The New Year brings new penalties for drunk driving in Connecticut. The state of Connecticut now requires anyone convicted of drunk driving to install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle. The new requirement also applies to first time offenders.

New drunk driving laws in Connecticut took effect on January 1, and the penalties for the offense have changed. A driver who is convicted of a first time drunk driving offense is now required to install an ignition interlock device for one year. An ignition interlock device requires a driver to pass a breathalyzer test before the driver can start the vehicle. A first time drunk driving conviction also includes a 45 day license suspension. The previous law required a license suspension of one year.

The penalties for a second drunk driving conviction have also changed this year. A person convicted with a second offense will also have to install an ignition interlock device in his or her car for three years. A second offense also requires a 45 day license suspension.

Connecticut is the most recent state among 16 that require the installation of an ignition interlock device after a first time drunk driving conviction. In addition to the legal costs and penalties of a drunk driving conviction, a driver is also responsible for the administrative costs associated with an ignition interlock device.

To begin, the actual installation of the device is $100 and there is a $75 monthly rental fee for the device. In addition, there is a $100 administration fee to install the ignition interlock device according to Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles. Further, the device requires recalibration every other month and recalibration costs $20.

Source: wilton.patch.com, "Car breathalyzers mandatory for DUI offenders," Justin Reynolds, Jan. 11, 2012