The DUI laws in Connecticut are administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the state. Connecticut has an Implied Consent law, which means that anyone who operates a motor vehicle is presumed to have given consent to having his or her blood alcohol level tested by an officer of the law at any time. Connecticut DUI laws have become stricter in recent years, and the state promotes itself as intolerant of people driving on its roads while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drivers who are found to have a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher are considered intoxicated, and will be punished for driving while under the influence. Because the legal drinking age in Connecticut is 21, any drivers who are younger than 21 are considered to be intoxicated if their blood alcohol level registers at .02 or higher. If you are pulled over by a police officer while you are driving, a blood alcohol test will be administered. The Implied Consent law permits that test to be given to you, even if you try to avoid it.
The Department of Motor Vehicles and law enforcement have worked together to enforce mandatory sentencing in Connecticut. There is a process in place for people who are found to be driving while intoxicated. That process begins as soon as you are pulled over and a blood alcohol test administered. If you are found to be at a level beneath the legal limit for intoxication, you will be free to go unless there are other traffic violations or crimes to answer for. If your blood alcohol level is at or above the legal limit, you will be detained.
After the police read you your rights, they will arrange for your vehicle to be towed and impounded. You will need to pay the necessary fees and expenses to get that car back. You will be placed into the police car that pulled you over, and you will be driven to the police station for processing. Many people find this alone to be humiliating and frightening. Because the level of your blood alcohol registered at or above .08, you will not be considered innocent until proven guilty. You will be presumed to have been driving under the influence. After you are processed at the police station, you will be detained in a holding cell until you make your bail.
The DUI laws in Connecticut are strict and consistently enforced. Police officers are trained to follow procedure and not make special exceptions. They use the Implied Consent law when drivers are pulled over and suspected of being intoxicated. If you are found to be over the legal limit, you will have no choice but to appear at the police station and face the charges brought against you.