Chapter 246 - Motor Vehicles

Sec. 14-1. Definitions. Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows, unless another construction is clearly apparent from the language or context in which the term is used or unless the construction is inconsistent with the manifest intention of the General Assembly:

(1) “Activity vehicle” means a student transportation vehicle that is used to transport students in connection with school-sponsored events and activities, but is not used to transport students to and from school;

(2) “Agricultural tractor” means a tractor or other form of nonmuscular motive power used for transporting, hauling, plowing, cultivating, planting, harvesting, reaping or other agricultural purposes on any farm or other private property, or used for the purpose of transporting, from one farm to another, agricultural implements and farm products, provided the agricultural tractor is not used on any highway for transporting a pay load or for some other commercial purpose;

(3) “Antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle twenty years old or older which is being preserved because of historic interest and which is not altered or modified from the original manufacturer's specifications;

(4) “Apparent candle power” means an illumination equal to the normal illumination in foot candles produced by any lamp or lamps, divided by the square of the distance in feet between the lamp or lamps and the point at which the measurement is made;

(5) “Authorized emergency vehicle” means (A) a fire department vehicle, (B) a police vehicle, or (C) an authorized emergency medical services vehicle, as defined in section 19a-175;

(6) “Autocycle” means a motor vehicle that meets the requirements of a motorcycle under 49 CFR Part 571, and (A) does not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground, (B) is designed to be controlled with a steering mechanism and foot pedals for acceleration, braking or shifting, (C) has a seat or seats that are fully or partially enclosed and in which the occupants sit with their legs forward, and (D) is equipped with safety belts, in accordance with section 14-100a, for all occupants;

(7) “Auxiliary driving lamp” means an additional lighting device on a motor vehicle used primarily to supplement the general illumination in front of a motor vehicle provided by the motor vehicle's head lamps;

(8) “Bulb” means a light source consisting of a glass bulb containing a filament or substance capable of being electrically maintained at incandescence;

(9) “Camp trailer” includes any trailer designed for living or sleeping purposes and used exclusively for camping or recreational purposes;

(10) “Camp trailer registration” means the type of registration issued to any trailer that is for nonbusiness use and is limited to camp trailers and utility trailers;

(11) “Camp vehicle” means any motor vehicle that is regularly used to transport persons under eighteen years of age in connection with the activities of any youth camp, as defined in section 19a-420;

(12) “Camper” means any motor vehicle designed or permanently altered in such a way as to provide temporary living quarters for travel, camping or recreational purposes;

(13) “Class 1 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that engages only when the rider operates the electric bicycle's foot pedals, and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour;

(14) “Class 2 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle, and disengages when the brakes are applied or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour;

(15) “Class 3 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that engages only when the rider operates the electric bicycle's foot pedals, and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour;

(16) “Combination registration” means the type of registration issued to a motor vehicle used for both private passenger and commercial purposes if such vehicle does not have a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twelve thousand five hundred pounds;

(17) “Commercial driver's license” or “CDL” means a license issued to an individual in accordance with the provisions of sections 14-44a to 14-44m, inclusive, which authorizes such individual to drive a commercial motor vehicle;

(18) “Commercial driver's license information system” or “CDLIS” means the national database of holders of commercial driver's licenses established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to Section 12007 of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986;

(19) “Commercial motor vehicle” means a vehicle designed or used to transport passengers or property, except a vehicle used for farming purposes in accordance with 49 CFR 383.3(d), fire fighting apparatus or an emergency vehicle, as defined in section 14-283, or a recreational vehicle in private use, which (A) has a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand and one pounds or more, or a gross combination weight rating of twenty-six thousand and one pounds or more, inclusive of a towed unit or units with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds; (B) is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, or is designed to transport more than ten passengers, including the driver, and is used to transport students under the age of twenty-one years to and from school; or (C) is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR 172, Subpart F, as amended, or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73;

(20) “Commercial registration” means the type of registration required for any motor vehicle designed or used to transport merchandise, freight or persons in connection with any business enterprise, unless a more specific type of registration is authorized and issued by the commissioner for such class of vehicle;

(21) “Commercial trailer” means a trailer used in the conduct of a business to transport freight, materials or equipment whether or not permanently affixed to the bed of the trailer;

(22) “Commercial trailer registration” means the type of registration issued to any commercial trailer;

(23) “Commissioner” includes the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and any assistant to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles who is designated and authorized by, and who is acting for, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles under a designation; except that the deputy commissioners of motor vehicles and the Attorney General are deemed, unless the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles otherwise provides, to be designated and authorized by, and acting for, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles under a designation;

(24) “Controlled substance” has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-240 and the federal laws and regulations incorporated in chapter 420b;

(25) “Conviction” means an unvacated adjudication of guilt, or a determination that a person has violated or failed to comply with the law in a court of original jurisdiction or an authorized administrative tribunal, an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the person's appearance in court, the payment of a fine or court cost, or violation of a condition of release without bail, regardless of whether or not the penalty is rebated, suspended or probated;

(26) “Dealer” includes any person actively engaged in buying, selling or exchanging motor vehicles or trailers who has an established place of business in this state and who may, incidental to such business, repair motor vehicles or trailers, or cause them to be repaired by persons in his or her employ;

(27) “Disqualification” means a withdrawal of the privilege to drive a commercial motor vehicle, which occurs as a result of (A) any suspension, revocation, or cancellation by the commissioner of the privilege to operate a motor vehicle; (B) a determination by the Federal Highway Administration, under the rules of practice for motor carrier safety contained in 49 CFR 386, as amended from time to time, that a person is no longer qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle under the standards set forth in 49 CFR 391, as amended from time to time; or (C) the loss of qualification which follows any of the convictions or administrative actions specified in section 14-44k;

(28) “Drive” means to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle, including a motor vehicle being towed by another;

(29) “Driver” means any person who drives, operates or is in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle, or who is required to hold a commercial driver's license;

(30) “Driver's license” or “operator's license” means a valid Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license or a license issued by another state or foreign jurisdiction authorizing the holder thereof to operate a motor vehicle on the highways;

(31) “Electric bicycle” means a bicycle equipped with operable foot pedals and an electric motor of fewer than seven hundred fifty watts of power that is either a class 1, class 2 or class 3 bicycle. “Electric bicycle” does not include a dirt bike or an all-terrain vehicle;

(32) “Electric scooter” means a device (A) that weighs not more than one hundred pounds, (B) that has two or three wheels and handlebars, (C) that is designed to be ridden on in an upright or seated position, (D) that is powered by an electric motor and human power, and (E) whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion on a paved level surface, is not more than twenty miles per hour. “Electric scooter” does not include an electric bicycle or one-wheeled vehicle;

(33) “Employee” means any operator of a commercial motor vehicle, including full-time, regularly employed drivers, casual, intermittent or occasional drivers, drivers under contract and independent owner-operator contractors, who, while in the course of operating a commercial motor vehicle, are either directly employed by, or are under contract to, an employer;

(34) “Employer” means any person, including the United States, a state or any political subdivision thereof, who owns or leases a commercial motor vehicle, or assigns a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle;

(35) “Farm implement” means a vehicle designed and adapted exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or livestock-raising operations and which is not operated on a highway for transporting a pay load or for any other commercial purpose;

(36) “Felony” means any offense, as defined in section 53a-25 and includes any offense designated as a felony under federal law;

(37) “Fatality” means the death of a person as a result of a motor vehicle accident;

(38) “Foreign jurisdiction” means any jurisdiction other than a state of the United States;

(39) “Fuels” means (A) all products commonly or commercially known or sold as gasoline, including casinghead and absorption or natural gasoline, regardless of their classification or uses, (B) any liquid prepared, advertised, offered for sale or sold for use, or commonly and commercially used, as a fuel in internal combustion engines, which, when subjected to distillation in accordance with the standard method of test for distillation of gasoline, naphtha, kerosene and similar petroleum products by “American Society for Testing Materials Method D-86”, shows not less than ten per cent distilled (recovered) below 347° Fahrenheit (175° Centigrade) and not less than ninety-five per cent distilled (recovered) below 464° Fahrenheit (240° Centigrade); provided the term “fuels” does not include commercial solvents or naphthas which distill, by “American Society for Testing Materials Method D-86”, not more than nine per cent at 176° Fahrenheit and which have a distillation range of 150° Fahrenheit, or less, or liquefied gases which would not exist as liquids at a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit and a pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute, and (C) any liquid commonly referred to as “gasohol” which is prepared, advertised, offered for sale or sold for use, or commonly and commercially used, as a fuel in internal combustion engines, consisting of a blend of gasoline and a minimum of ten per cent by volume of ethyl or methyl alcohol;

(40) “Garage” includes every place of business where motor vehicles are, for compensation, received for housing, storage or repair;

(41) “Gross vehicle weight rating” or “GVWR” means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single or a combination (articulated) vehicle. The GVWR of a combination (articulated) vehicle commonly referred to as the “gross combination weight rating” or GCWR is the GVWR of the power unit plus the GVWR of the towed unit or units;

(42) “Gross weight” means the light weight of a vehicle plus the weight of any load on the vehicle, provided, in the case of a tractor-trailer unit, “gross weight” means the light weight of the tractor plus the light weight of the trailer or semitrailer plus the weight of the load on the vehicle;

(43) “Hazardous materials” has the same meaning as provided in 49 CFR 383.5;

(44) “Head lamp” means a lighting device affixed to the front of a motor vehicle projecting a high intensity beam which lights the road in front of the vehicle so that it can proceed safely during the hours of darkness;

(45) “High-mileage vehicle” means a motor vehicle having the following characteristics: (A) Not less than three wheels in contact with the ground; (B) a completely enclosed seat on which the driver sits; (C) a single or two cylinder, gasoline or diesel engine or an electric-powered engine; and (D) efficient fuel consumption;

(46) “Highway” includes any state or other public highway, road, street, avenue, alley, driveway, parkway, place or dedicated roadway for bus rapid transit service, under the control of the state or any political subdivision of the state, dedicated, appropriated or opened to public travel or other use;

(47) “Imminent hazard” means the existence of a condition that presents a substantial likelihood that death, serious illness, severe personal injury or a substantial endangerment to health, property, or the environment may occur before the reasonably foreseeable completion date of a formal proceeding begun to lessen the risk of that death, illness, injury or endangerment;

(48) “Intersecting highway” includes any public highway which joins another at an angle whether or not it crosses the other;

(49) “Light weight” means the weight of an unloaded motor vehicle as ordinarily equipped and ready for use, exclusive of the weight of the operator of the motor vehicle;

(50) “Limited access highway” means a state highway so designated under the provisions of section 13b-27;

(51) “Local authorities” includes the board of aldermen, common council, chief of police, warden and burgesses, board of selectmen or other officials having authority for the enactment or enforcement of traffic regulations within their respective towns, cities or boroughs;

(52) “Low-speed vehicle” has the same meaning as provided in 49 CFR 571.3, as amended from time to time;

(53) “Maintenance vehicle” means any vehicle in use by the state or by any town, city, borough or district, any state bridge or parkway authority or any public service company, as defined in section 16-1, in the maintenance of public highways or bridges and facilities located within the limits of public highways or bridges;

(54) “Manufacturer” means (A) a person, whether a resident or nonresident, engaged in the business of constructing or assembling new motor vehicles of a type required to be registered by the commissioner, for operation upon any highway, except a utility trailer, which are offered for sale in this state, or (B) a person who distributes new motor vehicles to new car dealers licensed in this state;

(55) “Median divider” means an intervening space or physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section separating traffic lanes provided for vehicles proceeding in opposite directions;

(56) “Modified antique motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle twenty years old or older which has been modified for safe road use, including, but not limited to, modifications to the drive train, suspension, braking system and safety or comfort apparatus;

(57) “Motor bus” includes any motor vehicle, except a taxicab, as defined in section 13b-95, operated in whole or in part on any street or highway in a manner affording a means of transportation by indiscriminately receiving or discharging passengers, or running on a regular route or over any portion of a regular route or between fixed termini;

(58) “Motor home” means a vehicular unit designed to provide living quarters and necessary amenities which are built into an integral part of, or permanently attached to, a truck or van chassis;

(59) “Motor-driven cycle” means (A) a one-wheeled vehicle with a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding or with foot rests for the operator; and (B) any of the following vehicles that have a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a gasoline, electric or hybrid motor that has a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement or a wattage not exceeding three thousand seven hundred watts or that produces five brake horsepower or less: (i) A motorcycle, except an autocycle; (ii) a motor scooter, except an electric scooter; or (iii) a bicycle with attached motor, except an electric bicycle;

(60) “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle propelled or drawn by any nonmuscular power, including a low-speed vehicle. “Motor vehicle” does not include aircraft, motor boats, road rollers, baggage trucks used about railroad stations or other mass transit facilities, electric battery-operated wheel chairs when operated by persons with physical disabilities at speeds not exceeding fifteen miles per hour, golf carts operated on highways solely for the purpose of crossing from one part of the golf course to another, golf-cart-type vehicles operated on roads or highways on the grounds of state institutions by state employees, agricultural tractors, farm implements, such vehicles as run only on rails or tracks, self-propelled snow plows, snow blowers and lawn mowers, when used for the purposes for which they were designed and operated at speeds not exceeding four miles per hour, whether or not the operator rides on or walks behind such equipment, motor-driven cycles, as defined in section 14-286, special mobile equipment, as defined in section 14-165, mini-motorcycles, as defined in section 14-289j, electric bicycles, electric foot scooters and any other vehicle not suitable for operation on a highway;

(61) “Motorcycle” means (A) an autocycle, as defined in this section, or (B) a motor vehicle, with or without a side car, that has (i) not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, (ii) a saddle or seat which the rider straddles or a platform on which the rider stands, and (iii) handlebars with which the rider controls the movement of the vehicle. “Motorcycle” does not include a motor-driven cycle, an electric bicycle or an electric scooter;

(62) “National Driver Registry” or “NDR” means the licensing information system and database operated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and established pursuant to the National Driver Registry Act of 1982, as amended;

(63) “New motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle, the equitable or legal title to which has never been transferred by a manufacturer, distributor or dealer to an ultimate consumer;

(64) “Nonresident” means any person whose legal residence is in a state other than Connecticut or in a foreign country;

(65) “Nonresident commercial driver's license” or “nonresident CDL” means a commercial driver's license issued by a state to an individual who resides in a foreign jurisdiction;

(66) “Nonskid device” means any device applied to the tires, wheels, axles or frame of a motor vehicle for the purpose of increasing the traction of the motor vehicle;

(67) “Number plate” means any sign or marker furnished by the commissioner on which is displayed the registration number assigned to a motor vehicle by the commissioner;

(68) “Officer” includes any constable, state marshal, inspector of motor vehicles, state policeman or other official authorized to make arrests or to serve process, provided the officer is in uniform or displays the officer's badge of office in a conspicuous place when making an arrest;

(69) “Operator” means any person who operates a motor vehicle or who steers or directs the course of a motor vehicle being towed by another motor vehicle and includes a driver;

(70) “Out-of-service order” means an order (A) issued by a person having inspection authority, as defined in regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 14-163c, or by an authorized official of the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit any motor vehicle specified in subsection (a) of section 14-163c from being operated on any highway, or to prohibit a driver from operating any such motor vehicle, or (B) issued by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit any motor carrier, as defined in Section 386.2 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, from engaging in commercial motor vehicle operations;

(71) “Owner” means any person holding title to a motor vehicle, or having the legal right to register the same, including purchasers under conditional bills of sale;

(72) “Parked vehicle” means a motor vehicle in a stationary position within the limits of a public highway;

(73) “Passenger and commercial motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle used for private passenger and commercial purposes which is eligible for combination registration;

(74) “Passenger motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle used for the private transportation of persons and their personal belongings, designed to carry occupants in comfort and safety, with a capacity of carrying not more than ten passengers including the operator thereof;

(75) “Passenger registration” means the type of registration issued to a passenger motor vehicle unless a more specific type of registration is authorized and issued by the commissioner for such class of vehicle;

(76) “Person” includes any individual, corporation, limited liability company, association, copartnership, company, firm, business trust or other aggregation of individuals but does not include the state or any political subdivision thereof, unless the context clearly states or requires;

(77) “Pick-up truck” means a motor vehicle with an enclosed forward passenger compartment and an open rearward compartment used for the transportation of property;

(78) “Pneumatic tires” means tires inflated or inflatable with air;

(79) “Pole trailer” means a trailer which is (A) intended for transporting long or irregularly shaped loads such as poles, logs, pipes or structural members, which loads are capable of sustaining themselves as beams between supporting connections, and (B) designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and attached or secured directly to the motor vehicle by any means including a reach, pole or boom;

(80) “Public passenger endorsement” means an endorsement issued to an individual, which authorizes such individual to transport passengers, including, but not limited to, passengers who are students in accordance with subsection (b) or (c) of section 14-36a;

(81) “Recreational vehicle” includes the camper, camp trailer and motor home classes of vehicles;

(82) “Registration” includes the certificate of motor vehicle registration and the number plate or plates used in connection with such registration;

(83) “Registration number” means the identifying number or letters, or both, assigned by the commissioner to a motor vehicle;

(84) “Resident”, for the purpose of registering motor vehicles, includes any person who is a legal resident of this state, as the commissioner may presume from the fact that such person occupies a place of dwelling in this state for more than six months in a year, or any person, firm or corporation owning or leasing a motor vehicle used or operated in intrastate business in this state, or a firm or corporation having its principal office or place of business in this state;

(85) “School bus” means any school bus, as defined in section 14-275, including a commercial motor vehicle used to transport preschool, elementary school or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events, but does not include a bus used as a common carrier;

(86) “Second” violation or “subsequent” violation means an offense committed not more than three years after the date of an arrest which resulted in a previous conviction for a violation of the same statutory provision, except in the case of a violation of section 14-215, 14-224, 14-227a or 14-227m, “second” violation or “subsequent” violation means an offense committed not more than ten years after the date of an arrest which resulted in a previous conviction for a violation of the same statutory provision;

(87) “Semitrailer” means any trailer type vehicle designed and used in conjunction with a motor vehicle so that some part of its own weight and load rests on or is carried by another vehicle;

(88) “Serious traffic violation” means a conviction of any of the following offenses: (A) Excessive speeding, involving a single offense in which the speed is fifteen miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit, in violation of section 14-218a or 14-219; (B) reckless driving in violation of section 14-222; (C) following too closely in violation of section 14-240 or 14-240a; (D) improper or erratic lane changes, in violation of section 14-236; (E) using a hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device or typing, reading or sending text or a text message with or from a mobile telephone or mobile electronic device in violation of subsection (e) of section 14-296aa while operating a commercial motor vehicle; (F) driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-36a or 14-44a; (G) failure to carry a commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-44a; (H) failure to have the proper class of license or endorsement, or violation of a license restriction in violation of section 14-44a; or (I) a violation of any provision of chapter 248, by an operator who holds a commercial driver's license or learner's permit that results in the death of another person;

