QandAs: Autos

What are the Connecticut State Driving Laws?

Answer:
Connecticut uses a point system to track driving

records. Traffic violations earn points against the offender’s record. Here are some common point values:

·                    Speeding – 1 point
·                    Running a stop sign – 2 points
·                    Passing violation – 3 points
·                    Right of way violation – 3 points

If a driver earns 10 or more points within a two-year period, the license is suspended for at least 30 days.

Connecticut places driving restrictions on drivers who are 16 or 17 years old. During the first three months that they have their license, these drivers cannot drive with other teenagers in their cars. They may only transport a parent, a person over 25, or a person over 20 who has been a licensed driver for four years. During the next three months, these drivers may add other members of the family to the vehicle. These young drivers may not drive after midnight or before five in the morning.

Under Connecticut driving laws, all occupants of a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Also, children who are younger than seven or weigh less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety restraint system. Children must ride in the rear of a car that has airbags. The driver is responsible to see that all children 16 and younger are properly restrained. Those who are caught disobeying this law will be fined a total of $37. Also, anyone 17 or younger who is on a motorcycle, whether driving or riding as a passenger, must wear a helmet.

In Connecticut you may not drive with a hand held cellular phone. If you need to use a phone while driving, you must use a hands free device. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving.

You must always follow the posted speed limits in Connecticut. Interstates have a speed limit of 65 mph, four-lane highways and rural roads have a limit of 55 mph, and most urban roads have a speed limit of 30 mph. Certain roads, such as those around schools, will have lower speed limits. Those who are traveling 20 mph over the posted speed limit will be guilty of an excessive speeding charge, but all speeders can be ticked and forced to pay fines.


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