In Connecticut, your driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons, including but not limited to failing to pay traffic tickets and fines, being convicted for a first or subsequent DUI, driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance, or driving without enough insurance to comply with Connecticut’s minimum requirements.
Many people take their ability to drive for granted, but one mistake can cost you your driver’s license for a significant period of time, and potentially permanently. Not to mention, it can seriously affect the cost of car insurance in Connecticut.
If you’re not familiar with Connecticut’s driving laws, you should be—knowing the laws could be the difference between having the right to drive, or not. That’s why the car insurance
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What’s the difference between a license suspension and revocation?
You might think having your driver’s license suspended or revoked are the same thing, but they are quite different:
A license suspension means your driving privileges are taken away for a specific length of time
A license revocation is for more serious infractions and means you will likely need to reapply to get your license back after a set amount of time
What can your license be suspended for in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, your driver’s license can be suspended for a variety of reasons. These are the 10 most common reasons that you could find yourself without driving privileges in Connecticut.
1. Driving under the influence (DUI)
Your Connecticut driver’s license can be suspended for driving under the influence in two ways—an administrative suspension or a conviction-related suspension.
In Connecticut, if you fail a roadside breathalyzer test, your license will be suspended upon the Department of Motor Vehicle’s (DMV) confirmation of results exceeding the state’s 0.8 blood alcohol content limit. Upon notification of the failed test, you’ll receive an administrative suspension notice 30 days after the arrest, with the suspension lasting 45 days.
If you are convicted of a DUI in Connecticut
, the following license suspensions will apply: First conviction: 45-day license suspension, Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in your vehicle for one year after license reinstatement
Second conviction: 45-day license suspension, IID installed in your vehicle for three years following reinstatement
Third (or more) conviction: permanent revocation; you must wait at least two years from the date of revocation before you can request a hearing for reinstatement
2. Failing to pay tickets, surcharges, and fines
In Connecticut, your license can be suspended if you fail to pay any traffic tickets, surcharges, or fines. You’ll receive a notice of suspension in the mail. You can avoid the suspension if you reopen your case before the suspension takes effect and pay any outstanding fine.
If you reopen your case on or after the effective suspension date, you’ll have to pay a restoration fee of $175.
3. Too many points
Connecticut has a points system, meaning if you accumulate too many on your record, your driver’s license can be suspended. The following are the penalties for having too many points on your driving record:
6 points: a warning letter
10 or more points: 30-day license suspension
10 additional points: license suspension of up to 24 months
5. Driving with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Connecticut can result in your suspension being extended.
First offense: suspension extended by one year
Second or subsequent offense: five-year suspension and potential criminal charges
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6. Driving without insurance
All drivers in Connecticut must meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements
. If you are caught driving without insurance, your license can be suspended: First offense: one-month suspension
Second or subsequent offense: six-month suspension
7. Driving without a license
Your driving privileges can be suspended if you are caught driving without a license. Your age will determine how long the suspension runs.
Under 18 years of age: one-year suspension
Over 18 years of age: 90 days after a second or subsequent conviction
8. DUI in another state
If you are convicted of a DUI in another state, you’ll face Connecticut’s DUI penalties as well. This means you could face a license suspension of 45 days for your first two DUIs, and you’ll face permanent license revocation after a third offense.
9. Other offenses
There is a slew of driving (and other) offenses that can get your license suspended in Connecticut, including the following:
Second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle
Racing on a public highway
Failure to pay child support
10. Speeding convictions
Speeding can be dangerous, and you could lose your license in Connecticut if you are caught driving above the speed limit too many times. Here’s when your Connecticut license will be suspended due to speeding:
Fourth conviction: 30 days
Fifth conviction: 60 days
Sixth conviction: 6 months
How to save money on car insurance in Connecticut
You can lose your driver’s license in Connecticut if you’re caught driving without car insurance. By using Jerry
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