(89) “Service bus” includes any vehicle except a vanpool vehicle or a school bus designed and regularly used to carry ten or more passengers when used in private service for the transportation of persons without charge to the individual;

(90) “Service car” means any motor vehicle used by a manufacturer, dealer or repairer for emergency motor vehicle repairs on the highways of this state, for towing or for the transportation of necessary persons, tools and materials to and from the scene of such emergency repairs or towing;

(91) “Shoulder” means that portion of a highway immediately adjacent and contiguous to the travel lanes or main traveled portion of the roadway;

(92) “Solid tires” means tires of rubber, or other elastic material approved by the Commissioner of Transportation, which do not depend on confined air for the support of the load;

(93) “Spot lamp” or “spot light” means a lighting device projecting a high intensity beam, the direction of which can be readily controlled for special or emergency lighting as distinguished from ordinary road illumination;

(94) “State” means any state of the United States and the District of Columbia unless the context indicates a more specific reference to the state of Connecticut;

(95) “Stop” means complete cessation of movement;

(96) “Student” means any person under the age of twenty-one years who is attending a preprimary, primary or secondary school program of education;

(97) “Tail lamp” means a lighting device affixed to the rear of a motor vehicle showing a red light to the rear and indicating the presence of the motor vehicle when viewed from behind;

(98) “Tank vehicle” means any commercial motor vehicle designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank that is either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or its chassis, which includes, but is not limited to, a cargo tank and portable tank, as defined in 49 CFR 383.5, as amended, provided it does not include a portable tank with a rated capacity not to exceed one thousand gallons;

(99) “Tractor” or “truck tractor” means a motor vehicle designed and used for drawing a semitrailer;

(100) “Tractor-trailer unit” means a combination of a tractor and a trailer or a combination of a tractor and a semitrailer;

(101) “Trailer” means any rubber-tired vehicle without motive power drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle;

(102) “Truck” means a motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property;

(103) “Ultimate consumer” means, with respect to a motor vehicle, the first person, other than a dealer, who in good faith purchases the motor vehicle for purposes other than resale;

(104) “United States” means the fifty states and the District of Columbia;

(105) “Used motor vehicle” includes any motor vehicle which has been previously separately registered by an ultimate consumer;

(106) “Utility trailer” means a trailer designed and used to transport personal property, materials or equipment, whether or not permanently affixed to the bed of the trailer;

(107) “Vanpool vehicle” includes all motor vehicles, the primary purpose of which is the daily transportation, on a prearranged nonprofit basis, of individuals between home and work, and which: (A) If owned by or leased to a person, or to an employee of the person, or to an employee of a local, state or federal government unit or agency located in Connecticut, are manufactured and equipped in such manner as to provide a seating capacity of at least seven but not more than fifteen individuals, or (B) if owned by or leased to a regional ride-sharing organization in the state recognized by the Commissioner of Transportation, are manufactured and equipped in such manner as to provide a seating capacity of at least six but not more than nineteen individuals;

(108) “Vehicle” includes any device suitable for the conveyance, drawing or other transportation of persons or property, whether operated on wheels, runners, a cushion of air or by any other means. The term does not include devices propelled or drawn by human power or devices used exclusively on tracks;

(109) “Vehicle identification number” or “VIN” means a series of Arabic numbers and Roman letters that is assigned to each new motor vehicle that is manufactured within or imported into the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 565, unless another sequence of numbers and letters has been assigned to a motor vehicle by the commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-149;

(110) “Wrecker” means a vehicle which is registered, designed, equipped and used for the purposes of towing or transporting wrecked or disabled motor vehicles for compensation or for related purposes by a person, firm or corporation licensed in accordance with the provisions of subpart (D) of part III of this chapter or a vehicle contracted for the consensual towing or transporting of one or more motor vehicles to or from a place of sale, purchase, salvage or repair; and

(111) “Wrecker service” means any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of operating a wrecker for the purpose of towing or transporting a motor vehicle.

(1949 Rev., S. 2350; 1953, S. 1278d, 1281d; 1955, S. 1279d, 1280d; 1959, P.A. 162; 283, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 10; 1963, P.A. 560; February, 1965, P.A. 414, S. 1; 448, S. 1, 2, 3; 1967, P.A. 454, S. 1; 799; 821; 1969, P.A. 189; 569, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 355, S. 1, 2; 416, S. 2; 629; 740, S. 1; 848, S. 1, 2; 1972, P.A. 255, S. 1; P.A. 73-676, S. 1; P.A. 75-253, S. 1, 2; P.A. 76-250, S. 2–4; P.A. 77-67; P.A. 79-25, S. 1; 79-175, S. 2, 3; 79-244, S. 1, 5, 6; 79-627, S. 5, 6; P.A. 80-466, S. 2, 25; P.A. 81-394, S. 1; P.A. 82-460, S. 1, 2, 9; 82-472, S. 39, 183; P.A. 83-224, S. 1, 2; 83-278; 83-431, S. 2; 83-587, S. 67, 96; P.A. 84-429, S. 1; 84-546, S. 37, 173; P.A. 86-383, S. 1, 6; P.A. 88-245, S. 1, 7; P.A. 90-263, S. 1, 74; P.A. 91-272, S. 5, 8; P.A. 93-341, S. 1, 38; P.A. 95-79, S. 39, 189; 95-314, S. 4; P.A. 97-236, S. 23, 27; P.A. 99-268, S. 1, 2, 29; P.A. 00-35, S. 1; 00-99, S. 44, 154; 00-169, S. 22, 35; P.A. 02-70, S. 1, 17; P.A. 03-265, S. 5; P.A. 04-199, S. 7; 04-217, S. 1; P.A. 05-218, S. 2, 3, 15, 16, 42, 43; P.A. 06-130, S. 15; P.A. 07-167, S. 1–3, 38; P.A. 08-150, S. 1; P.A. 09-187, S. 34, 41, 49, 54; P.A. 10-32, S. 46; 10-110, S. 37; P.A. 11-213, S. 51, 52, 61; P.A. 12-81, S. 26; P.A. 13-271, S. 3–5; 13-277, S. 8; P.A. 14-130, S. 2; P.A. 15-46, S. 1; P.A. 16-55, S. 13; 16-126, S. 6; P.A. 17-202, S. 42; P.A. 18-165, S. 3; P.A. 19-119, S. 21; 19-162, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 35; P.A. 22-44, S. 13, 22; 22-58, S. 22; P.A. 24-20, S. 15, 35; P.A. 25-55, S. 25; 25-159, S. 38–40.)

History: 1959 acts added Subsecs. (21) and (51); 1961 act redefined “used or secondhand motor vehicle” in and added definitions of “new motor vehicle” and “ultimate consumer” to Subsec. (55); 1963 act redefined “second” or “subsequent” violation in Subsec. (44); 1965 acts added snow and lawn machines to Subsec. (26), “driver” to Subsec. (32) and Subsecs. (6), (14), (23), (39), (48) and (54); 1967 acts added Subsecs. (57) and (58) defining “tractor” or “truck tractor” and “wrecker” or “wrecker vehicle” and redefined “resident” in Subsec. (42) to delete persons carrying on business or engaged in occupation for more than six months a year; 1969 acts redefined “motor vehicle” in Subsec. (26) to exclude golf carts and added Subsec. (59) defining “farm implements”; 1971 acts redefined “gross weight” in Subsec. (14) to include special provision re tractor-trailer units, redefined “officer” in Subsec. (31) to include sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, redefined “manufacturer” in Subsec. (22), redefined “vehicle” in Subsec. (56) to include vehicles operated on cushions of air and to delete requirement that machine be suitable for use on highways and added Subsecs. (60) and (61) defining “tractor-trailer unit” and “limited access highway”; 1972 act redefined “manufacturer” in Subsec. (22) to include distributor of vehicles to new car dealers; P.A. 73-676 added Subsec. (62) defining “minibike” or “minicycle”; P.A. 75-253 redefined “motorcycle” to exclude vehicles with wholly or partially enclosed drivers' seat with motor outside enclosed area; P.A. 76-250 excluded bicycles with helper motors in Subsec. (25) defining “motorcycle” and Subsec. (26) defining “motor vehicle”; P.A. 77-67 redefined “motor vehicles” in Subsec. (26) to delete requirement that vehicle be suitable for operation on a highway, to exclude vehicles used at mass transit facilities other than railroads and vehicles not suitable for operation on highway; P.A. 79-25 added Subsecs. (63) and (64) defining “antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle” and “modified antique motor vehicle”; P.A. 79-175 added Subsec. (65) defining “vanpool vehicle”; P.A. 79-244 also added Subsec. (65) re vanpool vehicles and excluded vanpool vehicles from definitions of “public service motor vehicle” and “service bus” in Subsecs. (40) and (46); P.A. 79-627 included gasohol in Subsec. (12) defining “fuels”, effective July 1, 1979, and applicable to fuel sold on or after that date; P.A. 80-466 amended definition of “motor vehicle registration” in Subsec. (27) to reflect use of single license plate; P.A. 81-394 added Subdiv. (66) defining “high-mileage vehicle”; P.A. 82-460 redefined “passenger motor vehicle” to specify applicability to vehicles capable of carrying not more than ten passengers, redefined “commercial motor vehicle”, deleting limitations re use in business of registrant and propulsion method and redefined “passenger and commercial motor vehicle”, deleting requirement that vehicles be “designed for use” for passenger and commercial purposes; P.A. 82-472 made technical corrections in definition of “high-mileage vehicle”; P.A. 83-224 amended Subdiv. (26) to exclude from the definition of a motor vehicle, golf cart type vehicles operated by state employees on state institution grounds; P.A. 83-278 amended Subdiv. (65) to include in definition of “vanpool vehicle” certain vehicles owned by or leased to recognized regional ride-sharing organizations; P.A. 83-431 amended Subdiv. (26) to exclude from the definition of a motor vehicle, special mobile equipment as defined in Sec. 14-165 (i); P.A. 83-587 made technical change in Subdiv. (12); P.A. 84-429 deleted the definition of “curb” in Subsec. (9), “distributor” in Subsec. (11), “head light” in Subsec. (15), “intersection” in Subsec. (18), “motor vehicle registration” in Subsec. (27), “rotary traffic island” in Subsec. (43), “secondhand motor vehicle” in Subsec. (55) and “wrecker vehicle” in Subsec. (58), transferred definition of “head lamp” from Subsec. (15) to (16), “registration” from Subsec. (27) to (45), “used motor vehicle” from Subsec. (55) to (62), “new motor vehicle” from Subsec. (55) to (31), “ultimate consumer” from Subsec. (55) to (61) and “wrecker” from Subsec. (58) to (65), added Subsec. (4) from Sec. 14-1a, renumbered the remaining Subsecs. as follows: (2) to (3), (3) to (5), (4) to (6), (5) to (7), (6) to (8), (7) to (9), (8) to (10), (10) to (11), (12) to (13), (13) to (14), (14) to (15), (16) to (18), (17) to (19), (19) to (20), (20) to (22), (21) to (23), (22) to (24), (23) to (25), (24) to (28), (25) to (29), (26) to (30), (28) to (32), (29) to (33), (30) to (34), (31) to (35), (32) to (36), (33) to (37), (34) to (38), (35) to (40), (36) to (39), (37) to (41), (38) to (42), (39) to (43), (40) to (44), (41) to (46), (42) to (47), (44) to (48), (45) to (49), (46) to (50), (47) to (51), (48) to (52), (49) to (53), (50) to (54), (51) to (55), (52) to (56), (53) to (59), (54) to (60), (56) to (64), (59) to (12), (60) to (58), (61) to (21), (62) to (2), (63) to (27), (64) to (63) and (66) to (17), and rephrased renumbered Subsec. (10) re definition of “commissioner”; P.A. 84-546 redefined “commissioner” to include deputy commissioner of motor vehicles, attorney general and any assistant to motor vehicles commissioner, but did not take effect, P.A. 84-429 having taken precedence; P.A. 86-383 redefined “commercial motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (9) to include vehicles transporting other passengers with their necessary personal belongings; P.A. 88-245 made technical change to definition of “commissioner” in Subsec. (10); P.A. 90-263 subdivided the section into Subsecs. (a) and (b), in Subsec (a) amending Subdiv. (7) to substitute recreational for pleasure purposes and to delete phrase “used for the purpose of transporting personal property of the owner”, amending Subdiv. (8) to redefine “camper” as any motor vehicle designed or permanently altered in such a way as to provide temporary living quarters for travel, camping or recreational purposes, amending Subdiv. (9) to delete definition of “commercial motor vehicle” and insert definition of “combination registration”, adding new definitions of “commercial driver's license” in Subdiv. (10), “commercial motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (11), “commercial registration” in Subdiv. (12), “commercial trailer” in Subdiv. (13), “controlled substance” in Subdiv. (15), “conviction” in Subdiv. (16), “disqualification” in Subdiv. (18), “drive” in Subdiv. (19), “driver” in Subdiv. (20), “driver's license” in Subdiv. (21), “employee” in Subdiv. (22), “employer” in Subdiv. (23), “felony” in Subdiv. (25), “foreign jurisdiction” in Subdiv. (26), “gross weight rating” in Subdiv. (29), “hazardous materials” in Subdiv. (31), “motor home” in Subdiv. (45), “nonresident commercial driver's license” in Subdiv. (50), “out-of-service order” in Subdiv. (55), “passenger registration” in Subdiv. (60), “recreational vehicle” in Subdiv. (64), “serious traffic violation” in Subdiv. (70), “state” in Subdiv. (76), “tank vehicle” in Subdiv. (79), “United States” in Subdiv. (85), and “utility trailer” in Subdiv. (87) and renumbering the other Subdivs. accordingly, amending definition of “motor bus” in Subdiv. (44), formerly Subdiv. (28), to include any motor vehicle, except a taxicab, deleting reference to public service motor vehicle, amending definition of “operator” in Subdiv. (54), formerly Subdiv. (36), to include a driver, amending definition of “passenger and commercial motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (58), formerly Subdiv. (39), to include vehicles eligible for combination registration, amending definition of “passenger motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (59), formerly Subdiv. (40), to delete former provisions and insert new provisions concerning use, design and capacity, amending definition of “person” in Subdiv. (61), formerly Subdiv. (41), to specifically exclude the state or any political subdivision thereof, amending definition of “pole trailer” in Subdiv. (63), formerly Subdiv. (43), to delete reference to commercial motor vehicle, and deleting definition of “public service motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (44), and inserting new language in Subsec. (b) re meaning of term “public passenger transportation permit”; P.A. 91-272 amended exception to definition of “commercial motor vehicle” in Subsec. (a)(11)(B) to include vehicles designed to transport “more than” 10 passengers and used to transport students under 21 to and from school; P.A. 93-341 amended definition of “commercial driver's license” by deleting the reference to a “Class 1” license and reference to Sec. 14-36a, redefined “commercial motor vehicle” to exclude vehicles used “within one hundred fifty miles of a farm in connection with the operation of such farm” and recreational vehicles “in private use”, redefined “serious traffic violation” to add a new Subpara. (E) re accident resulting in death, redefined “service bus” to include “school bus” and added definition of “school bus”, renumbering previously existing Subdivs. of Subsec. (a) as necessary and made technical change in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-79 amended Subsec. (a)(61) by redefining “person” to include a limited liability company, effective May 31, 1995; P.A. 95-314 amended Subsec. (a)(69) to provide that a “second” or “subsequent” violation is one committed within “three” years after date of arrest resulting in a previous conviction for the same offense, in lieu of 5 years, and to redefine term in the case of a violation of Sec. 14-215, 14-224 or 14-227a(a); P.A. 97-236 redefined “service bus” to require that school bus be “regularly used” to carry 8 or more persons, effective June 24, 1997; P.A. 99-268 redefined “motorcycle” in Subsec. (a)(46) to exclude a vehicle “designed to have” a completely enclosed driver's seat in lieu of a vehicle having a completely “or partially” enclosed driver's seat, redefined “serious traffic violation” in Subsec. (a)(71) by changing from a violation of “sections 14-230 to 14-237, inclusive” to a violation of “section 14-236” in Subpara. (D) and redefined “service bus” in Subsec. (a)(72) to increase the minimum number of persons such vehicle may carry from “eight or more persons” to “ten or more passengers”; P.A. 00-35 redefined “wrecker” in Subsec. (a)(91) to delete “exclusively” following “equipped and used” and to add “by a person, firm or corporation licensed in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (D) of part III of this chapter”; P.A. 00-99 replaced reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff in Subsec. (a)(53) with state marshal, effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 00-169 redefined “person” in Subsec. (a)(61) to include a business trust and revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a)(9) to add “rating”, substituted “place of residence” for “legal residence” and provide that such residence be occupied for more than six months in a year in Subdiv. (67), added new Subdiv. (91) re definition of “vehicle identification number” or “VIN”, redesignated existing Subdiv. (91) as Subdiv. (92) and made technical changes in Subdivs. (4), (17), (40), (53) and (55), effective July 1, 2002, and amended Subsec. (a)(40) to add “new” and replace “under section 14-12, who offers the motor vehicles” with “by the commissioner, for operation upon any highway, which are offered” in Subpara. (A) and to make a technical change in Subpara. (B) (Revisor's note: The reference in Subsec. (a)(92) to “subdivision (D)” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “subpart (D)” for clarity of reference); P.A. 03-265 redefined “passenger motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (59); P.A. 04-199 defined “pick-up truck”, made technical changes and renumbered Subdivs. in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-217 defined “activity vehicle”, “commercial driver's license information system”, “fatality”, “imminent hazard” and “National Driver Registry”, redefined “disqualification”, “school bus” and “serious traffic violation”, made technical changes and renumbered Subdivs. in Subsec. (a), effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (a)(10) by substituting “twelve thousand five hundred” for “ten thousand” and amended Subsec. (a)(67) by deleting “and having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than ten thousand pounds” and, effective July 1, 2005, amended Subsec. (a)(3) by changing “twenty-five” to “twenty”, amended Subsec. (a)(44) by adding “except a utility trailer”, amended Subsec. (a)(47) by changing “twenty-five” to “twenty” and making a technical change, and added Subsec. (a)(99) defining “camp vehicle”; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (a) by redefining “commercial motor vehicle” in Subdiv. (13), redefining “gross vehicle weight rating” in Subdiv. (32), redefining “hazardous materials” in Subdiv. (34), deleting former Subdiv. (46) re definition of “minibike or minicycle”, renumbering Subdivs. (47) to (50) as (46) to (49), inclusive, adding “mini-motorcycle” to definition of “motor vehicle” and renumbering it as Subdiv. (50), renumbering Subdivs. (52) to (97) as (51) to (96), inclusive, redefining “wrecker” and renumbering it as Subdiv. (97) and renumbering Subdiv. (99) as (98), effective June 2, 2006; P.A. 07-167 made technical changes in Subsec. (a)(13), (24) and (50), effective June 25, 2007, and deleted Subsec. (a) designator and former Subsec. (b) re definition of “public passenger transportation permit”, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 08-150 redefined “camp trailer” in Subdiv. (8), added new Subdiv. (9) defining “camp trailer registration”, added new Subdiv. (18) defining “commercial trailer registration”, added new Subdiv. (52) defining “motor-driven cycle”, redefined “motorcycle” in existing Subdiv. (49) and renumbered said definition as new Subdiv. (54), redefined “resident” in existing Subdiv. (72) and renumbered said definition as new Subdiv. (76), added new Subdiv. (88) defining “student”, renumbered existing Subdiv. (98) defining “camp vehicle” as new Subdiv. (10) and renumbered remaining Subdivs. and internal references accordingly; P.A. 09-187 amended Subdiv. (53) to replace “bicycles with helper motors” with “motor-driven cycles” in definition of “motor vehicle”, Subdiv. (63) to redefine “out-of-service order”, Subdiv. (80)(A) to replace “Speeding in excess of fifteen miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit” with “Excessive speeding, involving a single offense in which the speed is fifteen miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit” in definition of “serious traffic violation”, and Subdiv. (98) to delete “with a manufacturer's GVWR of ten thousand pounds or less” in definition of “utility trailer”; P.A. 10-32 made a technical change in Subdiv. (53), effective May 10, 2010; P.A. 10-110 deleted former Subdiv. (1) re definition of “activity vehicle” and redesignated existing Subdivs. (2) to (102) as Subdivs. (1) to (101), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 changed effective date of P.A. 10-110, S. 37, from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2012, and redefined “serious traffic violation” in Subdiv. (79) of section as amended by P.A. 10-110, effective July 1, 2011, and redefined “serious traffic violation” in Subdiv. (80) of present section, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 12-81 added new Subdiv. (1) restoring definition of “activity vehicle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (1) to (101) as Subdivs. (2) to (102) and made a technical change in Subdiv. (62), effective July 1, 2012 (Revisor's note: In Subdiv. (53), a reference to “subsection (i) of section 14-165” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “section 14-165” to conform with a change made to the prior version of section by P.A. 10-32, S. 46); P.A. 13-271 amended Subdiv. (52) to redefine “motor-driven cycle” by replacing reference to motor horsepower with reference to motor capacity, amended Subdiv. (63) to redefine “out-of-service order” by replacing provision re orders issued by police or motor vehicle inspector with provision re orders issued by persons having inspection authority, replacing reference to commercial motor vehicle with reference to motor vehicle specified in Sec. 14-163c(a) and making technical changes, and amended Subdiv. (80) to redefine “serious traffic violation” by adding provision re use of hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device in Subpara. (E) and replacing “while operating a commercial motor vehicle” with “by an operator who holds a commercial driver's license or instruction permit” in Subpara. (I), effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 13-277 amended Subdiv. (40) to redefine “highway” by adding reference to dedicated roadway for bus rapid transit service, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 added Subdiv. (103) defining “public passenger endorsement”, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 15-46 added new Subdiv. (6) defining “autocycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (6) to (103) as Subdivs. (7) to (104), amended redesignated Subdiv. (53) to redefine “motor-driven cycle”, and amended redesignated Subdiv. (55) to redefine “motorcycle”, effective July 1, 2015; P.A. 16-55 redesignated existing Subdiv. (104) re public passenger endorsement as Subdiv. (74) and redesignated existing Subdivs. (74) to (103) as Subdivs. (75) to (104), effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 16-126 amended Subdiv. (79) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-227a(a) with reference to Sec. 14-227a and by adding reference to Sec. 14-227m; P.A. 17-202 amended Subdiv. (54) to replace “physically handicapped persons” with “persons with physical disabilities”; P.A. 18-165 added “sections 14-289k and 14-289l and this section” to introductory language, added new Subdiv. (13) defining “class 1 electric bicycle”, new Subdiv. (14) defining “class 2 electric bicycle” and new Subdiv. (15) defining “class 3 electric bicycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (13) to (27) as Subdivs. (16) to (30), added new Subdiv. (31) defining “electric bicycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (28) to (104) as (32) to (108), amended redesignated Subdiv. (57) redefining “motor-driven cycle”, redesignated Subdiv. (58) redefining “motor vehicle” and redesignated Subdiv. (59) redefining “motorcycle”, and made a conforming change; P.A. 19-119 amended Subdiv. (27) to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2019; P.A. 19-162 deleted “, sections 14-289k and 14-289l and this section” in introductory language, added new Subdiv. (32) defining “electric foot scooter”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (32) to (108) as Subdivs. (33) to (109), amended redesignated Subdiv. (39) to replace “shall not include” with “does not include”, amended redesignated Subdiv. (59) to add reference to electric foot scooters, amended redesignated Subdiv. (60) to add reference to electric foot scooter and made technical changes; P.A. 21-106 amended Subdiv. (5)(C) to replace reference to public service company or municipal department ambulance or emergency vehicle authorized by commissioner with reference to ambulance, effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 22-44 amended Subdiv. (6) redefining “autocycle”, effective October 1, 2022, and amended Subdiv. (38) to make a technical change, effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 22-58 amended Subdiv. (5)(C) to replace reference to ambulance with reference to authorized emergency medical services vehicle, effective May 23, 2022; P.A. 24-20 added new Subdiv. (52) defining “low-speed vehicle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (52) to (109) as Subdivs. (53) to (110), amended redesignated Subdiv. (60) to add reference to low-speed vehicle, amended redesignated Subdiv. (88) by replacing reference to commercial driver's instruction permit with reference to commercial learner's permit, and make technical changes; P.A. 25-55 added Subdiv. (111) defining “wrecker service”; P.A. 25-159 amended Subdiv. (32) by changing defined term from “electric foot scooter” to “electric scooter” and redefining said term, Subdiv. (59) by redefining “motor-driven cycle”, and Subdiv. (61) by redefining “motorcycle”.

