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Connecticut suspends the license, or the right to get one, of a 16 or 17 year old convicted of breaking a teen driving restriction, using a phone, speeding 20 mph or more over the limit, reckless driving or street racing. Each suspension costs a $175 restoration fee on top of court fines. This guide lists the penalties for permit holders and teen drivers, explains the 48-hour license seizure, and covers youthful offender status and the Operator Retraining Program.
Connecticut suspension periods for 16 and 17 year olds
These apply to 16 and 17 year old drivers, teens with learner’s permits, and anyone without a license. Each line also carries a $175 restoration fee and court fines (as of November 2026).
| Violation | 1st offense | 2nd offense | 3rd offense |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen restriction (GDL) violation: passengers, curfew, public service or vanpool vehicle, more passengers than seat belts, motorcycle passenger in the first six months | 30 days | 6 months or until 18, whichever is longer | 6 months or until 18, whichever is longer |
| Cell phone or texting | 30 days | 90 days | 6 months |
| Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit | 60 days | 90 days | 6 months |
| Reckless driving | 6 months (plus possible jail up to 30 days) | 1 year (possible jail up to 1 year) | 1 year (possible jail up to 1 year) |
| Street racing | 6 months (possible jail up to 1 year) | 1 year (possible jail up to 1 year) | 1 year (possible jail up to 1 year) |
The 48-hour license seizure
A police officer will take the license of a 16 or 17 year old cited for:
- breaking any of the restrictions that apply after licensing
- driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- reckless driving
- racing on a public highway
The license counts as suspended for 48 hours, and the officer may also remove the vehicle. To get the license back, the teen and a parent or guardian go to the police department and sign a statement acknowledging its return. A conviction can then bring the suspension in the table above.
Alcohol suspensions for drivers under 21 in Connecticut
- Zero tolerance: under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more on public roads or private property means at least a 45-day suspension. You must then use an ignition interlock device (IID) for at least one year.
- Refusing a test (any age): at least a 45-day suspension, then an IID for at least one year.
- Buying or possessing alcohol under 21: possession on private property or in a public place brings a 30-day suspension. Possession on streets or highways brings 60 days. If you have no license yet, your right to get one is suspended instead.
More on the national picture: zero tolerance laws and implied consent and DUI.
Driving without a license in Connecticut
Anyone under 18 convicted of driving without a license has their driving privilege suspended for one year. You must clear the suspension before you can get a learner’s permit or license.
Youthful offender status and your Connecticut license
A driver under 18 cannot be treated as a youthful offender for:
- negligent homicide with a motor vehicle
- evading responsibility after a crash that causes death or serious injury
- driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Youthful offender status does not hide these offenses from the DMV, which can still suspend the license or the right to get one:
- reckless driving
- driving while under suspension
- evading responsibility after a crash with property damage or non-serious injury
- street racing
- ignoring a police signal to stop, or speeding up to get away
Operator Retraining Program
The DMV sends a letter if you must take the program. You must complete it if you are:
- 24 or younger with two moving violations or suspension violations on your record
- 25 or older with three
- convicted of driving more than 75 mph in a highway work zone
- convicted of racing or driving for a wager
For 16 and 17 year olds, violations that count include breaking permit rules, breaking teen restrictions such as the passenger or curfew limits, and phone use.
How the program works
- Enroll with an approved vendor (the DMV lists them). Vendors may charge up to $85. The DMV does not schedule classes or collect this fee.
- Finish at least two weeks before your suspension date, so the vendor can report your completion and the DMV can lift the suspension.
- If you finish on or after the suspension date, you also pay the $175 reinstatement fee.
- After you complete the program, you need 36 consecutive months with no new moving or suspension violations. A new one means a 30-day suspension, then 60 days for a second and 90 days for a third or later.
How to get your Connecticut license back
- Read your suspension notice and complete every requirement it lists.
- Pay the $175 restoration fee online, by phone or by mail.
- Do not drive until your privilege is restored. Check your status online, or wait for the restoration notice if you hold a permit. Processing takes up to 10 business days.
See also points systems and license suspensions in the US.
Common questions
Can a Connecticut learner’s permit be suspended?
Yes. The penalty table covers permit holders, and breaking permit rules can lead to a permit suspension.
What happens if a 17 year old is caught driving after 11 p.m.?
Police can seize the license for 48 hours. A conviction brings a 30-day suspension for a first offense, then 6 months or until 18 for any repeat. A $175 restoration fee applies.
Does a phone ticket really suspend a teen license?
Yes. For drivers under 18, a phone conviction means a suspension: 30 days for a first offense. It also counts toward the Operator Retraining Program.
Can I drive to school during a suspension?
No. You may not drive at all until the DMV reinstates you and you have a valid license or permit in your possession.
Do suspensions affect insurance?
The DMV manual warns of higher family insurance costs after a crash or citation. Ask your insurer how a suspension changes your premium. See car insurance for new drivers.
Where can I see all the teen rules?
See Connecticut teen driver restrictions and the full Connecticut licensing guide.
Sources
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “State of Connecticut Driver’s Manual” (revised March 2023) (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Reinstate your CT driver’s license after a suspension” (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Operator Retraining Program” (portal.ct.gov)
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, “Driving restrictions for teens” (portal.ct.gov)