How to Get Your License Back After an OUI in Connecticut

According to Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a, Operating Under the Influence (OUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will impose an administrative suspension for OUI violations within the state. Being convicted of an OUI in Connecticut may restrict driving privileges and subject the offender to fines, community service, and potential jail time.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

The Administrative Per Se Unit (APS) of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will impose an automatic 45-day administrative license suspension for failing or refusing to take a chemical test (this starts 30 days after the offense if there is no appeal within 7 days of the arrest). Furthermore, there is an additional court-ordered suspension if a DUI results in a conviction. These suspensions are separate, independent, and run concurrently.

The length of a Connecticut DUI suspension depends on:

• The number of previous offenses
• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) or Refusal to take a test
• Age
• License type
• Compliance
• Court outcomes.

There is an automatic 45-day suspension for drivers who fail chemical tests (this includes adult drivers with a BAC of 0.08%, 0.04% for drivers of commercial vehicles, and 0.02% for persons under 21 years) or refuse to take one. The court will order an additional 45 days plus a 1-year Ignition Interlock for a first offense and 3 years for a second violation. A third DUI offense will result in a license revocation. Additionally, completion of alcohol education, substance abuse treatment, and installing an IID may aid early reinstatement or avoid extended suspension.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

A Connecticut administrative suspension by the Administrative Per Se Unit of the Department of Motor Vehicles is separate from a court-ordered suspension. Connecticut DMV administration suspension is for failing a chemical test (or refusing) during a lawful arrest for a DUI violation.

By contrast, a court-ordered suspension results from a criminal conviction for a DUI offense. Beyond suspension, the court may impose other penalties, such as fines, community service, jail time, and mandatory DUI education as conditions for license reinstatement.

In Connecticut, administrative and court-ordered suspensions run concurrently. The time served during the DMV suspension generally counts toward the court-ordered suspension.

Step 3: Complete an OUI Education or Treatment Program

Connecticut DUI education programs include pretrial diversion and post-conviction programs. The Pretrial Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) and the Post-Conviction Alcohol Education Program (AEP) are the two main programs.

Pre-trial Impaired Driving Intervention

The Connecticut Pre-trial Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) is court-ordered before conviction and lasts between 10 and 15 weeks. It may also include substance abuse treatment programs if evaluations mandate it. In Connecticut, the costs of IDIP range between $550.00 and $700.00, which includes:

• $200.00 for application and evaluation
• $350.00 for a 10-week education or $500.00 for 15 weeks

Enrollment in Connecticut's IDIP is through court orders. Participants must apply (using Form JD-CR-189), complete evaluations, and begin within 90 days. However, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) must approve IDIP providers in Connecticut.

Post-Conviction Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

The AEP is court-ordered as part of sentencing after a DUI conviction. This program is a 10 or 15-week education class that may include substance abuse treatment programs. The costs for Connecticut AEP are similar to those of the IDIP. However, the court may order additional treatment costs or waive fees for indigency. Enrollment for AEP is through court referral, assessment is by Court Support Services of the Judicial Branch (CSSD) and the DMHAS, and education is through court/DMHAS-approved providers.

In Connecticut, offenders may avoid conviction for OUI through Impaired Driving Intervention Programs, and completion of AEP is a prerequisite for license reinstatement after a DUI conviction.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

An SR-22 is a certificate insurers file with the state on behalf of individuals as evidence of financial responsibility. This document shows that the named person has the minimum liability coverage required by law.

Connecticut OUI offenders may add SR-22 coverage to their existing auto insurance policies or obtain non-owner SR-22 coverage if they do not own vehicles. Individuals seeking SR-22 certificates should inquire through their insurers or shop around for high-risk insurers.

The costs for SR-22 coverage in Connecticut include a filing fee of $15.00 to $50.00 separate from the premium (which may rise between 40% and 90%). In Connecticut, an OUI offender must maintain SR-22 coverage for 3 years starting from the date of license reinstatement. A lapse in coverage during this period will result in a new suspension.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

The primary license reinstatement fee in Connecticut is $175.00. However, this applies to a single suspension. Multiple suspensions may attract reinstatement fees (for instance, an offender may pay double the amount for two suspensions). Beyond the primary fee, there is a $100.00 Ignition Interlock Device charge and an optional $100 Special Operator Permit Application fee if the offender applies for a work, education, or medical permit.

Furthermore, there may be a $35.00 charge for credit/debit payment failure for amounts under $200.00 (or 15% for higher amounts). Applicants can pay the Connecticut Driver Service Division through credit or debit cards, checks, or money orders. Cash payments may also be acceptable for in-person submission at selected DMV offices.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Applicants can submit license reinstatement applications online through the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles License Restoration Online Payment Portal. Offenders can also submit applications by mail to the Driver Service Division at:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services Division
60 State Street,
Wethersfield,
CT 06161-1013.

For in-person submission of a license reinstatement application through the Drivers Service Division office, schedule an appointment online or call (860) 263-5720

What If You Are Denied License Reinstatement in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles can deny an application for reinstatement of a license for the following reasons:

• Incomplete or missing documents
• Outstanding court obligations
• Failure to complete the Impaired Driver Intervention Program or other applicable education or treatment programs
• Lapse in SR-22 coverage
• Incorrect fee payment.

If the DMV denies a reinstatement application, the applicant should:

• Review the reinstatement checklist, call (860) 263-5720, or email dmv.suspension@ct.gov, and ensure they fulfill the applicable requirements
• Request an administrative hearing with the DMV within 7 days of the denial
• Reapply when eligible to do so (typically within 1 to 2 years)
• Appeal the decision in a Superior Court if there are reasons to believe the denial was in error.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

Connecticut Specific Operator's Permits (SOP) or hardship licenses allow individuals under license suspension for DUI to drive for essential purposes, such as work, school, doctor's visits, or other court-approved appointments. Connecticut's Special Operator's Permits apply to first-time OUI offenders and drivers who refuse chemical tests. Eligible individuals seeking SOPs must:

• Complete the Special Operator's Permit Application (Form MD-1)
• Provide supporting documents, such as proof of employment or school, medical documentation, and SR-22
• Pay a non-refundable $100.00 application fee
• Apply with the supporting documents to:
  DMV Special Permits
  60 State Street,
  Wethersfield,
  CT 06161.

Connecticut Special Operators' Permits are valid for approved commutes within a specific timeframe (with Ignition Interlock Devices). Additionally, offenders must have proof of the permit while driving.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After an OUI?

The time to get a license back after an OUI suspension in Connecticut depends on the applicant's offense history and compliance with the reinstatement conditions. It takes a minimum of 45 days to regain driving privileges after a first or second OUI in Connecticut. For a third OUI, violators may request reinstatement hearings after 2 years.