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PART II

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Sec. 14-10. Definitions. Records. Disclosure of personal information and highly restricted personal information. Penalty. Regulations. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Disclose” means to engage in any practice or conduct to make available and make known, by any means of communication, personal information or highly restricted personal information contained in a motor vehicle record pertaining to an individual to any other individual, organization or entity;

(2) “Motor vehicle record” means any record that pertains to an operator's license, instruction or learner's permit, identity card, registration, certificate of title or any other document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. “Motor vehicle record” does not include any record relating to vessels and certificates of title for vessels, as provided in section 15-210;

(3) “Personal information” means information that identifies an individual and includes an individual's photograph or computerized image, Social Security number, operator's license number, name, address other than the zip code, telephone number, electronic mail address, or medical or disability information, but does not include information on motor vehicle accidents or violations, or information relative to the status of an operator's license, registration or insurance coverage;

(4) “Highly restricted personal information” means an individual's photograph or computerized image, Social Security number or medical or disability information; and

(5) “Express consent” means an affirmative agreement given by the individual who is the subject of personal information that specifically grants permission to the department to release such information to the requesting party. Such agreement shall (A) be in writing or such other form as the commissioner may determine in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, and (B) specify a procedure for the individual to withdraw such consent, as provided in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.

(b) A number shall be assigned to each motor vehicle registration and operator's license and a record of all applications for motor vehicle registrations and operators' licenses issued shall be kept by the commissioner at the main office of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(c) (1) All records of the Department of Motor Vehicles pertaining to the application for registration, and the registration, of motor vehicles of the current or previous three years shall be maintained by the commissioner at the main office of the department. Any such records over three years old may be destroyed at the discretion of the commissioner. (2) Before disclosing personal information pertaining to an applicant or registrant from such motor vehicle records or allowing the inspection of any such record containing such personal information in the course of any transaction conducted at such main office, the commissioner shall ascertain whether such disclosure is authorized under subsection (f) of this section, and require the person or entity making the request to (A) complete an application that shall be on a form prescribed by the commissioner, and (B) provide personal identification satisfactory to the commissioner. An attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this state may provide his or her juris number to the commissioner in lieu of the requirements of subparagraph (B) of this subdivision. The commissioner may disclose such personal information or permit the inspection of such record containing such information only if such disclosure is authorized under subsection (f) of this section.

(d) The commissioner may disclose personal information from a motor vehicle record pertaining to an operator's license or a driving history or permit the inspection or copying of any such record or history containing such information in the course of any transaction conducted at the main office of the department only if such disclosure is authorized under subsection (f) of this section. Any such records over five years old may be destroyed at the discretion of the commissioner.

(e) In the event (1) a federal court judge, federal court magistrate or judge of the Superior Court, Appellate Court or Supreme Court of the state, (2) a police officer, as defined in section 7-294a, or a member of the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, (3) an employee of the Department of Correction, (4) an attorney-at-law who represents or has represented the state in a criminal prosecution, (5) a member or employee of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, (6) a judicial branch employee regularly engaged in court-ordered enforcement or investigatory activities, (7) an inspector employed by the Division of Criminal Justice, (8) a federal law enforcement officer who works and resides in this state, (9) a state referee under section 52-434, (10) a lake patrolman appointed pursuant to subsection (a) of section 7-151b engaged in boating law enforcement, or (11) a state marshal, submits a written request and furnishes such individual's business address to the commissioner, such business address only shall be disclosed or available for public inspection to the extent authorized by this section.

(f) The commissioner may disclose personal information from a motor vehicle record to:

(1) Any federal, state or local government agency in carrying out its functions or to any individual or entity acting on behalf of any such agency, or

(2) Any individual, organization or entity that signs and files with the commissioner, under penalty of false statement as provided in section 53a-157b, a statement on a form approved by the commissioner, together with such supporting documentation or information as the commissioner may require, that such information will be used for any of the following purposes:

(A) In connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft, motor vehicle emissions, motor vehicle product alterations, recalls or advisories, performance monitoring of motor vehicles and dealers by motor vehicle manufacturers, motor vehicle market research activities including survey research, motor vehicle product and service communications and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers to implement the provisions of the federal Automobile Information Disclosure Act, 15 USC 1231 et seq., the Clean Air Act, 42 USC 7401 et seq., and 49 USC Chapters 301, 305 and 321 to 331, inclusive, as amended from time to time, and any provision of the general statutes enacted to attain compliance with said federal provisions;

(B) In the normal course of business by the requesting party, but only to confirm the accuracy of personal information submitted by the individual to the requesting party;

(C) In connection with any civil, criminal, administrative or arbitral proceeding in any court or government agency or before any self-regulatory body, including the service of process, an investigation in anticipation of litigation by an attorney-at-law or any individual acting on behalf of an attorney-at-law and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of any court provided the requesting party is a party in interest to such proceeding;

(D) In connection with matters of motor vehicle or driver safety and theft, motor vehicle emissions, motor vehicle product alterations, recalls or advisories, performance monitoring of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and dealers, producing statistical reports and removal of nonowner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers, provided the personal information is not published, disclosed or used to contact individuals except as permitted under subparagraph (A) of this subdivision;

(E) By any insurer or insurance support organization or by a self-insured entity or its agents, employees or contractors, in connection with the investigation of claims arising under insurance policies, antifraud activities, rating or underwriting;

(F) In providing any notice required by law to owners or lienholders named in the certificate of title of towed, abandoned or impounded motor vehicles;

(G) By an employer or its agent or insurer to obtain or verify information relating to a holder of a passenger endorsement or commercial driver's license required under 49 USC Chapter 313, and sections 14-44 to 14-44m, inclusive;

(H) In connection with any lawful purpose of a labor organization, as defined in section 31-77, provided (i) such organization has entered into a contract with the commissioner, on such terms and conditions as the commissioner may require, and (ii) the information will be used only for the purposes specified in the contract other than campaign or political purposes;

(I) For bulk distribution for surveys, marketing or solicitations provided the commissioner has obtained the express consent of the individual to whom such personal information pertains;

(J) For the purpose of preventing fraud by verifying the accuracy of personal information contained in a motor vehicle record, including an individual's photograph or computerized image, as submitted by an individual to a legitimate business or an agent, employee or contractor of a legitimate business, provided the individual has provided express consent in accordance with subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of this section;

(K) Inclusion of personal information about persons who have indicated consent to become organ and tissue donors in a donor registry established by a procurement organization, as defined in section 19a-289a;

(L) By any private detective or private detective licensed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 534, in connection with an investigation involving matters concerning motor vehicles;

(M) By a state marshal, for use in the performance of duties under the provisions of section 6-38a. Such information including, but not limited to, (i) operator photos, and (ii) records produced by providing an operator's license number, number plate or vehicle identification number, may be requested and provided to a state marshal electronically, or by such other means, within a reasonable time. Such records may be transmitted to a state marshal by means of an existing electronic system used by the Department of Motor Vehicles for the transmission of records. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may charge a state marshal a reasonable annual fee for access to such records and the use of such electronic system.

(g) Any person receiving personal information or highly restricted personal information from a motor vehicle record pursuant to subsection (f) of this section shall be entitled to use such information for any of the purposes set forth in said subsection for which such information may be disclosed by the commissioner. No such person may resell or redisclose the information for any purpose that is not set forth in subsection (f) of this section, or reasonably related to any such purpose.

(h) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the disclosure of personal information from a motor vehicle record pursuant to subsection (f) of this section shall be subject to the provisions of section 14-50a concerning (1) the fees that shall be charged for copies of or information pertaining to motor vehicle records and (2) the authority of the commissioner to establish fees for information furnished on a volume basis in accordance with such terms and conditions regarding the use and distribution of such information as the commissioner may prescribe.

(i) Notwithstanding any provision of this section that restricts or prohibits the disclosure of personal information from a motor vehicle record, the commissioner may disclose personal information contained in any such record to any individual who is the subject of such personal information or to any person who certifies under penalty of false statement that such person has obtained the express consent of the subject of such personal information.

(j) Notwithstanding any provision of this section that permits the disclosure of personal information from a motor vehicle record, the commissioner may disclose highly restricted personal information contained in any such record only in accordance with the provisions of 18 USC 2721 et seq., as amended.

(k) Any person, including any officer, employee, agent or contractor of the Department of Motor Vehicles, who sells, transfers or otherwise discloses personal information or highly restricted personal information obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles for any purpose not authorized by the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(l) The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section.

(1949 Rev., S. 2359; P.A. 76-263, S. 2, 9; 76-402, S. 2, 3; P.A. 84-429, S. 2; P.A. 89-228; P.A. 90-230, S. 20, 101; P.A. 94-206, S. 1; P.A. 97-266, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-77, S. 2; 99-232, S. 1; 99-268, S. 28; P.A. 00-169, S. 22, 33, 36; P.A. 02-70, S. 49; P.A. 03-265, S. 6, 7; P.A. 04-122, S. 2; 04-143, S. 17; 04-199, S. 28; 04-234, S. 2; 04-257, S. 115; P.A. 05-108, S. 3; P.A. 07-167, S. 6, 36; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5, S. 30; P.A. 08-135, S. 1; 08-150, S. 3; P.A. 10-110, S. 28, 29; 10-123, S. 26; P.A. 11-48, S. 28; 11-51, S. 134; 11-213, S. 5; P.A. 12-81, S. 36; P.A. 14-63, S. 33; P.A. 22-26, S. 57; P.A. 24-20, S. 30; P.A. 25-78, S. 10.)

