How to get your license back after a DUI in Connecticut

Steps the state lists

1. 1

   Read the suspension notice and complete its reinstatement requirements

   The DMV's first of 'Four easy steps to reinstating your license in Connecticut' is to read the license suspension notice and complete the requirements it lists; requirements vary by suspension.

   What the source says

   “Four easy steps to reinstating your license in Connecticut: Read your license suspension notice and complete the requirements for reinstatement.”

2. 2

   Serve the suspension period

   The DMV states a person is not permitted to drive during the term of the suspension. For a first DUI conviction, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g)(1)(C) imposes a 45-day suspension; the DMV's DUI page states the person is eligible for restoration after the 45-day suspension if there are no other suspensions, and that the separate administrative per se suspension under § 14-227b is also 45 days.

   What the source says

   “If no other suspensions, eligible for restoration after the 45-day suspension regardless of whether the suspension for failing or refusing a chemical test for the same arrest has been fully served Must install Ignition Interlock Device (IID) IID required for one year following restoration”

3. 3

   Have an ignition interlock device installed by a Connecticut-approved vendor

   The DMV requires an IID before reinstatement for all alcohol-related suspensions (failing or refusing a chemical test, or operating under the influence). The person contacts an approved vendor to schedule installation and the vendor notifies the DMV.

   What the source says

   “Contact one of the Connecticut-approved IID vendors to schedule an appointment to have the IID installed. The vendor will notify the DMV once the IID is installed.”

4. 4

   Pay the $175 reinstatement fee and the $100 IID administration fee

   The DMV states the $175 reinstatement fee is paid online, by phone, or by check or money order made out to 'DMV', and that additional fees such as the $100 IID administration fee may apply; it suggests paying at least 10 days before the eligibility date (20 days if by mail). Under § 14-227a(i)(6) the $100 fee is paid prior to installation of the device.

   What the source says

   “Pay the $175 reinstatement fee to the DMV. (Additional fees may apply - e.g., IID administration fee $100). You can pay the fee online , by phone at 860-263-5720, or by mail (check or money order made payable to “DMV”).”

5. 5

   Resolve any other license suspensions

   The DMV states other license-related suspensions need to be resolved before the license is reinstated.

   What the source says

   “Be sure to check if you have any other license-related suspensions. Suspensions need to be resolved before your license is reinstated.”

6. 6

   Receive the restoration notice and drive only with the IID for the required period

   Once all requirements are met and the suspension time is served, the DMV reinstates the license with the IID requirement and mails a final approval letter/restoration notice with the IID program rules; the IID requirement starts on the restoration date, not the installation date. A current, valid driver's license is needed before driving.

   What the source says

   “After all reinstatement requirements are met and you have served your suspension time, your license is reinstated with the IID requirement. A final approval letter/restoration notice with the IID program rules will be mailed to you. You may only operate/drive a vehicle equipped with an IID for the d”

Official reinstatement page: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

Conditions that travel with reinstatement

When the interlock can be removed

Term-based with violation extensions. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g), the IID restriction runs for one year following restoration after a first conviction and three years after a second (the first year limited to work, school, treatment, IID service and probation travel); the administrative per se restriction under § 14-227b(i) runs six months to three years, and the DMV applies whichever period is longer, starting on the restoration date. The DMV states vendors report violations (failing to appear for service within five days of the scheduled date, a start-up test at 0.05 BAC or higher, tampering, circumvention, driving without the IID, or removing the IID without written DMV authorization) and that the DMV extends the IID requirement by 30 days for each violation, with a notice letter and a contest procedure through the Driver Services Division. Removal requires written authorization from the DMV. No early-removal or compliance-based reduction and no removal fee cap is stated.

Compliance period: none stated; each reported violation adds 30 days to the requirement

“If you commit any of the above violations, the DMV extends your IID requirement by 30 days for each violation. Learn more about this regulation . If your vendor reports any violations to the DMV, a letter is sent to the address on record, notifying you of the IID violation and the extension of the I”

Compare removal rules in every state

Questions about reinstatement in Connecticut

What does the Connecticut DMV require to restore a license after a DUI suspension?

The CT DMV's Ignition Interlock Device Program page states an IID is required to reinstate after any alcohol-related suspension: the person has the device installed by a Connecticut-approved vendor (which notifies the DMV), pays the $175 reinstatement fee and the $100 IID administration fee, resolves any other suspensions, and serves the suspension time; the license is then reinstated with the IID requirement and a restoration notice is mailed.

How long does the Connecticut interlock restriction last and can it be extended?

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a(g), the IID is required for one year following restoration after a first conviction and three years after a second; the administrative per se period under § 14-227b(i) may differ, and the DMV applies the longer period, starting on the restoration date. The DMV states each reported violation (missed service, 0.05+ start-up test, tampering, circumvention, driving without the IID, or unauthorized removal) extends the requirement by 30 days.

Can a Connecticut driver suspended for DUI get a special work permit?

No. The CT DMV's Special Use Permit page lists suspensions for driving under the influence as disqualifying, and Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-37a(b) provides that no special operator's permit is issued to a person whose license has been suspended under §§ 14-227a, 14-227b, 14-227m or 14-227n. After restoration with an IID, a second offender's driving is limited for the first year to work, school, treatment, IID service and probation travel under § 14-227a(g)(2)(C).

Sources

1. CT DMV – Connecticut Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program (installation, fees, restoration, violations and 30-day extensions)
2. CT DMV – Driving Under the Influence: Laws & Penalties (suspension/IID periods)
3. CT DMV – Reinstate your CT driver's license after a suspension ('Four easy steps')
4. CT DMV – Special Use Permit for Suspended Driver's Licenses (DUI disqualification)
5. CT DMV – Pay license reinstatement fee (from the existing state record)
6. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a (chapter 248), subsections (g) penalties/IID periods and (i) ignition interlock device – Connecticut General Assembly
7. Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 246, incl. § 14-37a special operator's permit and § 14-111(j) IID non-compliance – Connecticut General Assembly