Connecticut

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Connecticut. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Connecticut
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.

Connecticut
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Helmets required for all riders under 18. Universal helmet law repealed 1976.

Connecticut
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

Choice of 4 or 6 years

Connecticut
Provisions for Mature Drivers

65 and over: choice of 2- or 6-year renewal, mail renewal requires demonstration of hardship

Connecticut
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Connecticut
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use

Connecticut
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Connecticut
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65

Connecticut
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

65

Connecticut
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

55

Connecticut
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

55

Connecticut
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

65

Connecticut
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

65

Connecticut
Increased penalty for high BAC

None

Connecticut
Administrative license suspension on first offense

90 days

Connecticut
Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

Connecticut
Ignition Interlocks

Highly incentivized for all convictions

Connecticut
Open container laws

No

Connecticut
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

Connecticut
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-15 years and 60 lbs or over

Connecticut
Child Restraint Required

Under 2 yrs or under 30 lbs in rear-facing restraint system 2-4 yrs or 30-40 lbs in child restraint system 5-7 yrs or 40-60 lbs in child restraint or booster seat Booster seats only with a lap and shoulder belt

Connecticut
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime Driving: 18 Driving with Passengers: 17 years, 4 months

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

4 with driver's ed 6 without driver's ed

Connecticut
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 4

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

11 p.m. - 5 a.m.

Connecticut
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers except parents or instructor Second 6 months: no passengers except parents, instructor or immediate family

Connecticut
Type of Law

Primary

Connecticut
Who is Covered?

8 and over

Connecticut
In What Seat?

All

Connecticut
Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

Connecticut
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

Connecticut
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers under 18. Primary law.

Connecticut
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Connecticut
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

School zones, pedestrian safety zones and other locally established areas (effective 10/1/23)

Connecticut
Speed Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

Connecticut
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

Work Zones, school zones, pedestrian safety zones and other locally established areas (effective 10/1/23)

Connecticut
Red Light Cameras: State Law

Permitted by state law

GHSA, National Road Safety Foundation Award $75,000 in Grants to Three States for Safe Youth Active Mobility

GHSA has awarded grants totaling $75,000 from the National Road Safety Foundation to State Highway Safety Offices in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania to work with community-based groups to promote safe youth mobility options like walking, biking or riding a scooter.

Governors Highway Safety Association, National Road Safety Foundation Award $75,000 in Grants to Three States for Safe Youth Active Mobility

GHSA has awarded grants totaling $75,000 from the National Road Safety Foundation to State Highway Safety Offices in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania to work with community-based groups to promote safe youth mobility options like walking, biking or riding a scooter.

Uber and GHSA Award Grants to Provide a Safe Alternative to Drunk and Drugged Driving During the Holidays

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in partnership with Uber, has awarded the CO, CT, MD, NM and TX State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) a total of $95,000 in grant funds and Uber ride credits to support initiatives to help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

Uber and GHSA Award Grants to Provide a Safe Alternative to Drunk and Drugged Driving During the Holidays

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in partnership with Uber, has awarded the CO, CT, MD, NM and TX State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) a total of $95,000 in grant funds and Uber ride credits to support initiatives to help prevent impaired driving this holiday season.

States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic

As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.

States Step Up Efforts to Protect People Walking Amid Surge in Unsafe Driving During Pandemic

As the number of pedestrians killed by drivers continues a decade-long trend in the wrong direction during the pandemic, GHSA & its SHSO members are marking the 2nd annual Nat'l Pedestrian Safety Month by taking steps to address the behavioral safety issues that put people on foot at increased risk.

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