History: P.A. 76-263 removed operator's licenses from former provisions and removed provision re confidentiality of records and created new Subsecs. (b) and (c) re operator's licenses and confidentiality of records; P.A. 76-402 deleted Subsec. (c) re confidentiality of records; P.A. 84-429 added new Subsec. (a) re number assignments and records from Subsec. (a) of Sec. 14-42, relettered Subsecs. and made other technical changes; P.A. 89-228 added a new Subsec. (d), restricting public access to the residential address of a judge, magistrate or policeman; P.A. 90-230 made technical corrections to Subsec. (d); P.A. 94-206 added extensive provisions to Subsec. (b) concerning procedure for disclosure of motor vehicle department records, added provisions in Subsec. (c) detailing to whom operator license or driver history may be disclosed, added Subsec. (d)(3) and (4) and made some technical changes in order to conform the Subsec. to the revised language of the section, and added a new Subsec. (e) re inapplicability of section's provisions; (Revisor's note: In 1997 references throughout the general statutes to “Motor Vehicle(s) Commissioner” and “Motor Vehicle(s) Department” were replaced editorially by the Revisors with “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” or “Department of Motor Vehicles”, as the case may be, for consistency with customary statutory usage); P.A. 97-266 inserted new language in Subsec. (a), defining “disclose”, “motor vehicle record”, “personal information” and “consent”; relettered former Subsec. (a) as (b) and added provision requiring notice re disclosure of personal information to be included on each form for issuance or renewal of registration, operator's license and identity card; relettered former Subsec. (b) as (c), deleted requirement in Subdiv. (1) that records re registration be open to public inspection at main office during office hours, substituting provision that such records be maintained by the commissioner at main office, restated provisions of Subdiv. (2), substituting “personal information” for name, address or registration number, requiring in the course of any transaction conducted at main office that commissioner ascertain whether individual who is the subject of request has elected to allow disclosure, eliminating requirement that commissioner mail notice of application to individual who is the subject of the request and make disclosure or permit inspection at least seven days after receipt of completed application, eliminating exemption from provisions of Subdiv. for federal, state or local agency, adding provision allowing commissioner to disclose personal information or permit inspection of such record only if individual who is the subject of the request has elected to allow disclosure and making technical changes; relettered former Subsec. (c) as (d) and restated provisions of Subsec., allowing commissioner to disclose personal information from a record re operator's license or driving history or permit inspection or copying in the course of any transaction conducted at main office only if individual who is the subject of the request has elected to allow disclosure, deleting Subdivs. (1) to (3), inclusive, and making technical changes; relettered former Subsec. (d) as (e), eliminating phrase “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section” and making a technical change; deleted former Subsec. (e), added Subsecs. (f) to (i), inclusive, re disclosure and use of personal information and added Subsec. (j), authorizing the adoption of regulations, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-77 added Subsec. (e)(5) permitting a member or employee of the Board of Parole to request that only his business address be disclosed or available for public inspection; P.A. 99-232 amended Subsec. (b) to delete requirement that not later than July 1, 1998, each form for issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle registration, operator's license or identity card contain the specified notice and consent form re disclosure of personal information and to delete such notice and consent form, amended Subsecs. (c) and (d) to substitute “such disclosure is authorized under subsection (f) of this section” for “the individual who is the subject of the request has elected to allow disclosure”, amended Subsec. (f) to delete language notwithstanding the provisions of Subsecs. (c) and (d), to delete reference to any person contracting with the department, and to amend Subdiv. (2)(D) to reference “motor vehicle product and service communications”, and throughout section made provisions gender neutral and substituted “that” for “which”; P.A. 99-268 added new Subsec. (i) prohibiting sale of photographs or computerized images on or before June 30, 2000, and relettered existing Subsecs. (i) and (j) as Subsecs. (j) and (k), respectively; P.A. 00-169 deleted the definition of “consent” in Subdiv. (a)(4) and replaced it with “express consent”, defined to mean “an affirmative agreement”, and required that such agreement be in writing, and prescribed the procedure for withdrawal of such consent, replaced the provision in Subdiv. (h)(I) that an individual be required to prohibit personal information from being distributed with a provision requiring an individual to give express consent for personal information to be distributed, added Subdiv. (h)(J) re prevention of fraud, deleted Subsec. (i) re prohibition on the sale of photographs or computerized images, relettered Subsecs. (j) and (k) as (i) and (j), respectively, and in Subsec. (i), required express consent from the subject of such personal information, effective June 1, 2000, and revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to add “highly restricted personal information” within definition of “disclose”, added new Subdiv. (4) defining “highly restricted personal information” and redesignated existing Subdiv. (4) as Subdiv. (5), amended Subsec. (c)(2) to make a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality, added new Subsec. (j) authorizing commissioner to disclose highly restricted personal information contained in a motor vehicle record only in accordance with 18 USC 2721 et seq. and redesignated existing Subsec. (j) as Subsec. (k), effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 03-265 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to delete former Subpara. (C) re payment of fee to commissioner for disclosure of personal information from motor vehicle records, and, effective July 1, 2003, amended Subsec. (f)(2)(A) to change references to federal acts, amended Subsec. (f)(2)(C) to limit commissioner's disclosure of personal information from motor vehicle record in connection with investigation in anticipation of litigation to attorney-at-law or individual acting on behalf of attorney-at-law, amended Subsec. (f)(2)(G) to change reference to federal act, and made a technical change in Subsec. (f)(2)(J); P.A. 04-122 added Subsec. (f)(2)(K) allowing disclosure of personal information to procurement organizations; P.A. 04-143 made a technical change in Subsec. (f)(2)(A), effective May 21, 2004; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (f)(2) to transfer “motor vehicle market research activities including survey research, motor vehicle product and service communications” from Subpara. (D) to Subpara. (A) and to include “producing statistical reports” in Subpara. (D), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-234 replaced Board of Parole with Board of Pardons and Paroles in Subsec. (e)(5), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-257 amended Subsec. (e)(5) to delete reference to an “employee” of the Board of Parole, effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 05-108 amended Subsec. (e)(5) to restore reference to an “employee” of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, effective June 7, 2005; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (e) by adding Subdivs. (6) to (8) re business address of judicial branch employee regularly engaged in court-ordered enforcement or investigatory activities, federal law enforcement officer who works and resides in this state, and state referee and added Subsec. (f)(2)(L) re use of information by private detective in connection with investigation re motor vehicle matters; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5 made technical changes in Subsec. (e)(8); P.A. 08-135 amended Subsec. (e) to add new Subdiv. (7) re inspector employed by Division of Criminal Justice and renumber existing Subdivs. (7) and (8) as new Subdivs. (8) and (9), effective June 5, 2008; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (g) to make provisions applicable to the receipt of “highly restricted personal information”, limit the use of information for any of the purposes “for which such information may be disclosed by the commissioner” and add provision re prohibition on reselling or redisclosing information, added new Subsec. (k) re penalty for selling, transferring or otherwise disclosing information for unauthorized purpose, and redesignated existing Subsec. (k) as Subsec. (l); P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (e) to add Subdiv. (10) permitting lake patrolman engaged in boating law enforcement to request that only such patrolman's business address be disclosed or available for inspection and amended Subsec. (f)(2) by adding Subpara. (M) re disclosure of personal information from a motor vehicle record to a state marshal; P.A. 10-123 amended Subsec. (f)(2)(K) by replacing reference to Sec. 19a-279a with Sec. 19a-289a; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by redefining “personal information” to include electronic mail address, effective July 1, 2011; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Department of Public Safety” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection” in Subsec. (e)(2), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (c)(2)(B) to replace requirement for 2 forms of acceptable identification with requirement for personal identification satisfactory to commissioner, and amended Subsec. (e)(2) to replace “member of a municipal police department” with “police officer, as defined in section 7-294a”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to replace “learner's permit” with “instruction permit” in definition of “motor vehicle record”, effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 14-63 redefined “motor vehicle record” in Subsec. (a)(2), effective January 1, 2016; P.A. 22-26 amended Subsec. (e) to add Subdiv. (11) permitting a state marshal to request that only such marshal's business address be disclosed or available for inspection, effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to add reference to learner's permit; P.A. 25-78 amended Subsec. (f)(2)(M) by adding that information includes operator photos and records produced by providing an operator's license number, number plate or vehicle identification number, substituting “electronically” for “by facsimile transmission” re means of transmitting records, adding that records may be transmitted to state marshal through existing electronic system used by Department of Motor Vehicles and that Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may charge state marshal annual fee for access and use of such electronic system.

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Sec. 14-11b. Driver training program for persons with disabilities. (a) There shall be within the Department of Motor Vehicles a unit for the purpose of evaluating and training persons with disabilities in the operation of motor vehicles. There shall be assigned to the driver training unit for persons with disabilities such staff as is necessary for the orderly administration of the driver training program for persons with disabilities. The personnel assigned to the driver training unit for persons with disabilities shall, while engaged in the evaluation, instruction or examination of a person with disabilities, have the authority and immunities with respect to such activities as are granted under the general statutes to motor vehicle inspectors. Said Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit a person whose license has been withdrawn as a result of a condition that makes such person eligible for evaluation and training under this section to operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by personnel assigned to the driver training unit for persons with disabilities.

(b) Any resident of this state who has a serious physical or mental disability which does not render the resident incapable of operating a motor vehicle and who must utilize special equipment in order to operate a motor vehicle and who cannot obtain instruction in the operation of a motor vehicle through any alternate program, including, but not limited to, other state, federal or privately operated drivers' schools, shall be eligible for instruction under the Department of Motor Vehicles driver training program for persons with disabilities.

(P.A. 76-283, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-93; P.A. 11-44, S. 46; 11-61, S. 120; P.A. 12-81, S. 33; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 63; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 196; P.A. 19-157, S. 36; P.A. 25-148, S. 8; 25-168, S. 339.)

History: P.A. 77-93 added to requirements in Subsec. (b) for eligibility for instruction by motor vehicles department by specifying that person must be one who needs to use special equipment and cannot obtain instruction through alternate program; P.A. 11-44 changed program name from “handicapped driver training program” to “driver training program for persons with disabilities”, replaced “Department of Motor Vehicles” with “Bureau of Rehabilitative Services” and made conforming and technical changes, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-61 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re assignment of driver consultant for persons with disabilities to unit and deleting reference to driver consultant re authority and immunities, and amended Subsec. (b) by making a technical change, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to driver training unit personnel being engaged in “examination” of person with disabilities and add provisions requiring bureau to certify to commissioner successful completion of program by person with disabilities and recommend any license restrictions or limitations, authorizing commissioner to accept such certification in lieu of driving skills portion of examination and requiring commissioner to issue license with such restrictions as recommended by bureau if person has met all other license requirements, effective June 6, 2012; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 replaced “Bureau of Rehabilitative Services” and “bureau” with “Department of Rehabilitation Services” and “department”, respectively, effective July 1, 2012; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re person with withdrawn license may operate a motor vehicle while accompanied by driver training unit personnel and making technical changes, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 19-157 replaced “Department of Rehabilitation Services” with “Department of Aging and Disability Services”; P.A. 25-148 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by replacing references to Department of Aging and Disability Services with references to Department of Motor Vehicles throughout and further amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re certification of drivers and recommendations re license restrictions by Department of Aging and Disability Services and adding administering examinations to duties of driver training unit, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-168 made identical changes as P.A. 25-148 and further amended Subsec. (b) by making a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-11k. Waiver of fee for license or identity card renewal or duplication for veterans at certain event; issuance of voucher for renewal application made earlier than six months before expiration. (a) As used in this section, “veteran” means a veteran, as defined in section 14-36h, who has verification from the Department of Veteran Affairs that such person or member is a veteran.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1-1h, subsection (a) of section 14-41 and subsection (a) of section 14-50a concerning fees, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall waive the fee for a motor vehicle operator's license or an identity card renewal or duplication for any applicant who is a veteran while attending a one-day event that offers services, supplies or assistance to veterans and is hosted by the Department of Veteran Affairs. For any such renewal application made earlier than six months prior to the date on which an applicant's motor vehicle operator's license or identity card expires, the commissioner shall issue to such applicant a voucher entitling such applicant to renewal of such applicant's motor vehicle operator's license or identity card, free of charge, during such six-month period.

(P.A. 21-106, S. 50; P.A. 25-15, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 21-106 effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 25-15 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing “may waive” with “shall waive” and adding provision re issuance of voucher for renewal application made earlier than 6 months before expiration, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-11l. Yellow envelopes for persons with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities. (a) For the purposes of this section, (1) “police officer” and “law enforcement unit” have the same meanings as provided in section 7-294a; (2) “emergency medical services personnel”, “commercial ambulance service”, “rescue service”, “ambulance service” and “paramedic intercept service” have the same meanings as provided in section 19a-175; and (3) “firefighter” has the same meaning as provided in section 7-323j.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, an association of police chiefs in the state, an association of fire chiefs in the state, an association of emergency medical services personnel in the state and at least one organization that advocates for persons with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities, shall:

(1) Design yellow envelopes that (A) provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelopes regarding ways to promote accommodations and enhance effective interactions and communication between a police officer, emergency medical services personnel or firefighter and a person with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities, and (B) are capable of holding a person's motor vehicle operator's license, registration, insurance identification card and other information or materials related to such person's cognitive impairment or physical disability;

(2) Develop public awareness materials, including, but not limited to, brochures about the yellow envelopes designed in accordance with subdivision (1) of this subsection and blue envelopes designed in accordance with section 14-11j, information cards designed to fit inside a wallet, lanyards, seat belt covers, buttons, ribbons, key chains, bracelets, stickers, window decals and magnets, that contain information about ways to promote accommodations and enhance effective interactions and communication with a person with cognitive impairments, physical disabilities or autism spectrum disorder; and

(3) Disseminate such yellow envelopes and public awareness materials (A) at the main office and branch offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement units, municipal and volunteer fire departments, commercial ambulance services, commercial rescue services, volunteer and municipal ambulance services, ambulance services and paramedic intercept services operated and maintained by a state agency, and (B) to emergency medical services personnel.

(c) Upon (1) receipt of such yellow envelopes and public awareness materials, and (2) request by a person with a cognitive impairment or physical disability or such person's parent, guardian, family member or driver, such department, unit, service or emergency medical services personnel shall provide a yellow envelope and any available public awareness materials at no charge to such person, parent, guardian, family member or driver.

(P.A. 25-159, S. 29.)

History: P.A. 25-159 effective July 1, 2025.

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PART III

REGISTRATION AND LICENSES

(A)

REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Sec. 14-12. Motor vehicle registration. Application. Issuance by dealers. Misrepresentation. Registration number and certificate. Requirements for registration. Regulations. Temporary registration. Number of registered electric vehicles. (a) No motor vehicle shall be operated, towed or parked on any highway, except as otherwise expressly provided, unless it is registered with the commissioner, provided any motor vehicle may be towed for repairs or necessary work if it bears the number plates of a licensed and registered dealer, manufacturer or repairer and provided any motor vehicle which is validly registered in another state may, for a period of ninety days following establishment by the owner of residence in this state, be operated on any highway without first being registered with the commissioner. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, (1) a person commits an infraction if such person (A) registers a motor vehicle such person does not own, or (B) operates, allows the operation of, parks or allows the parking of an unregistered motor vehicle on any highway, or (2) a resident of this state who operates or parks a motor vehicle such resident owns with number plates issued by another state on any highway shall be fined two hundred fifty dollars, except that the fine shall be suspended for a first time violator who presents proof of registration for the motor vehicle subsequent to the violation but prior to the imposition of a fine. If the owner of a motor vehicle previously registered with the commissioner, the registration of which expired not more than sixty days previously, operates, allows the operation of, parks or allows that parking of such a motor vehicle, such owner shall be fined the amount designated for the infraction of failure to renew a registration, but the right to retain his or her operator's license shall not be affected. No operator other than the owner shall be subject to penalty for the operation or parking of such a previously registered motor vehicle. As used in this subsection, the term “unregistered motor vehicle” includes any vehicle that is not eligible for registration by the commissioner due to the absence of necessary equipment or other characteristics of the vehicle that make it unsuitable for highway operation, unless the operation of such vehicle is expressly permitted by another provision of this chapter or chapter 248.

(b) To obtain a motor vehicle registration, except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the owner shall submit to the commissioner an application signed by such owner and containing such information and proof of ownership as the commissioner may require. The application shall be made in such form and contain such provisions and information as the commissioner may determine.

(c) (1) The commissioner may, for the more efficient administration of the commissioner's duties, appoint licensed dealers meeting qualifications established by the commissioner pursuant to regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to (A) issue new registrations for passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, campers, camp trailers, commercial trailers, service buses, school buses, trucks or other vehicle types as determined by the commissioner, and (B) renew such registrations for such vehicle types. A person registering or renewing the registration of a motor vehicle or other vehicle type as determined by the commissioner from a dealer so appointed shall file an application with the dealer and pay, to the dealer, the registration fee in accordance with the provisions of section 14-49 and any other applicable fees. The commissioner may authorize such dealer to retain a service fee paid by the person registering or renewing the registration of a motor vehicle under this subsection. The commissioner shall establish the maximum service fee that such dealer may charge and prescribe the time and manner in which the application and fees, other than the service fee, shall be transmitted to the commissioner.

(2) The commissioner shall permit a licensed dealer appointed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection to electronically register a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds and is used or operated in intrastate commerce. Such dealer shall pay all applicable registration and title fees for each such registration.

(d) A motor vehicle registration certificate issued upon an application containing any material false statement is void from the date of its issue and shall be surrendered, upon demand, with any number plate or plates, to the commissioner. Any money paid for the registration certificate shall be forfeited to the state. No person shall obtain or attempt to obtain any registration for another by misrepresentation or impersonation and any registration so obtained shall be void. The commissioner may require each applicant for a motor vehicle registration to furnish personal identification satisfactory to the commissioner and may require any applicant who has established residence in this state for more than thirty days to obtain a motor vehicle operator's license, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of section 14-36, or an identification card issued pursuant to section 1-1h. Any person who violates any provision of this subsection and any person who fails to surrender a falsely obtained motor vehicle registration or number plate or plates upon the demand of the commissioner shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars.

(e) The commissioner may register any motor vehicle under the provisions of this chapter, may assign a distinguishing registration number to the registered motor vehicle and may then issue a certificate of registration to the owner. A certificate of registration shall contain the registration number assigned to the motor vehicle and its vehicle identification number and shall be in such form and contain such further information as the commissioner determines.

(f) (1) The commissioner may refuse to register or issue a certificate of title for a motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles if the commissioner determines that the characteristics of the motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles make it unsafe for highway operation. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection and the provisions of subsection (h) of this section.

(2) The commissioner shall not register a motor vehicle if the commissioner knows that the motor vehicle's equipment fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter, provided nothing contained in this section shall preclude the commissioner from issuing one or more temporary registrations for a motor vehicle not previously registered in this state.

(3) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle, except a platform truck the motive power of which is electricity, or a tractor equipped with solid tires, if it is not equipped with lighting devices as prescribed by this chapter. The registration of any motor vehicle which is not equipped with such prescribed lighting devices is void and money paid for the registration shall be forfeited to the state. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent the commissioner, at the commissioner's discretion, from registering a motor vehicle not equipped with certain lighting devices if the operation of the vehicle is restricted to daylight use.

(4) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle or a combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer or semitrailer that exceeds the limits specified in section 14-267a.

(5) No motor vehicle registration shall be issued by the commissioner for any motorcycle unless the application for registration is accompanied by sufficient proof, as determined by the commissioner, that the motorcycle is insured for the amounts required by section 14-289f.

(6) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle which is subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed under Section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or any subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time amended, if the applicant fails to furnish proof of payment of such tax, in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

(7) The commissioner shall not issue a certificate of title for a homemade low-speed vehicle or a golf cart that has been retrofitted from the original manufacturer's specifications in an attempt to qualify as a low-speed vehicle.

(g) The commissioner may elect not to register any motor vehicle which is ten or more model years old and which has not been previously registered in this state until the same has been presented, as directed by the commissioner, at the main office or a branch office of the Department of Motor Vehicles or to any designated official emissions inspection station or other business or firm, authorized by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to conduct safety inspections, and has passed the inspection as to its safety features as required by the commissioner. When a motor vehicle owned by a resident of this state is garaged in another jurisdiction and cannot be conveniently presented at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, an authorized emissions inspection station or other facility, the commissioner may accept an inspection made by authorities in such other jurisdiction or by appropriate military authorities, provided the commissioner determines that such inspection is comparable to that conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the commissioner authorizes the contractor that operates the system of official emissions inspection stations or other business or firm to conduct the safety inspections required by this subsection, the commissioner may authorize the contractor or other business or firm to charge a fee, not to exceed fifteen dollars, for each such inspection. The commissioner may authorize any motor vehicle dealer or repairer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner, to perform an inspection required by this section or to make repairs to any motor vehicle that has failed an initial safety inspection and to certify to the commissioner that the motor vehicle is in compliance with the safety and equipment standards for registration. No such authorized dealer or repairer shall charge any additional fee to make such certification to the commissioner. If the commissioner authorizes any such dealer or repairer to conduct safety inspections, such licensee may provide written certification to the commissioner, in such form and manner as the commissioner prescribes, as to compliance of any motor vehicle in its inventory with safety and equipment standards and such certification may be accepted by the commissioner as meeting the inspection requirements of this subsection.

(h) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle unless it meets the equipment related registration requirements contained in sections 14-80, 14-100, 14-100a, 14-100b, 14-106a and 14-275.

(i) The commissioner or any city, town, borough or other taxing district authorized under subsection (f) of section 14-33 may issue a temporary registration to the owner of a motor vehicle. The application for a temporary registration shall conform to the provisions of this section. A temporary registration may be issued for a period of time determined by the commissioner and may be renewed from time to time at the discretion of the commissioner. The fee for a temporary registration or any renewal thereof shall be as provided in subsection (n) of section 14-49.

(j) The commissioner may issue a special use registration to the owner of a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed thirty days for the sole purpose of driving such vehicle to another state in which the vehicle is to be registered and exclusively used. The application for such registration shall conform to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner may issue special use certificates and plates in such form as the commissioner may determine. The special use certificate shall state such limitation on the operation of such vehicle and shall be carried in the vehicle at all times when it is being operated on any highway.

(k) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b) and (e) of this section, the commissioner shall issue to a municipality, as defined in section 7-245, or a regional solid waste authority comprised of several municipalities, upon receipt of an application by the municipality or regional solid waste authority, a general distinguishing number plate for use on a motor vehicle owned or leased by such municipality or regional solid waste authority.

