A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol is involved in more than 40 percent of fatal traffic crashes. It dulls exactly the skills you need to drive — and it clouds your judgment first, so you can't tell when you've had too much. Connecticut backs this up with quick suspensions and ignition interlocks.
40+ percent
Share of traffic crashes in which someone is killed that involve alcohol
No one can drink and drive safely, even with years of experience. New drivers are more affected by alcohol than experienced drivers because they are still learning to drive.
If arrested for DUI, you'll be asked to take a blood, breath or urine test showing your blood alcohol content (BAC). Penalties come from both the courts and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
Installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device is a condition of reinstatement; it may be required longer depending on prior offenses on your record.
If you'll be drinking socially, go with two or more people and agree who won't drink — rotate the designated driver — or use public transportation or a cab.
A 19-year-old has one beer at a party, then drives home and is stopped. Tested at .02%, he loses his license for at least 45 days and must use an ignition interlock for at least one year once reinstated.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Under Connecticut's zero-tolerance law, what blood alcohol level makes a driver under 21 subject to penalties?
.08% or more
.02% or more
.05% or more
Any level above .10%
Answer: .02% or more
Drivers under 21 are subject to zero tolerance: any measurable amount defined as .02% or more is a violation.