Connecticut

Connecticut Motorist Info

Points of Interest

• The law allows out-of-state residents to transport handguns without a permit through Connecticut for lawful purposes in accordance with federal law if they (1) are not otherwise prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing guns and (2) are transporting them between states where they can legally possess and carry them. They cannot use, carry, sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer the guns while in the state. The law also allows out-of-state residents permitted to possess and carry handguns in their own state to transport handguns in Connecticut without a Connecticut permit when (1) at or participating in competitions or attending meetings or exhibitions of organized gun collectors, (2) taking the firearms for repairs, or (3) taking part in or during formal handgun training at a locally approved or permitted firing range or training facility. If being transported in a vehicle, the firearms must be kept unloaded and not readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of a vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearms must be kept in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

Speed Limits

Rural Interstates: Cars 65, Trucks 65
Urban Interstates: Cars 55, Trucks 55
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars 65, Trucks 65
(http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/speedlimit_laws.html)

These speed limits apply unless a different limit is posted.

Absolute (Exceeding the speed limit is illegal per se–regardless of whether it was safe under the specific conditions): Highway limits
Presumed (Driving faster than the speed limit is only evidence of unreasonable speed–you can still argue that your speed was safe under the specific conditions): All other limits

Speed Limits Enforcement Techniques
Enforced through use of:
Pacing: Yes
Radar: Yes
Vascar: No
Automated Speed Enforcement: No
Aircraft: Yes
Laser: Yes

DUI / DWI Regulations
Click here for detailed information

Ticket Payment Methods
Consult your ticket or clerk of courts

Trial By Declaration Allowed
No

Discovery
Allowed for criminal cases only
Title 54. Criminal Procedure C.G.S.A. 54-86a

Jury Trial Allowed
Speeding: No
Parking: No
Equipment: No
DWI: Yes

Member of Nonresident Compact
Yes

Member of Driver License Compact
Yes

When and Where to File Accident Reports
All accidents must be reported by the investigating police officer to the Department of Transportation.

Resident Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required (although some states allow posting a cash bond or such as an alternative)
Minimum Coverage Required:
Injury to one person: $20,000
All injuries: $40,000
Property Damage:$10,000

Phone/Texting Restrictions
Hand-Held Ban: All drivers
All Cell Phone Ban: Learner’s permit holders, drivers younger than 18, and school bus drivers
Texting Ban: All drivers
Enforcement: Primary: for all offenses
http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx

Other Regulations

• Studded tires are permitted from November 15 to April 30.
• Tire chains are not required.
• Connecticut has a seat belt law with primary enforcement.
• Connecticut has a mandatory child restraint law for passengers under 5 years of age. Children under age 5 and weighing less than 40 pounds must use approved car safety seats.
• Connecticut has mandatory motorcycle helmet law for persons under 18 years of age and all drivers with instructional permit.
• Registration and insurance card must be carried in the vehicle

General Information
Telephone: 860/263-2750 (State of CT Centralized Infraction Bureau)
Emergency Cellular Phone Number: 911