(l) Not later than January 1, 2018, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall record the number of electric vehicles, as defined in section 16-19eee, registered in the state. This data shall be publicly available on the department's Internet web site and shall include (1) the number of electric vehicles registered in the state each year, and (2) the total number of electric vehicles registered in the state. The department shall update this information every six months.

(1949 Rev., S. 2361; 1957, P.A. 190; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 1; 581, S. 1; 1963, P.A. 520; 550, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 205; 858; 1969, P.A. 701, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 535; 1972, P.A. 284; P.A. 73-134; P.A. 75-577, S. 11, 126; P.A. 79-188, S. 4, 10; P.A. 83-489, S. 1, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 22, 62; 84-291, S. 2; 84-429, S. 3; P.A. 85-128; 85-181; 85-214; 85-613, S. 145, 154; P.A. 86-157, S. 1; P.A. 88-270, S. 5, 8; P.A. 89-211, S. 27; P.A. 91-355, S. 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13, S. 4, 21; P.A. 93-341, S. 2; P.A. 94-189, S. 2; P.A. 95-260, S. 16, 24; P.A. 98-33, S. 1; P.A. 99-287, S. 1, 9; P.A. 00-169, S. 1; P.A. 01-24, S. 2, 5; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 52, 131; P.A. 02-70, S. 70, 71; P.A. 04-199, S. 26; P.A. 05-218, S. 4; P.A. 08-150, S. 4; P.A. 09-187, S. 12; P.A. 11-6, S. 112; 11-48, S. 25; 11-213, S. 6; P.A. 12-81, S. 1; P.A. 16-135, S. 2; P.A. 17-79, S. 22, 24; P.A. 19-165, S. 12; P.A. 21-106, S. 30; P.A. 24-20, S. 34; 24-111, S. 54; P.A. 25-19, S. 6.)

History: 1961 acts amended provision prohibiting registration of vehicle exceeding limits in Sec. 14-268, previous section having read “the sum of the light weight and carrying capacity of which exceeds,” increased the inspection fee in the last sentence from $1 and deleted provision re not registering a vehicle previously reported as sold for junk and requiring maintenance of records of such sales for 2 years; 1963 acts added provisions re operation of vehicle registered in another state for 60 days and providing for operation where registration expired less than 30 days prior to operation on highway; 1967 acts added provision allowing commissioner to issue temporary 10-day registration without regard to inspection requirements, substituted “is” for “was” in provision re vehicles registered in another state and specified that vehicle “which has been registered on an annual basis” is allowed 30-day grace period; 1969 act added provision allowing temporary registration for motor vehicles not previously registered in state and allowed issuance of more than one temporary registration; 1971 act added provision allowing commissioner to refuse registration or title for motor vehicle or class of vehicles when he determines the vehicle or class to be unsafe for highway operation; 1972 act added Subsec. (b) re issuance of new registrations by motor vehicle dealers; P.A. 73-134 specified that proof of ownership necessary for registration, and added provision allowing acceptance of inspection made in another jurisdiction or by military authorities in certain instances; P.A. 75-577 replaced provisions re fines for violation of registration procedures with references to commission of infraction and payment of amount not specified; P.A. 79-188 substituted Sec. 14-267a for reference to repealed Sec. 14-268; P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (a) to increase inspection fee from $2 to $7; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (a) (now Subsec. (g)) to periodically increase the existing $7 motor vehicle safety features inspection fee to $25 as of July 1, 1993; P.A. 84-291 amended Subsec. (a) (now Subsec. (f)) to prohibit the issuance of a motorcycle registration without proof of liability insurance, which provision was editorially designated as Subdiv. (5) of Subsec. (f) in keeping with the technical revision of the section under P.A. 84-429; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions, transferred provision concerning certificates of title to Sec. 14-16(f), added provisions re applications to Subsec. (b) from Sec. 14-42(a), added provisions re false statements to Subsec. (d) from Sec. 14-43, added provisions re registration certificates to Subsec. (e) from Sec. 14-13(a), added provisions re temporary registrations to Subsec. (i) from Sec. 14-13(c), and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-128 added Subsec. (f)(6), requiring commissioner not to register any vehicle subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax if applicant fails to furnish proof of tax payment; P.A. 85-181 added Subsec. (j), permitting the issuance of municipal license plates for use on vehicles owned or leased by municipalities; P.A. 85-214 amended Subsec. (c) to permit commissioner to appoint licensed dealers to issue new registrations for motorcycles when sold; P.A. 85-613 amended Subsec. (j) by changing “may issue” to “shall issue” and adding “as defined in section 7-245, upon receipt of an application by the municipality”; P.A. 86-157 inserted new Subsec. (j), authorizing the issuance of special use registrations, relettering former Subsec. accordingly; P.A. 88-270 amended Subsec. (e) to require the registration certificate to contain the vehicle identification number; P.A. 89-211 clarified reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; P.A. 91-355 amended Subsec. (g) to provide for conduct of inspections at authorized official emissions inspection stations and to require inspection fees collected at such inspection stations to be deposited in separate safety inspection account within emissions inspection fund; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13 added fee for each book of twenty-five new dealer issue forms; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (k) to apply provisions to regional solid waste authorities comprised of several municipalities; P.A. 94-189 amended Subsec. (g) by adding to the exception “a motor vehicle which has affixed to it a current, valid safety inspection decal issued by any other state that conducts a safety inspection program which meets the approval of the commissioner” and deleting obsolete inspection fee schedule of increases; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (g) to provide for conduct of safety inspections at other facilities authorized by commissioner, effective June 13, 1995; P.A. 98-33 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “repairman” with “repairer” and establishing a fine of not less than $150 nor more than $300 for a resident of this state operating a motor vehicle he owns with marker plates issued by another state; P.A. 99-287 amended Subsec. (g) by limiting motor vehicles required to have safety inspections prior to registration to those 10 or more model years old and deleting provisions re new motor vehicles or motor vehicles with a valid safety inspection decal, by deleting provision re presenting motor vehicle during business hours and adding provision re presenting same as directed by the commissioner, by allowing a “designated” official emissions inspection station or other “business or firm, except a licensee of the department”, to conduct safety inspections, by deleting provision requiring a $25 fee to be charged for a safety inspection and deposited into a safety inspection account within the Emissions Inspection Fund, by adding provisions re authorization of entities to conduct safety inspections, charge an inspection fee and repair vehicles failing such inspections, and by making technical changes, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-169 amended Subsec. (c) to allow licensed dealers to issue new registrations for campers, camp trailers or trucks with a gross vehicle weight up to and including 26,000 pounds and made technical changes for the purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 01-24 amended Subsec. (g) by changing “shall not” to “may elect not to” re registration of motor vehicles which are 10 or more model years old and which have not been previously registered in this state, deleting provision authorizing a licensee of the department to conduct safety inspections on such motor vehicles, allowing certain motor vehicle dealers and repairers to perform inspections required by section, deleting provision re the commissioner's issuing temporary registrations without regard to the inspection requirements of the general statutes, and adding provision re licensee's submission of written certification of compliance of any motor vehicle in its inventory with safety and equipment standards, effective May 15, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (c) to increase the fee for a new dealer issue form from $10 for a book of 25 to $10 for each form, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (f)(5) to eliminate requirement that proof of insurance be submitted for renewal of a motorcycle registration and amended Subsec. (f)(6) to make a technical change and substitute Internal Revenue Code of “1954” for “1986”, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (i) to eliminate provision permitting commissioner to require deposit from applicant for temporary registration, to permit temporary registration to be issued for time determined by commissioner and to establish fee for temporary registration or renewal as provided in Sec. 14-49(n), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (d) by adding provision authorizing commissioner to require identification for applicant for registration and resident in state for 30 days to obtain an operator's license or identification card, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (a) to add definition of “unregistered motor vehicle”; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (f)(1) to authorize adoption of regulations for purposes of Subsecs. (f) and (h), effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (a) to make technical changes and, in Subdiv. (2), to increase fine from not less than $150 or more than $300 to $1,000, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (i) by adding provision re issuance of temporary registration by authorized city, town, borough or other taxing district, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (c) to include issuance of registration for commercial trailers, service buses and school buses, require vehicles to be sold by licensed dealer, delete gross vehicle weight limit of 26,000 pounds and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (c) to authorize licensed dealers to issue new registrations for “other vehicle types as determined by the commissioner” and make conforming changes, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 16-135 added Subsec. (l) re number of registered electric vehicles, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re parked motor vehicles, designate existing provisions re infraction as Subparas. (A) and (B) in Subdiv. (1), and make technical and conforming changes; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c) to make a technical change; P.A. 19-165 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “on an annual or biennial basis” with “with the commissioner”, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to replace 60 days with 90 days re period following establishment of residency, to decrease fine from $1,000 to $250, and to add provision re suspension of fine for first time violator in Subdiv. (2), amended Subsec. (c) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amended same to add Subpara. (A) designator and delete provision re $10 fee, to add Subpara. (B) re renewal of registrations, to add provision re service fee, and to add Subdiv. (2) re electronic registration of motor vehicle with gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds, amended Subsec. (f)(5) to delete “On or after October 1, 1984, no” and made technical and conforming changes; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (f) to add Subdiv. (7) re no certificate of title for homemade low-speed vehicle or retrofitted golf cart; P.A. 24-111 deleted provision in Subsec. (f)(2) re issuing a temporary registration for a motor vehicle under a trade name without a certified copy of the notice required by Sec. 35-1, effective January 1, 2025; P.A. 25-19 made a technical change and replaced 30 days with 60 days in Subsec. (a).

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Sec. 14-15d. Electronic issuance of registration or certificate of title by electronic issuance licensee. Fee. Regulations. (a) Each electronic issuance licensee, licensed pursuant to section 14-15e, shall, not later than ten days after the electronic issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title, submit to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles an application together with all necessary documents required to obtain a certificate of registration or certificate of title for the vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If such licensee fails to provide the department with such necessary documents, the department shall not process the application and shall inform such licensee of the failure to submit a completed application.

(b) Any electronic issuance licensee who files such applications electronically shall provide a form, as prescribed by the commissioner, to the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle that is the subject of such application. Such form shall include (1) the amount of any fee charged by such licensee to file such application electronically, (2) a statement that such licensee is not affiliated with the department, (3) information regarding how such owner or lessee may file a complaint with the department concerning a transaction performed pursuant to this section, and (4) any other information prescribed by the commissioner. Such licensee shall require such owner or lessee to acknowledge the information contained in such form by obtaining such owner or lessee's signature on such form.

(c) No electronic issuance licensee who files an application electronically pursuant to this section shall charge the owner or lessee of the motor vehicle that is the subject of any such application a fee in excess of twenty-five dollars to file such application electronically with the department.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 16-55, S. 12; P.A. 18-164, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 4; P.A. 24-20, S. 2; P.A. 25-159, S. 20.)

History: P.A. 16-55 effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 18-164 increased period of time to submit registration application to commissioner from 5 days to 10 days, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 21-106 added provision re $25 fee for failure or refusal to electronically file application and made a technical change, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 24-20 deleted provision re requiring person, firm or corporation to file application electronically if 7 or more applications each month, designated existing provision re submission of application and necessary documents to commissioner as Subsec. (a) and amended same to add reference to electronic issuance licensee and add provision re failure to provide necessary documents, added Subsec. (b) re form provided to owner or lessee of motor vehicle, added Subsec. (c) re no fee in excess of $25 to file application electronically, designated existing provision re regulations as Subsec. (d) and made technical and conforming changes; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-15e. Electronic issuance license. Application and surety bonds. Refusal to issue or renew a license. Penalty. (a)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, no person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of electronically filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or a certificate of title for motor vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles, unless such person, firm or corporation holds an electronic issuance license issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

(2) A motor vehicle dealer licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and acting pursuant to subsection (c) of section 14-12, subsection (b) of section 14-61 or section 14-61a, a person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles without drivers in this state and acting pursuant to section 14-15 or a contractor authorized pursuant to subsection (b) of section 14-41, may use the department's electronic system for filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title, as the case may be, without obtaining an electronic issuance license. The commissioner shall not issue an electronic issuance license to any such motor vehicle dealer, person, firm or corporation or contractor.

(3) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any person, firm or corporation that files, on average, five or more applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or a certificate of title for motor vehicles each month with the Department of Motor Vehicles to file such applications electronically and obtain an electronic issuance license. Any such person, firm or corporation that fails or refuses to file an application for such issuance electronically upon the request of the commissioner shall pay a fee of twenty-five dollars to the commissioner for each such application submitted.

(b) Each applicant for an electronic issuance license shall submit an application containing such information as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require and pay a license fee in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars. Each license may be renewed biennially according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner to effect staggered renewal of such licenses. If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any license more or less than two years from its issuance, the commissioner may charge a prorated amount for such license fee. Not less than forty-five days prior to the date of expiration of each such license, the commissioner shall send or transmit to each licensee, in a manner determined by the commissioner, an application for renewal. Any licensee that has not filed the application for renewal accompanied by the license fee of two hundred fifty dollars prior to the expiration date of such license shall no longer be permitted to use the department's electronic system for filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title pursuant to section 14-15d. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars. The commissioner shall not renew any license under this section that has been expired for more than forty-five days.

(c) Each applicant for, or holder of, an electronic issuance license shall furnish surety bonds in the following amounts: (1) Twenty thousand dollars conditioned upon the applicant or holder complying with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation relating to the conduct of filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title and provided as indemnity for any loss sustained by any customer of such licensee by reason of the licensee's failure to comply with such laws or regulations; (2) twenty thousand dollars provided as security for any monetary loss suffered by the department as a result of the loss, destruction or misuse of any number plates assigned to such licensee by the department pursuant to subsection (f) of this section; and (3) five thousand dollars provided as security for any monetary loss suffered by the department due to such licensee's failure to remit registration and title fees received pursuant to section 14-15d. The surety bond furnished pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be executed in the name of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved customer, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing before the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. The commissioner shall assess an administrative fee of two hundred dollars against any electronic issuance licensee for failing to provide proof of bond renewal or replacement on or before the date of the expiration of the existing bond.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to the provisions of chapter 54, refuse to issue or renew a license to a person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of electronically filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title for motor vehicles with the department (1) if any individual named in an application for the issuance or renewal of such license has been found liable in a civil action for, or has been convicted of, a violation of any provision of law (A) pertaining to the business of electronic filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or certificate of title, or (B) involving fraud, larceny, stalking, embezzlement, bribery or deprivation or misappropriation of property, in the courts of the United States or any state, or (2) for any reason the commissioner reasonably deems necessary. Upon renewal of such license, a licensee shall make full disclosure of any such civil judgment or conviction under penalty of false statement. Each individual named in an application, on a form prescribed by the commissioner, for the issuance of such license shall submit to fingerprint-based state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue or renew an electronic issuance license unless the commissioner determines (1) the issuance or renewal is likely to improve access to services offered by the department or manage the number of transactions conducted at the main office or branch office of the department and will not compromise the integrity and security of the department's electronic system, and (2) the applicant for such license is capable of ensuring the adequate control and proper use of number plates and other materials to be provided by the department pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

(f) (1) The Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide each electronic issuance licensee with an inventory of number plates and other materials to be used solely for the registration of transactions performed pursuant to the provisions of section 14-15d. Such licensee shall be responsible for all number plates assigned to such licensee by the department.

(2) If a person, firm or corporation holds an electronic issuance license that is no longer valid, or if an electronic issuance licensee is no longer conducting its business, such person, firm or corporation or licensee shall return to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, not later than five business days after such license becoming invalid or the termination of such business, (A) any number plates or other materials supplied by the commissioner to enable such person, firm or corporation or licensee to perform the registration of transactions pursuant to section 14-15d, and (B) any applications for such transactions that were not acted upon or completed by such person, firm or corporation or licensee when it was conducting its business. A violation of any provision of this subdivision shall be an infraction.

(g) No electronic issuance licensee shall (1) include the words “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” or other indication of the department in the name of the licensee's business, or (2) act in any manner that misleads consumers to believe that such licensee represents or is otherwise affiliated with the department.

(h) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of this section, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to the provisions of chapter 54, impose a civil penalty of not more than two thousand dollars on any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this section.

(P.A. 24-20, S. 1; P.A. 25-159, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to replace “licensed” with “without drivers in this state” and add prohibition re issuing electronic issuance license, amended Subsec. (d) to replace provisions re applicant and officer or major stockholder if applicant is firm or corporation with provisions re individual named in application and made technical and conforming changes, effective January 1, 2026.

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Sec. 14-15f. Use of department's electronic system for filing applications for issuance of registration or certificate of title. On and after January 1, 2025, each person, firm or corporation that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles permitted or required prior to October 1, 2024, to file applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or a certificate of title electronically with the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to section 14-15d of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2023, or any regulation adopted thereunder, shall no longer be permitted to use the department's electronic system for filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or a certificate of title unless such person, firm or corporation holds an electronic issuance license issued pursuant to section 14-15e.

(P.A. 24-20, S. 3; P.A. 25-159, S. 21.)

History: P.A. 24-20 effective May 21, 2024; P.A. 25-159 changed “revised to January 1, 2024” to “revised to January 1, 2023”, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-18. Display of number plates and stickers. Issuance of sample number plates. Return of number plates to commissioner. (a)(1) Each motor vehicle for which one number plate has been issued shall, while in use or operation upon any public highway, display in a conspicuous place at the rear of such vehicle the number plate. The commissioner may issue a sticker denoting the expiration date of the registration. Such sticker shall be displayed in such place on the vehicle as the commissioner may direct. Such sticker may contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the registration and number plate issued by the commissioner.

(2) Each motor vehicle for which two number plates have been issued shall, while in use or operation upon any public highway, display such number plates in a conspicuous place at (A) the front, and (B) the rear of such vehicle, which may include against a vehicle's rear window, provided the numerals and letters on any such number plate are plainly legible. The commissioner may issue a sticker denoting the expiration date of the registration. Such sticker shall be displayed in such place on the vehicle as the commissioner may direct. Such sticker may contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the number plate issued by the commissioner.

(b) Repealed by 1969, P.A. 247, S. 1.

