Connecticut Ignition Interlock Device Program and Driver’s License Reinstatement

For a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney, please call the offices of Maya Murphy, P.C. today at (203) 221-3100 or Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.

As of July 1, 2015, Connecticut has adopted new laws regarding participation in the Ignition Interlock Device Program. Anyone who has been suspended for failing or refusing a chemical alcohol test under Connecticut General Statute §14-227b for an arrest on or after July 1, 2015 or has been suspended following a conviction for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OUI), under Connecticut General Statute §14-227a, §14-227g or §14-111n, Vehicular Manslaughter under Connecticut General Statute §53a-56b, or Vehicular Assault under Connecticut General Statute §53a-60d is required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program as a condition of reinstatement of their driver’s license.
This new requirement now applies also to anyone taking the Alcohol Education Program for a first-time driving under the influence charge whereas anyone applying to take the Alcohol Education Program for an arrest under Connecticut General Statute §14-227b prior to July 1, 2015 was not subject to the interlock device requirement.

In order to participate in the program and have their driver’s license reinstated, an individual who has had their license suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles for failing or refusing a chemical alcohol test under Connecticut General Statute §14-227b, must complete the Ignition Device Installation Application (P-246). Further, the individual must contact one of the Connecticut approved ignition interlock device vendors to schedule an appointment to have the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. The installer must then complete the appropriate section of the Device Installation Application (P-246) form.

After the interlock device has been installed, the applicant must submit the completed Device Installation Application form along with a check or money order in the amount of $175.00 to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for the statutorily required license restoration fee. Secondly, the applicant must submit a second separate check or money order in the amount of $100.00 to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for the interlock ignition device administration fee. If the vehicle is registered outside of the State of Connecticut, a copy of the vehicle registration must be submitted along with the payments and the application.

After your license suspension time has been served and all documents have been properly submitted for the interlock device program, the applicant’s driver’s license will be reinstated with an interlock device requirement. The applicant will then ONLY be allowed to operate a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for a specified period set as follows:

IID requirement for drivers under 21 years old*

Blood Alcohol Level..........................................Test result of .02 or Higher

First Offense.....................................................1 year

Second Offense.................................................2 years

Third or Subsequent Offense...........................3 years

IID requirement for drivers 21 Years Old and Older*

Blood Alcohol Level..........................................Test result of .08 or Higher

First Offense.....................................................6 months

Second Offense.................................................1 years

Third or Subsequent Offense...........................2 years

IID requirement for ALL drivers

Refusal of test..........................................Refusal to submit to a breath, urine or blood test

First Offense.....................................................1 year

Second Offense.................................................2 years

Third or Subsequent Offense...........................3 years

Connecticut law has drastically changed after the arrest for driving under the influence and although the Alcohol Education Program may still be an option for first-time offenders, the ignition interlock device requirements are now a mandatory requirement for even first time offenders. If you have been arrested and charged with a driving under the influence related offense, contact the experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. today for a free consultation.

Maya Murphy P.C. has the resources and expertise to offer you the best possible representation throughout the criminal process. If you are facing criminal charges or wish to appeal your case, please call the offices of Maya Murphy, P.C. today at (203) 221-3100 or Joseph C. Maya, Esq. at JMaya@Mayalaw.com.

Source: Connecticut General Statute §14-227b