through your trial with the least amount of negative consequences possible. We represent all drivers charged with DUI in Connecticut - underage, commercial and multiple offenders. 

If you or a loved one need legal assistance for a suspended driver’s license or any other related DUI charges, please contact us for a free consultation.