(c) Official number plates when displayed upon motor vehicles shall be substantially unobscured and the numerals and letters on such plates shall be plainly legible at all times. Such number plates shall be horizontal and shall be fastened so as not to swing. Nothing may be affixed to a motor vehicle or to the official number plates displayed on such vehicle that obscures or impairs the visibility of the numerals and letters on such number plates. Not more than one number plate shall be displayed on the front or rear of any motor vehicle in operation upon the public highways of the state; provided any motor vehicle may, upon permission of the commissioner, display more than one number plate in front or rear, subject to such conditions as the commissioner prescribes. If any number plate supplied by the commissioner is lost, or if the registered number on such plate becomes mutilated or illegible, the owner of or the person in control of the motor vehicle for which such number plate was furnished shall immediately place a temporary number plate bearing said registration number upon such motor vehicle, which temporary number plate shall conform to the regular number plate and shall be displayed as nearly as possible as provided in this section for such regular number plate; and such owner shall, within forty-eight hours after such loss or mutilation of the number plate, give notice thereof to the commissioner and apply for a new number plate. The commissioner may issue a permit to operate with such temporary plate and shall supply new number plates upon payment of the fee therefor as provided in section 14-50a. Upon receipt of such new number plates and new certificate, the remaining old number plate, if any, and certificate shall be surrendered to the commissioner. As used in this subsection, “substantially unobscured” means that the number plate is not significantly blocked or concealed by an obstacle or obstruction, to an extent that allows for a reasonable person or an electronic device capable of recording data on, or taking a photograph of, a motor vehicle or such motor vehicle's number plate to read the numerals and letters of such plate.

(d) All number plates shall be the property of the state and no title therein shall pass to any person registering a motor vehicle under the provisions of this chapter. The owner of any registered motor vehicle which is not reregistered at the end of a registration period shall, within ten days, cancel such registration in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner and may return the number plates to the commissioner. Any person who sells a motor vehicle pursuant to section 14-150 or 49-61 shall, within ten days of such sale, return to the commissioner any number plates displayed on the vehicle or which come into such person's possession in connection with such sale. When the commissioner issues a new type of number plate for use by all persons registering motor vehicles, the obsolete number plates shall become the property of the registrant upon the expiration date.

(e) The commissioner may issue a number plate inscribed with the legend “SAMPLE”. Such number plate shall not be displayed on any motor vehicle or used as official registration marker plates. The commissioner may impose a fee for the issuance of such number plate. Such fee shall be sufficient to cover the cost of manufacturing and issuing such number plate.

(f) No person shall wilfully damage or destroy any number plate.

(g) Violation of any provision of subsection (a), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of this section shall be an infraction.

(1949 Rev., S. 2366; 1955, S. 1291d; 1957, P.A. 10; 145; 1959, P.A. 657, S. 1; 1963, P.A. 236; 1967, P.A. 832, S. 3; 1969, P.A. 247, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 324, S. 1; 649, S. 1; P.A. 74-26, S. 1; P.A. 75-577, S. 16, 126; P.A. 76-435, S. 52, 82; P.A. 80-47; 80-466, S. 6, 25; P.A. 85-252, S. 1; P.A. 86-388, S. 23, 31; P.A. 87-80, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-106, S. 1, 3; P.A. 91-407, S. 5, 42; P.A. 93-341, S. 31, 38; P.A. 94-189, S. 26, 34; P.A. 98-182, S. 1, 22; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 26, 51; P.A. 01-191, S. 1; P.A. 09-187, S. 65; P.A. 10-110, S. 23; 10-179, S. 26; P.A. 18-164, S. 4; P.A. 25-19, S. 1.)

History: 1959 act removed provisions in Subsec. (a) rendered obsolete by staggered system of registration renewal; 1963 act amended Subsec. (a) to require display of inserts or stickers as well as plates; 1967 act amended Subsec. (c) to regulate attachments to number plate holders and to forbid any attachments to the plates themselves; 1969 act repealed Subsec. (b) which had required commissioner to furnish individually registered vehicles with one set of plates and to furnish dealers, manufacturers or repairers with a maximum of twenty-four sets; 1971 acts amended Subsec. (c) to allow attachment of toll station markers to license plates and amended Subsec. (a) to include vehicles displaying a general distinguishing number or mark; P.A. 74-26 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to Sec. 14-35; P.A. 75-577 amended Subsec. (f) to replace $50 fine with reference to violation as infraction; P.A. 76-435 amended Subsec. (c) to replace reference to repealed Sec. 14-49(r) with reference to Sec. 14-50a; P.A. 80-47 amended Subsec. (d) to require return of plates within ten days by person selling vehicle pursuant to Sec. 14-150 or 49-61; P.A. 80-466 amended Subsec. (a) to refer to single plate, insert or sticker and to delete obsolete reference to single plate, sticker or insert previously applicable to motorcycles, trailers, etc.; P.A. 85-252 amended Subsec. (a), requiring that inserts or stickers be affixed only to lower right corner of number plate commencing with registrations issued on and after October 1, 1985; P.A. 86-388 subdivided Subsec. (a) into three Subdivs., requiring in (1) the display of one number plate on each motor vehicle until July 1, 1993, and in (2) the display of two number plates on and after July 1, 1993, on each motor vehicle except motorcycles, camp trailers, commercial trailers or vehicles displaying a general distinguishing number; P.A. 87-80 amended Subsec. (a)(2) and (3) to require the display of one sticker affixed to the rear plate, and its placement only on the upper right corner of such plate in the case of plates issued on and after July 1, 1987; P.A. 90-106 amended Subsec. (a)(1) and (2) to substitute “1995” for “1993”; P.A. 91-407 amended Subsec. (c) by removing provision re toll station registration marker; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a)(1) and (2) by deleting the exception for fire department apparatus not registered under the provisions of Sec. 14-19 and by applying Subdiv. (1) to motor vehicles for which one number plate has been issued and Subdiv. (2) to motor vehicles for which two number plates have been issued, deleting provisions concerning motorcycles, camp trailers, commercial trailers and certain other vehicles and amended Subsec. (a)(3) by replacing existing language re sticker placement with new language, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 94-189 amended Subsec. (a)(1) and (2) by deleting references to the display of an insert or sticker denoting the expiration month and year of the registration, replacing them with directives concerning the display of a sticker on the number plate or elsewhere on the vehicle denoting the expiration date of the registration and deleted Subsec. (a)(3), effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 98-182 added Subsec. (e) providing for the issuance of number plates inscribed with the legend “SAMPLE” and redesignated former Subsecs. (e) and (f) as (f) and (g), effective July 1, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1 amended Subsec. (c) to delete provisions re plates, devices or attachments affixed to the number plate holder, to add provision that no plates, devices or attachments may be covering the number plates and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 01-191 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provisions allowing the sticker denoting the expiration date of registration to contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the registration and number plate; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (c) to replace prohibition re plates, devices or attachments affixed to or covering official number plates with prohibition re anything affixed to motor vehicle or to official number plates displayed thereon that obscures or impairs visibility of information on plates and to make a technical change; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to replace requirements that motor vehicle display sticker denoting registration expiration date on number plate or elsewhere as directed by commissioner with provisions making issuance of such sticker by commissioner discretionary and to make technical changes, effective June 5, 2010; P.A. 10-179 amended Subsec. (a) to make the same changes as made by P.A. 10-110, effective May 7, 2010; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (d) to add provision re cancelation of registration in accordance with procedures and to permit return of number plates, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 25-19 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to add provision re acceptable display of number plates in the rear and designate language re number plates displayed in the front as Subpara. (A) and language re number plates displayed in the rear as Subpara. (B) and amended Subsec. (c) to replace “entirely unobscured” with “substantially unobscured”, eliminate provision requiring a rear number plate to be illuminated to be legible at a distance of 50 feet, replace “any information” with “the numerals and letters”, define “substantially unobscured” and make technical changes.

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Sec. 14-19a. Regulations re issuance of special number plates to members of qualifying organizations. Issuance and renewal of collegiate special number plates. Discontinuance of special number plates. Reimbursement of membership charge for Military Order of the Purple Heart number plate. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to establish (1) standards for the issuance of a special certificate of registration and special number plates to a member of an organization which qualifies for issuance, (2) qualifications of organizations whose members wish to apply for such special registrations, (3) procedures for application for such special registration, and (4) a fee for such special number plates which shall cover at least the entire cost of making the plates and which shall be in addition to the fee for registration of the motor vehicle. The regulations shall provide that a labor union shall be a qualifying organization.

(b) The Department of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Board of Regents for Higher Education, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of collegiate special number plates with the logos or emblems of Connecticut public and independent institutions of higher education.

(c) On or after July 1, 2004, the commissioner may issue special certificates of registration and special number plates in accordance with the regulations adopted under subsection (a) of this section provided the commissioner may not issue a set of special number plates bearing the same numerals as any other plate issued by the department. The commissioner may discontinue the issuance of any such special number plates issued for a qualified organization, or special plates issued in accordance with the provisions of sections 14-19b and 14-21f to 14-21p, inclusive, at any time, upon written notice to the organization if, in the opinion of the commissioner, the demand for such plates is insufficient to support the costs of production.

(d) Any veteran or member of the armed forces, as those terms are defined in section 27-103, who is issued, on or after July 1, 2025, a number plate recognizing the Military Order of the Purple Heart pursuant to any regulation adopted under subsection (a) of this section, and who paid a charge to join as a member of a chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in order to obtain such number plate, may apply to the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, in a form and a manner prescribed by said commissioner, for reimbursement of such membership charge from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Not later than sixty days after receipt of any such application, said commissioner shall notify such veteran or member of the armed forces of a decision on such application and, if approved, provide such reimbursement.

(P.A. 90-236, S. 1, 2; P.A. 91-275; P.A. 93-341, S. 3; P.A. 97-236, S. 4, 27; P.A. 04-199, S. 5; P.A. 09-187, S. 58; P.A. 11-48, S. 282; P.A. 25-15, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 91-275 inserted new Subdiv. (b) requiring the department to adopt regulations for the issuance of special number plates with the logos or emblems or Connecticut public and independent institutions of higher education, relettered former Subsec. (b) as (c) and restated its provisions; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (b) by providing for the renewal of collegiate special number plates and by providing that the plates may be obtained by any “individuals who meet the requirements established by the regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection”, amended Subdiv. (2) by requiring $50 donation to a scholarship fund or scholarship account at the institution of higher education prior to each issuance and renewal of plates and specifying that renewal would occur when motor vehicle's registration was renewed; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (a) to require that regulations provide that a labor union be a qualifying organization, effective June 24, 1997; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (c) to change from mandatory to permissive issuance of special certificates of registration and special number plates and to permit commissioner to discontinue issuance of special number plates if demand insufficient to support costs to produce, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision re issuance of special number plates to individuals meeting requirements established by regulations, to delete specific requirements re regulations and to delete provision re contributions to scholarship fund or account distributed on basis of financial need, and amended Subsec. (c) to insert reference to Sec. 14-19b and make a technical change; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (b) to replace “Board of Governors of the Department of Higher Education” with “Board of Regents for Higher Education”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 25-15 added Subsec. (d) re reimbursement of membership charge for Military Order of the Purple Heart number plate, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-19b. Issuance and renewal of collegiate commemorative number plates. Fees. Establishment of account. (a) On or after October 1, 2009, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, within available appropriations, may issue a collegiate commemorative number plate with a design containing the logo or emblem of an institution of higher education as determined by such institution of higher education, if such institution of higher education requests that a collegiate commemorative number plate be issued and demonstrates that there is a demand for at least four hundred collegiate commemorative number plates with a design containing the logo or emblem of such institution of higher education.

(b) If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles establishes a collegiate commemorative number plate for an institution of higher education pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the commissioner shall charge a fee of fifty-five dollars for such collegiate commemorative number plates in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of the motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates, and forty dollars of such fee shall be deposited in the account established under subsection (d) of this section. No transfer fee shall be charged for the transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with collegiate commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the commissioner. The commissioner may establish a higher fee for number plates: (1) That contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) that contain any combination of letters or numbers requested by the registrant as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section; and (3) that are low number plates, issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except the amount deposited in the account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the account established under subsection (d) of this section. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of collegiate commemorative number plates.

(c) A renewal fee of fifty-five dollars shall be charged for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle bearing a collegiate commemorative number plate, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle. Five dollars of the renewal fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing collegiate commemorative number plates.

(d) The Comptroller shall establish an account for each institution of higher education for which the commissioner has established a commemorative number plate pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Each such account shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. Such account shall contain any moneys required to be deposited in the account pursuant to this section. The moneys in each such account shall be distributed quarterly by the commissioner to the institution of higher education for which the account is established. Such institutions of higher education shall expend funds received from such accounts to provide funding for scholarships on the basis of financial need and for alumni outreach efforts.

(P.A. 09-187, S. 59; P.A. 25-110, S. 35.)

History: P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (d) to delete reference to General Fund, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-20b. Number plates for veterans and members of the armed forces, women veterans and members of the armed forces, members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units and eligible former reservists. Return and nonrenewal of number plates. (a)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any veteran or member of the armed forces or the surviving spouse of such veteran or member, shall register any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period of at least one year by such person and shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates commemorating such veteran's or member's military service for each such motor vehicle, including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any such veteran or member of the armed forces, or the surviving spouse of such veteran or member, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade or business.

(2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any woman veteran or woman member of the armed forces, shall register any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period of at least one year by such person and shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates commemorating such woman veteran's or woman member's military service for each such motor vehicle, including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any such woman veteran or woman member of the armed forces who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade or business.

(3) The plates provided for under this subsection shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. The commissioner shall charge a fee of fifteen dollars to replace such plates that become mutilated or illegible. Any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged shall return such plates to the commissioner not later than thirty days after such discharge. The commissioner shall not renew such plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased by any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, which units served in the United States secret war in the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War, or any person who is an eligible former reservist, or the surviving spouse of any such person, and after verification from the Department of Veterans Affairs as provided under subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection, as applicable, shall register any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period of at least one year by such person and shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates commemorating such person's military service for each such motor vehicle, including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any such person, or the surviving spouse of such person, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade or business. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle.

(2) Any person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, or the surviving spouse of such person, may submit a request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be listed as a veteran, based on such person's service during the Vietnam War, for the purpose of obtaining a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates under subdivision (1) of this subsection. Such person, or the surviving spouse of such person, shall provide to said department (A) an affidavit stating (i) when such person served, (ii) where such person served, (iii) the unit in which such person served, and (iv) the capacity in which such person served; (B) any available corroborating witness affidavits; (C) any available official documentation of service; and (D) any other documents supporting such person's or such surviving spouse's affidavit. Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such request, verify whether such person was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units and, if so verified, notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification.

(3) (A) Any person who is an eligible former reservist, or the surviving spouse of such person, may submit a request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be listed as a veteran, based on such person's service in a reserve component of the armed forces, for the purpose of obtaining a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates under subdivision (1) of this subsection. Such person, or the surviving spouse of such person, shall provide to said department all available official documentation of such service. Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such request, verify such person's service and, if so verified, notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification.

(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection or subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, neither the issuance of such registration and number plates to a person by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles nor the listing of such person as a veteran by the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs shall constitute proof of such person's eligibility for any other benefit available to veterans.

(c) As used in this section, “eligible former reservist” means any person honorably discharged from, released under honorable conditions from or released with an other than honorable discharge based on a qualifying condition from, the United States Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard; and “veteran”, “armed forces” and “qualifying condition” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103.

(P.A. 97-236, S. 1; P.A. 98-182, S. 7, 22; P.A. 11-56, S. 1; P.A. 17-148, S. 1; P.A. 18-47, S. 15; P.A. 21-51, S. 1; 21-79, S. 21; 21-106, S. 40; P.A. 24-119, S. 1; P.A. 25-15, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 98-182 expanded the category of vehicles eligible for number plates for veterans from passenger motor vehicles to all motor vehicles, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 11-56 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to add references to member of the armed forces and added Subsec. (b) re return and nonrenewal of number plates for dishonorably discharged member of armed forces, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 17-148 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re motor vehicles used for farming purposes and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 18-47 amended Subsec. (a) to define “member of the armed forces” and “veteran”; P.A. 21-51 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), added new Subsec. (b) re members of Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, and redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (c); P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (a) to redefine “veteran” and make a technical change; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re $15 replacement fee for mutilated or illegible plates, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 24-119 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re definitions of “veteran” and “armed forces” and adding provisions re return and nonrenewal of plates in case of dishonorably discharged armed forces member, amended Subsec. (b)(1) by adding reference to person who is eligible former reservist and adding reference to Subsec. (b)(3), amended Subsec. (b)(2) by replacing “based on such service” with “based on such person's service during the Vietnam War”, added Subsec. (b)(3)(A) re eligible former reservist's or surviving spouse's request to be listed as veteran for purposes of special certificate of registration and set of number plates for motor vehicle, added Subsec. (b)(3)(B) to provide that neither listing as veteran nor issuance of registration and plates under constitutes proof of eligibility for other veterans benefits, amended Subsec. (c) by deleting provision re return and nonrenewal of plates in case of dishonorably discharged armed forces member and defining “eligible former reservist”, “veteran”, “armed forces” and “qualifying condition” and made technical changes; P.A. 25-15 amended Subsec. (a) by designating existing provision re registration and number plates for veteran or member of armed forces as Subdiv. (1), adding Subdiv. (2) re registration and number plates for woman veteran or member of armed forces, designating existing provision re expiration, renewal, replacement and return of and fees for such plates as Subdiv. (3) and making technical changes, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21g. Keep Kids Safe account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “Keep Kids Safe account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be expended by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purposes of (1) innovative community programs to further the goal of protecting the safety of children, including, but not limited to, a bicycle helmet campaign, a child occupant protection program, a child drowning prevention program, a scald burn prevention program and a residential fire detection program; (2) allocation of grants to agencies, institutions or persons to conduct research, provide public education, establish outreach programs and enhance public awareness of safety issues with regard to children; and (3) reimbursement of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing Keep Kids Safe number plates, including administrative expenses, pursuant to section 14-21f.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Keep Kids Safe number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes, or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Keep Kids Safe account. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 95-275, S. 2, 3; P.A. 25-110, S. 36.)

History: P.A. 95-275 effective July 6, 1995; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21i. Greenways commemorative number plates. Fees. Greenways commemorative account. Regulations. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue greenways commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of, and provide funding for, state and local efforts to preserve, restore and protect greenways. The design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee of fifty dollars for a greenways commemorative number plate, with letters and numbers selected by the commissioner, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and thirty-five dollars of such fee into the greenways commemorative account established pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(2) The commissioner shall charge a fee of seventy dollars for a greenways commemorative number plate that (A) contains letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, or (B) is a low number plate in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said sections. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and fifty-five dollars of such fee into the greenways commemorative account.

(c) No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing greenways commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for greenways commemorative number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No transfer fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with greenways commemorative number plates.

(d) There is established an account to be known as the “greenways commemorative account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in the account shall be expended by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to fund the greenways capital grant program established pursuant to section 23-101 and the bikeway, pedestrian walkway, recreational trail and greenway grant program described in section 23-103.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of greenways commemorative number plates.

(P.A. 97-236, S. 18, 27; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 478; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 21-28, S. 14; P.A. 25-110, S. 37.)

History: P.A. 97-236 effective July 1, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3 amended Subsec. (d) to delete provision re fees established and collected pursuant to section shall be deposited in greenways account of Conservation Fund; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsecs. (a) and (d), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 21-28 amended Subsec. (a) to delete “On and after January 1, 1998, the”, add “and provide funding for,” and make conforming changes, amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amend same to add provisions re $50 fee and depositing such fees, delete provisions re adoption of regulations and authorization for commissioner to establish higher fee and make technical changes, and add Subdiv. (2) re $70 fee and depositing such fees, added new Subsec. (d) re greenways commemorative account and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e) and amend same to delete provision re consultation with Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and replace “shall” with “may”; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (d) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21k. Amistad commemorative account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “Amistad commemorative account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be expended by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purposes of: (1) Innovative community programs to further the goal of informing the public of the 1839 uprising against the crew of the Spanish slave schooner, The Amistad, and the United States Supreme Court case that arose from such uprising; (2) allocation of grants to agencies, institutions or persons to conduct research, provide public education, establish outreach programs and enhance public awareness of the Amistad uprising and its place in Connecticut's history; and (3) reimbursement to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing Amistad commemorative number plates, including administrative expenses, pursuant to section 14-21j.

(c) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in said account.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Amistad commemorative number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Amistad commemorative account. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 98-182, S. 10, 22; P.A. 25-110, S. 38.)

History: P.A. 98-182 effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21m. Olympic Spirit commemorative account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “Olympic Spirit commemorative account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be distributed annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the United States Olympic Committee, a nonprofit entity. Said moneys shall be expended by the United States Olympic Committee on efforts dedicated to providing athletes with support and training, and preparing athletes for sports competition.

(c) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 99-268, S. 37; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 25-110, S. 39; 25-168, S. 55.)

History: P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-168 amended Subsec. (b) to replace “quarterly” with “annually” re distribution of moneys, effective June 30, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21p. United We Stand commemorative account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “United We Stand commemorative account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purposes of (1) reimbursing boards of trustees or regents for the waiver of tuition and fees pursuant to subsection (e) of section 10a-105, subsection (d) of section 10a-99 and subsection (d) of section 10a-77, and (2) establishing a nonlapsing account within the General Fund to provide financial support for civil preparedness and related training activities, and for the purchase of supplies and equipment in support of emergency personnel.

(c) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 02-126, S. 3; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 24; P.A. 25-110, S. 40.)

History: P.A. 02-126 effective July 1, 2002; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting requirement that 50% of moneys in the account be distributed to U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice Fund and used solely to apprehend terrorists and, in Subdiv. (1), by adding “or regents” re recipients of tuition waiver reimbursements, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21r. Childhood cancer awareness account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “childhood cancer awareness account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

(b) The moneys in said account shall be expended by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purposes of: (1) Providing funding to the pediatric oncology units at Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital, and (2) reimbursement of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing childhood cancer awareness number plates, including administrative expenses, pursuant to section 14-21f.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the childhood cancer awareness number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes, or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the childhood cancer awareness account. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 03-265, S. 14; P.A. 25-110, S. 41.)

History: P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21u. Support Our Troops! commemorative number plates. Fees. Support Our Troops! account. (a) On and after January 1, 2009, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Support Our Troops! commemorative number plates to express support for our troops. Such plates shall bear the words “Support Our Troops!” and the image adopted by the national association, Support Our Troops, Inc. No use shall be made of such plates, except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for Support Our Troops! commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates, and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account to be used by Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc. for the purposes of subsection (c) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for the transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with Support Our Troops! commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for number plates: (1) Which contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) which contain letters in place of numbers, as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) which are low number plates, issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except the amount deposited in the account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the “Support Our Troops!” commemorative account, established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Support Our Troops! commemorative number plates.

(c) There is established the “Support Our Troops!” commemorative account, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in said account shall be used by Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc. for programs to assist troops, families of troops, and veterans. Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc. may receive private donations to said account and any such donations shall be deposited in said account.

(d) The funds in the account shall be distributed annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc.

(P.A. 08-150, S. 24; P.A. 25-110, S. 42; 25-168, S. 56.)

History: P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (c) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-168 amended Subsec. (d) to replace “quarterly” with “annually” re distribution of funds, effective June 30, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21v. Support for nursing profession commemorative number plates. Fees. Nursing account. (a) On and after January 1, 2009, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue commemorative number plates of a design to express support for the nursing profession, raise awareness of the nursing shortage and provide scholarships for nursing education and training. Such design shall be determined by the Connecticut Nurses Foundation, with the approval of the commissioner. No use shall be made of such plates, except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for such number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates, and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in the account established under subsection (c) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for the transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with commemorative nursing number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for number plates: (1) Which contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) which are low number plates issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except the amount deposited in the account controlled by the department, shall be deposited in the “Nursing” commemorative account established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of commemorative nursing number plates.

(c) There is established the “Nursing” commemorative account, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in the account shall be used by the Connecticut Nurses Foundation to provide scholarships for nursing education and training. The foundation may receive private donations to the account and any such donations shall be deposited in the account.

(d) The funds in the account shall be distributed annually by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to the Connecticut Nurses Foundation.

(P.A. 08-150, S. 25; P.A. 09-187, S. 25; P.A. 25-110, S. 43; 25-168, S. 57.)

History: P.A. 09-187 added Subsec. (d) requiring quarterly distribution of funds in account, effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (c) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-168 amended Subsec. (d) to replace “quarterly” with “annually” re distribution of funds, effective June 30, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21w. Share the Road commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. Share the Road account. Use of image. (a) On and after January 1, 2010, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue, within available appropriations, Share the Road commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the rights and responsibilities of both motorists and bicyclists while jointly using the highways of this state. The design shall be determined by agreement between the Department of Transportation and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with an organization advocating on behalf of bicyclists. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for Share the Road commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in the account established under subsection (d) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with Share the Road commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may establish a higher fee for: (1) Number plates that contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) number plates that contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) number plates that are low number plates issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except the amount deposited in the account controlled by the department, shall be deposited in the Share the Road account established under subsection (d) of this section.

(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Share the Road commemorative number plates.

(d) There is established a Share the Road account, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in the account shall be expended by the Department of Transportation to enhance public awareness of the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and motorists while jointly using the highways of this state and to promote bicycle use and safety in this state. The Commissioner of Transportation may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in said account.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Share the Road commemorative number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Share the Road account established under subsection (d) of this section. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in said account.

(P.A. 09-187, S. 60; P.A. 25-110, S. 44.)

History: P.A. 09-187 effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (d) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21x. Men's Health commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. Men's Health account. (a) On and after January 1, 2016, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue, within available appropriations, Men's Health commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of efforts to treat and cure prostate cancer. The design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Public Health and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for Men's Health commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in the account established under subsection (d) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with Men's Health commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may establish a higher fee for: (1) Number plates that contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) number plates that contain letters in place of numbers, as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) number plates that are low number plates issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except moneys designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the Men's Health account established under subsection (d) of this section.

(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Men's Health commemorative number plates.

(d) There is established a Men's Health account, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in the account shall be expended by the Department of Public Health to enhance public awareness of efforts to treat and cure prostate cancer and to support research into treatment for prostate cancer. The Commissioner of Public Health may receive private donations to the account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Men's Health commemorative number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Men's Health account established under subsection (d) of this section. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in said account.

(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 228; P.A. 25-110, S. 45.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (d) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21y. Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates. (a) On and after January 1, 2018, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates of a design to commemorate the Hartford Whalers and to provide funding to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The design shall be determined by the commissioner. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in the Hartford Whalers commemorative account established under subsection (d) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may establish a higher fee for number plates: (1) That contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) that contain letters in place of numbers, as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) that are low number plates issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except moneys designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the Hartford Whalers commemorative account.

(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates.

(d) There is established an account to be known as the “Hartford Whalers commemorative account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to provide funding to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. The secretary may receive private donations to the account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may provide for the reproduction and marking of the Hartford Whalers commemorative number plates image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Hartford Whalers commemorative account. Any moneys received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in the account.

(P.A. 17-79, S. 21; P.A. 25-110, S. 46.)

History: P.A. 17-79 effective June 27, 2017; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (d) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21aa. Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. Any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account shall be deposited in and credited to the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. The account shall be available to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection for (1) restoration and rehabilitation of lakes, rivers and ponds in the state; (2) programs of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the eradication of aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms; (3) education and public outreach programs to enhance the public's understanding of the need to protect and preserve the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (4) allocation of grants to state and municipal agencies and not-for-profit organizations to conduct research and to provide public education and public awareness to enhance understanding and management of the natural resources of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (5) provision of funds for all services that support the protection and conservation of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; and (6) reimbursement of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates, including administrative expenses, pursuant to section 14-21z.

(b) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may receive private donations to the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

(c) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Save Our Lakes commemorative number plate image for use on clothing, recreational equipment, posters, mementoes, or other products or programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of supporting the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. Any funds received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, not less than eighty per cent of any funds deposited into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account pursuant to section 14-21bb shall be utilized for the purposes described in subdivisions (2) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section.

(P.A. 18-101, S. 2; P.A. 19-190, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 6; P.A. 25-110, S. 47.)

History: P.A. 19-190 changed the name of the account from the “Connecticut Lakes and Ponds Preservation account” to the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account”, added Subsec. (d) re not less than 80 per cent of funds deposited into account to be utilized for certain purposes, and added references to rivers, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to replace “commissioner” with “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-21cc. The Borinqueneers commemorative number plates. Fees. Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut account. (a) On and after January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue commemorative number plates in recognition of the primarily Puerto Rican members of the Sixty-Fifth Infantry Regiment of the United States Army who served with distinction and were known as “The Borinqueneers”. The design of the number plates shall be determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in consultation with Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. No use shall be made of such plates, except as official registration marker plates.

(b) A fee of sixty dollars shall be charged for “The Borinqueneers” commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such number plates, and forty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account to be used by Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. for the purposes of subsection (c) of this section. No additional fee shall be charged in connection with the renewal of such number plates. No transfer fee shall be charged for the transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with “The Borinqueneers” commemorative number plates. Such number plates shall have letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for number plates: (1) Which contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) which contain letters in place of numbers, as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section; and (3) which are low number plates, issued in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for registration under said section. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section, except the amount deposited in the account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the “Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut” commemorative account, established pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of “The Borinqueneers” commemorative number plates.

(c) There is established the “Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut” commemorative account which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. The funds in said account shall be used by Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. to provide bilingual services and assistance to Connecticut veterans and members of the armed forces. Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. may receive private donations to said account and any such donations shall be deposited in said account.

(d) The funds in the account shall be distributed quarterly by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc.

(P.A. 25-15, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 25-15 effective January 1, 2026.

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(B)

OPERATORS' LICENSES

Sec. 14-36. Motor vehicle operator's license. (a) Motor vehicle operator's license required for operation of motor vehicle. Except as otherwise provided by this section and section 14-40a, no person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public highway of this state or private road on which a speed limit has been established in accordance with section 14-218a or section 14-307a until such person has obtained a motor vehicle operator's license.

(b) Adult instruction permit. Out-of-state license holders. Minimum age. (1) A person eighteen years of age or older who does not hold a motor vehicle operator's license may not operate a motor vehicle on the public highways of the state for the purpose of instruction until such person has applied for and obtained an adult instruction permit from the commissioner. Such person shall not be eligible for an adult instruction permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's license or privilege suspended or revoked. An applicant for an adult instruction permit shall, as a condition to receiving such permit, pass a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or submit to the commissioner the results of a vision examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-46b. Such medical professional shall certify that the applicant meets the vision standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-45a. An adult instruction permit shall entitle the holder, while such holder has the permit in his or her immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways, provided such holder is under the instruction of, and accompanied by, a person who holds an instructor's license issued under the provisions of section 14-73 or a person twenty years of age or older who has been licensed to operate, for at least four years preceding the instruction, a motor vehicle of the same class as the motor vehicle being operated and who has not had his or her motor vehicle operator's license suspended by the commissioner during the four-year period preceding the instruction. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's license to any person holding an adult instruction permit who has held such permit for less than ninety days unless such person (A) is a member of the armed forces on active duty outside the state, or (B) has previously held a motor vehicle operator's license. (2) A person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license may operate a motor vehicle for a period of sixty days following such person's establishment of residence in Connecticut, if the motor vehicle is of the same class as that for which his or her out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license was issued. (3) No person may cause or permit the operation of a motor vehicle by a person under sixteen years of age.

(c) Youth instruction permit. (1) A person who is sixteen or seventeen years of age and who has not had a motor vehicle operator's license or right to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended or revoked may apply to the commissioner for a youth instruction permit. The commissioner may issue a youth instruction permit to an applicant after the applicant has (A) passed a test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, (B) paid the fee required by subsection (v) of section 14-49, (C) passed a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or submitted to the commissioner the results of a vision examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-46b, that certifies that the applicant meets the vision standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-45a and (D) filed a certificate, in such form as the commissioner prescribes, requesting or consenting to the issuance of the youth instruction permit and the motor vehicle operator's license, signed by (i) one or both parents or foster parents of the applicant, as the commissioner requires, (ii) the legal guardian of the applicant, (iii) the applicant's spouse, if the spouse is eighteen years of age or older, or (iv) if the applicant has no qualified spouse and such applicant's parent or foster parent or legal guardian is deceased, incapable, domiciled outside of this state or otherwise unavailable or unable to sign or file the certificate, the applicant's stepparent, grandparent, or uncle or aunt by blood or marriage, provided such person is eighteen years of age or older. The commissioner may, for the more efficient administration of the commissioner's duties, appoint any drivers' school licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69 or any secondary school providing instruction in motor vehicle operation and highway safety in accordance with section 14-36e to issue a youth instruction permit, subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may prescribe in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. Each youth instruction permit shall expire two years from the date of issuance or on the date the holder of the permit is issued a motor vehicle operator's license, whichever is earlier. Any holder of a youth instruction permit who attains eighteen years of age may retain such permit until the expiration of such permit. (2) The youth instruction permit shall entitle the holder, while such holder has the permit in his or her immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways, provided such holder is under the instruction of, and accompanied by, a person who holds an instructor's license issued under the provisions of section 14-73 or a person twenty years of age or older who has been licensed to operate, for at least four years preceding the instruction, a motor vehicle of the same class as the motor vehicle being operated and who has not had his or her motor vehicle operator's license suspended by the commissioner during the four-year period preceding the instruction. (3) Unless the holder of the permit is under the instruction of and accompanied by a person who holds an instructor's license issued under the provisions of section 14-73, no passenger in addition to the person providing instruction shall be transported unless such passenger is a parent or legal guardian of the holder of the permit. (4) The holder of a youth instruction permit who (A) is an active member of a certified ambulance service, as defined in section 19a-175, (B) has commenced an emergency vehicle operator's course that conforms to the national standard curriculum developed by the United States Department of Transportation, and (C) has had state and national criminal history records checks conducted by the certified ambulance service or by the municipality in which such ambulance service is provided, shall be exempt from the provisions of subdivisions (2) and (3) of this subsection only when such holder is driving to or from the location of the ambulance for purposes of responding to an emergency call. (5) The commissioner may revoke any youth instruction permit used in violation of the limitations imposed by subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection.

(d) Operator's license requirements for persons sixteen or seventeen years of age. Administration of knowledge test. (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued to any applicant who is sixteen or seventeen years of age unless the applicant has held a youth instruction permit and has satisfied the requirements specified in this subsection. The applicant shall (A) submit to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner shall direct, a certificate of the successful completion (i) in a public secondary school, a technical education and career school or a private secondary school of a full course of study in motor vehicle operation prepared as provided in section 14-36e, (ii) of training of similar nature provided by a licensed drivers' school approved by the commissioner, or (iii) of home training in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection, including, in each case, or by a combination of such types of training, successful completion of: Not less than forty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for applicants to whom a youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008; (B) submit to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner shall direct, a certificate of the successful completion of (i) a course of not less than eight hours relative to safe driving practices, including a minimum of four hours on the nature and the medical, biological and physiological effects of alcohol and drugs, including cannabis, as defined in section 21a-420, and their impact on the operator of a motor vehicle, the dangers associated with the operation of a motor vehicle after the consumption of alcohol or drugs by the operator, the problems of alcohol and drug abuse, the penalties for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations and a video presentation specific to the impact of cannabis on the operator of a motor vehicle and how the ingestion of cannabis can cause impairment of motor function, reaction time, perception and peripheral vision, and (ii) for applicants to whom a youth instruction permit is issued on or after January 1, 2026, the highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program established in section 14-111r; and (C) pass an examination which may include a comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road in addition to the test required under subsection (c) of this section and shall include an on-the-road skills test as prescribed by the commissioner. At the time of application and examination for a motor vehicle operator's license, an applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age shall have held a youth instruction permit for not less than one hundred eighty days, except that an applicant who presents a certificate under subparagraph (A)(i) or subparagraph (A)(ii) of this subdivision shall have held a youth instruction permit for not less than one hundred twenty days and an applicant who is undergoing training and instruction by the driver training unit for persons with disabilities in accordance with the provisions of section 14-11b shall have held such permit for the period of time required by said unit. The commissioner shall approve the content of the safe driving practices course at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools. Subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may impose, the commissioner may authorize any drivers' school, licensed in good standing in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69, or secondary school driver education program authorized pursuant to the provisions of section 14-36e, to administer the comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, required pursuant to subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, as part of the safe driving practices course required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, and to certify to the commissioner, under oath, the results of each such test administered. Such hours of instruction required by this subdivision shall be included as part of or in addition to any existing instruction programs. Any fee charged for the course required under subparagraph (B)(i) or (B)(ii) of this subdivision shall not exceed two hundred dollars. Any applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age who, while a resident of another state, completed the course required in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, but did not complete the safe driving practices course required in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, shall complete the safe driving practices course. The commissioner may waive any requirement in this subdivision, except for the requirements of subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, in the case of an applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age who holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by any other state, provided the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant has received training and instruction of a similar nature.

(2) The commissioner may accept as evidence of sufficient training under subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection home training as evidenced by a written statement submitted to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs. Such statement shall be signed by the spouse of a married minor applicant, or by a parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian of an applicant, and state that the applicant has obtained a youth instruction permit and has successfully completed a driving course taught by the person signing the statement, that the signer has had an operator's license for at least four years preceding the date of the statement, and that the signer has not had such license suspended by the commissioner for at least four years preceding the date of the statement. If the applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent or guardian so qualified and available to give the instruction, such statement may be signed by the applicant's stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage, provided the person signing the statement is qualified.

(3) The knowledge test for a class D motor vehicle operator's license required under this section shall be administered (A) in electronic and audio format and any other format the commissioner deems appropriate, and (B) at the option of the applicant, in English, Spanish or any language spoken at home by at least one per cent of the state's population, according to statistics prepared by the United States Census Bureau, based on the most recent decennial census. The knowledge test shall also be administered in a written or electronic format in at least twenty-six other languages that the commissioner, in consultation with representatives of organizations that advocate on behalf of or assist immigrants, refugees or other persons who are English language learners, determines are responsive to the linguistic needs of the emerging immigrant and refugee populations in the state. Each knowledge test offered in such other languages shall be reviewed by a person who is fluent in the language of such knowledge test and may also be administered in an audio format as the commissioner deems appropriate. The commissioner shall require any applicant under this section to have sufficient understanding of English for the interpretation of traffic control signs.

(4) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the purposes of this subsection concerning the requirements for behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction, the content of safe driving practices course at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools, and the administration and certification of required testing.

(e) Requirements for issuance of operator's license. (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued until (A) the applicant signs and submits to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs, an application under oath, or made subject to penalties for false statement in accordance with section 53a-157b, (B) the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is sixteen years of age or older and is a suitable person to receive the license, and (C) the applicant's safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel that requires a safe boating certificate for operation or certificate of personal watercraft operation, if any, is not suspended or revoked, or is not subject to any pending action by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection that may result in a suspension or revocation, due to a violation of subsection (d) of section 15-133, or section 15-140l or 15-140n.

(2) Except any applicant described in section 14-36m, an applicant for a new motor vehicle operator's license shall submit with the application a copy of such applicant's birth certificate or other prima facie evidence, as determined by the commissioner, of date of birth and evidence of identity.

(3) Before granting a license to any applicant who has not previously held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, or whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date, the commissioner shall require the applicant to demonstrate personally to the commissioner, a deputy, a motor vehicle inspector or an agent of the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs, that the applicant is a proper person to operate motor vehicles of the class for which such applicant has applied, has sufficient knowledge of the mechanism of the motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation by him or her and has satisfactory knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road. The knowledge test of an applicant for a class D motor vehicle operator's license shall include a question concerning highway work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under section 14-212d. Each such knowledge test shall include not less than one question concerning distracted driving, the use of mobile telephones and electronic devices by motor vehicle operators or the responsibilities of motor vehicle operators under section 14-296aa. If any such applicant has held a license from a state, territory or possession of the United States where a similar examination is required, the commissioner may waive part or all of the examination. If any such applicant is (A) a veteran who applies not later than two years after the date of discharge from the military and who, prior to such discharge, held a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such applicant has applied, or (B) a member of the armed forces or the National Guard who currently holds a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such applicant has applied, the commissioner shall waive all of the examination, except in the case of a commercial motor vehicle license, the commissioner shall waive the driving skills test for such applicant and may, in such commissioner's discretion, waive the knowledge test for such application, provided such applicant meets the conditions set forth in 49 CFR 383.77, as amended from time to time. For the purposes of this subsection, “veteran” and “armed forces” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103. When the commissioner is satisfied as to the ability and competency of any applicant, the commissioner may issue to such applicant a license, either unlimited or containing such limitations as the commissioner deems advisable, and specifying the class of motor vehicles which the licensee is eligible to operate.

(4) If any applicant or operator license holder has any health problem which might affect such person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, the commissioner may require the applicant or license holder to demonstrate personally or otherwise establish that, notwithstanding such problem, such applicant or license holder is a proper person to operate a motor vehicle, and the commissioner may further require a certificate of such applicant's condition, signed by a medical authority designated by the commissioner, which certificate shall in all cases be treated as confidential by the commissioner. A license, containing such limitation as the commissioner deems advisable, may be issued or renewed in any case, but nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the commissioner from refusing a license, either limited or unlimited, to any person or suspending a license of a person whom the commissioner determines to be incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. Consistent with budgetary allotments, each motor vehicle operator's license issued to or renewed by a person who is deaf or hard of hearing shall, upon the request of such person, indicate such impairment. Such person shall submit a certificate stating such impairment, in such form as the commissioner may require and signed by a licensed health care practitioner.

(5) The issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to any applicant who is the holder of a license issued by another state shall be subject to the provisions of section 14-111k.

(f) Limited license. No person issued a limited license shall operate (1) a motor vehicle in violation of the limitations imposed by such license, or (2) any motor vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which such person's right to operate is limited.

(g) Ignition interlock device. The commissioner may place a restriction on the motor vehicle operator's license of any person or on any special operator's permit issued to any person in accordance with the provisions of section 14-37a that restricts the holder of such license or permit to the operation of a motor vehicle that is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j, for such time as the commissioner shall prescribe, if such person has: (1) Been convicted for a first or second time of a violation of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227a, and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsections (g) and (i) of section 14-227a; (2) been ordered by the Superior Court not to operate any motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-227j; (3) been granted a reversal or reduction of such person's license suspension or revocation, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-111; (4) been issued a motor vehicle operator's license upon the surrender of an operator's license issued by another state and such previously held license contains a restriction to the operation of a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device; (5) been convicted of a violation of section 53a-56b or 53a-60d; (6) been permitted by the commissioner to be issued or to retain an operator's license subject to reporting requirements concerning such person's physical condition, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of this section and sections 14-45a to 14-46g, inclusive; (7) had such person's operator's license suspended under subsection (i) of section 14-227b and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of such suspension; (8) been convicted for a first or second time of a violation of subsection (a) of section 14-227m and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227m and subsection (i) of section 14-227a; or (9) been convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227n and subsection (i) of section 14-227a.

(h) Driving history record check. Before issuing a motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with this section or section 14-44c, the commissioner shall request information from the National Driver Registry and the Commercial Driver License Information System, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR section 383.73. Each driving history record shall contain a notation of the date on which such inquiry was made.

(i) Penalties. (1) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined not less than seventy-five dollars or more than ninety dollars and, for any subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or more than three hundred fifty dollars or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(2) In addition to the penalty prescribed under subdivision (1) of this subsection, any person who violates any provision of this section who (A) has, prior to the commission of the present violation, committed a violation of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or sentenced to perform not more than one hundred hours of community service, or (B) has, prior to the commission of the present violation, committed two or more violations of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, or any combination thereof, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one year, and, in the absence of any mitigating circumstances as determined by the court, ninety days of the sentence imposed may not be suspended or reduced in any manner.

(j) Regulations. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(1949 Rev., S. 2377; 1949, S. 1295d; 1953, S. 1296d; 1957, P.A. 117; 411; 437, S. 2; 599, S. 3; September, 1957, P.A. 23, S. 1; 1959, P.A. 309, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 481, S. 1; 1963, P.A. 150; 550, S. 2; February, 1965, P.A. 361, S. 3; 1967, P.A. 458, S. 3; 614, S. 1; 807, S. 3; 832, S. 4; 1969, P.A. 55, S. 1; 445, S. 1; 807, S. 1, 2; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 13; P.A. 73-507; 73-605, S. 1; P.A. 74-33; 74-36, S. 1; P.A. 76-263, S. 3, 9; P.A. 77-256, S. 1, 4; P.A. 79-7; P.A. 81-172, S. 17; P.A. 82-223, S. 9; P.A. 83-452; 83-491; 83-577, S. 15; P.A. 84-429, S. 15; 84-546, S. 40, 173; P.A. 86-90, S. 1; P.A. 89-242, S. 1, 7; P.A. 90-265, S. 1, 8; P.A. 91-13, S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-341, S. 9; P.A. 95-181, S. 2; P.A. 96-244, S. 35, 63; 96-248, S. 1, 4; P.A. 97-1, S. 1, 4; 97-236, S. 24, 27; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 73, 88; P.A. 02-70, S. 52, 66; P.A. 03-171, S. 1; 03-265, S. 20; P.A. 04-217, S. 2; 04-257, S. 22; P.A. 05-54, S. 1; 05-215, S. 3; 05-218, S. 20; P.A. 06-130, S. 2; 06-196, S. 281; P.A. 07-167, S. 20, 22; P.A. 08-32, S. 2, 3; 08-150, S. 57; P.A. 09-187, S. 2, 51; P.A. 11-48, S. 53; 11-51, S. 218; 11-213, S. 12, 13, 58; P.A. 12-81, S. 37; 12-116, S. 87; P.A. 13-89, S. 2; 13-92, S. 3; 13-271, S. 50, 56; 13-277, S. 22; P.A. 14-122, S. 20; 14-130, S. 4; 14-131, S. 2, 3; 14-228, S. 1; P.A. 16-126, S. 7; P.A. 17-79, S. 2; 17-202, S. 43; 17-237, S. 93; P.A. 21-28, S. 8; 21-79, S. 22; 21-106, S. 9; P.A. 23-40, S. 27; 23-47, S. 5; 23-116, S. 6; P.A. 25-159, S. 17, 27.)

History: 1959 act added to Subsec. (a) provision for waiver of certificate requirement for persons eighteen to twenty-one in hardship cases; 1961 act added provisions re home training certificates to Subsec. (a); 1963 acts added provisions for 60-day operation under out-of-state license and for request by spouse of minor applicant for issuance of license to such applicant and for signing of home training certificate by such spouse to Subsec. (a); 1965 act added references to schools in driver training course provisions in Subsec. (a); 1967 acts clarified provisions by referring to licenses for operation of different classes of vehicles, deleted references to certificates of behind-the-wheel training from secondary or vocational schools, added provision re filing birth certificate copy with application for license and added Subsec. (e) re definition of motor vehicle; 1969 acts required instructor accompanying learning driver to be at least twenty-one and to have held license for at least 2 years, allowed certificate of request, consent or instruction to be signed by stepparent, uncle or aunt under certain conditions, added provision re written examination in English or Spanish and allowed waiver of part or all of licensure examination for persons holding license from territory or possession of U.S.; 1972 act amended provisions to reflect change in age of majority from 21 to 18; P.A. 73-507 specified that behind-the-wheel instruction by drivers' training school be “given on the roads and highways of this state”; P.A. 73-605 allowed brother or sister to sign instruction certificate and added requirement that brother, sister, stepparent, uncle or aunt sign certificate when spouse, parent or guardian is not available to give instruction; P.A. 74-33 added special provision for waiver of examination when applicant recently serving in armed forces and holding military license for class of vehicles he is applying for license to drive; P.A. 74-36 allowed foster parents to sign certificates of request, consent or instruction; P.A. 76-263 made provisions of Subsec. (b) generally applicable to applicants who have not held Connecticut license during the preceding 4, rather than 2, years; P.A. 77-256 repealed change in applicability provision of Subsec. (b) enacted in 1976 act; P.A. 79-7 substituted “on the road” instruction for instruction “given on the roads and highways of this state” and allowed grandparents to sign instruction certificate; P.A. 81-172 required an operator's license for driving on a private road with established speed limit; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (d) by specifying that the commission of a first offense constituted an infraction and establishing a minimum fine therefor of $25; P.A. 83-452 amended Subsec. (a), eliminating the 30-day limitation on the right of a student driver to operate a motor vehicle while under instruction; P.A. 83-491 amended Subsec. (b), providing that a license issued to or renewed by a deaf or hearing impaired person on or after October 1, 1983, shall indicate such impairment upon that person's request; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (d) by increasing the minimum fine for a first offense from $25 to $35; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions, transferred provision re license recall in Subsec. (d) to Sec. 14-38(a), a provision re classifications in Subsec. (f) to Sec. 14-36a(c) and made other technical changes; P.A. 84-546 made technical change, overridden in part by P.A. 84-429; P.A. 86-90 amended Subsec. (d)(2) to require signer of home training certificate to hold operator's license for a minimum of 4 years, to eliminate reference to age of such signer and to provide that such certificate be on file for 30 days before applicant may take examination; P.A. 89-242 amended Subsec. (d)(2) to require applicants between 16 and 18 years old to present proof of successful completion of a course relative to safe driving and alcohol and drug education and to authorize the motor vehicle commissioner to adopt regulations concerning the content of safe driving instruction at drivers' schools; P.A. 90-265 amended Subsec. (e) to replace reference to applicant who “suffers from any physical defect or from any disease” with reference to applicant or operator license holder who has any health problem, and to authorize commissioner to suspend license of person determined to be incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle; P.A. 91-13 amended Subsec. (e) to require each part of license examination to be conducted on same day at same location; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to reduce from 60 to 30 the number of days during which a person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license could operate a motor vehicle following establishment of residence in Connecticut, if the motor vehicle was of the same class as that for which his out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license was issued; P.A. 95-181 amended Subsec. (g) by increasing the minimum fine for a first offense from $35 to $75 and the maximum fine from $50 to $90, adding a minimum fine of $250 for any subsequent offense and increasing the maximum fine from $100 to $350 for any such offense; P.A. 96-244 amended Subsec. (d) to transfer authority for the content of safe driving instruction at high schools and other secondary schools from the Commissioner of Education to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 96-248 amended Subsec. (b) to eliminate provisions authorizing person 16 years of age or older to operate a motor vehicle without license and requiring instructor to have full control of motor vehicle and to authorize issuance of a learner's permit on or after January 1, 1997, to persons 16 or 17 years of age, amended Subsec. (c) to require applicant for a new motor vehicle operator's license to file evidence of identity with application, amended Subsec. (d) to increase number of hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction from six to eight, to substitute “on-the-road skills test” for “examination”, to increase length of time within which home training certificate shall be on file with commissioner from 30 to 90 days and to insert references to “obtained a learner's permit” where applicable and amended Subsec. (e) to eliminate requirement that each part of operator's license examination be conducted on same day at same location, effective January 1, 1997; P.A. 97-1 restated the provisions of Subsecs. (b) to (e), inclusive, amended Subsec. (b) to restore language allowing persons 18 years of age or older to operate motor vehicles without an operator's license if they meet two requirements, transferred provisions re learner's permit from Subsec. (b) to (c), amended Subsec. (d) for consistency with provisions requiring a learner's permit and to eliminate home training certificates, amended Subsec. (g) to eliminate reference to Subsec. “(a), (b), (c), (d) or (f)” and added new Subsec. (i), authorizing commissioner to adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section, effective January 30, 1997; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to restate provision re operation on a multiple-lane limited access highway and added exception thereto for permit holders under the instruction of a person who holds an instructor's license, effective June 24, 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to add exemption and qualifications for ambulance service members, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (d)(1) to increase the fee that may be charged for course on safe driving practices from $25 to $40, effective July 1, 2002, and added Subsec. (e)(5) providing that issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to an applicant who holds a license from another state shall be subject to provisions of Secs. 14-111c and 14-111k, effective January 1, 2003; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting restrictions on holder of learner's permit to operate motor vehicle on multiple-lane limited access highways, amended Subsec. (d) to increase from five to eight the number of hours of safe driving instruction a 16 or 17-year-old applicant must complete before being issued motor vehicle operator's license, to increase from two to four the number of hours of instruction re the effects of alcohol and drugs on the operation of a motor vehicle that must be included as part of the eight hours of safe driving instruction, to change $40 fee for safe driving instruction to fee prescribed by commissioner by regulation, and to permit 16 or 17-year-old applicant who, while resident of another state, completed all but alcohol and drug portion of safe driving instruction to complete that portion at a fee prescribed by the commissioner by regulation, deleted former Subsec. (h) re definition and redesignated existing Subsec. (i) as Subsec. (h), making technical changes therein, and made technical changes in Subsecs. (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f), effective October 1, 2003, but not applicable to persons 16 or 17 years of age who applied for a learner's permit on or before that date; P.A. 03-265 amended Subsec. (d)(1) by making identical changes to those made by P.A. 03-171 and adding requirement that signer of statement evidencing home training not have had license suspended by commissioner for at least 4 years preceding date of statement, effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 04-217 added new Subsec. (g) requiring information request from National Driver Registry and Commercial Driver License Information System prior to issuance of motor vehicle operator's license, and redesignated existing Subsecs. (g) and (h) as new Subsecs. (h) and (i), effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 04-257 made technical changes in Subsec. (g), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 05-54 amended Subsec. (d)(1) by adding Subpara. (A)(iii) re home training in accordance with Subdiv. (2) “or by a combination of such types of training”, changing “eight” to “twenty” re clock hours of instruction and making technical changes; P.A. 05-215 amended Subsec. (h) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and add Subdiv. (2) re additional penalties for persons who have one or more prior violations of this section or Sec. 14-215(a); P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (e)(1)(A) to delete provisions re renewals need not be under oath and re application to state such information as commissioner requires and add provision re application made subject to penalties for false statement in accordance with Sec. 53a-157b; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(C) to limit the 120-day learner's permit period to only those applicants who produce a certificate from a secondary or vocational school program or from a licensed drivers' school approved by the commissioner, effective June 2, 2006; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (d)(2), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (c) by adding new Subdivs. (3) and (4) re limitations on transportation of passengers by learner's permit holder, redesignating existing provisions of Subdiv. (2) re exemption as Subdiv. (5), redesignating existing Subdiv. (3) as Subdiv. (6) and making conforming changes, and amended Subsec. (h)(2)(B) by changing penalty from term of imprisonment of 90 days which may not be suspended or reduced to term of imprisonment of one year, 90 days of which may not be suspended or reduced; P.A. 08-32 amended Subsec. (c) to eliminate separate three and six-month passenger restrictions by revising provisions in Subdiv. (3) and deleting former Subdiv. (4), to renumber existing Subdivs. (5) and (6) as new Subdivs. (4) and (5) and to make conforming changes, and amended Subsec. (d) in Subdiv. (1) to increase clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for persons issued a learner's permit on or after August 1, 2008, from not less than 20 to not less than 40, to make test re motor vehicle laws and road rules permissive and to clarify that such test is in addition to test required under Subsec. (c) and, in Subdiv. (4), to authorize adoption of regulations to implement requirements for behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction, effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 08-150 added new Subsec. (g) re ignition interlock device (Revisor's note: In 2009, existing Subsecs. (g), (h) and (i) were redesignated editorially by the Revisors as Subsecs. (h), (i) and (j), respectively, to conform section with the addition of new Subsec. (g) by P.A. 08-150); P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (c)(1)(D) to include grandparent, effective July 8, 2009 and amended Subsec. (d)(1) to make a technical change, make second test of laws concerning motor vehicles and rules of the road mandatory, add provision re authorization for driver's school or secondary school driver education program to administer second test and replace former provisions re fee amount prescribed by regulation with provision establishing maximum course fees, and amended Subsec. (d)(4) to make a technical change and insert “and the administration and certification of required testing”, effective October 1, 2009; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (g)(1) to make provisions applicable to person convicted for a “first” time violation of Sec. 14-227a(a)(2) and reduce minimum suspension period that must be served from “one year” to “forty-five days”, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-51 made identical changes as P.A. 11-48, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(C) to make inclusion of comprehensive test permissive, rather than mandatory, and amended Subsec. (e) to authorize administration of class D knowledge test in various forms and require administration in other languages, effective July 13, 2011, and amended Subsec. (g)(3) to replace reference to Sec. 14-111(k) with reference to Sec. 14-111(i), effective October 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to rephrase provisions, add provision requiring person to apply for and obtain an adult instruction permit to operate motor vehicle on public highways for purpose of instruction, make person ineligible for permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's license suspended or revoked, replacing prior disqualifier of having a “Connecticut” motor vehicle operator's license suspended or revoked, and provide that adult instruction permit entitles holder, while holder has permit in his or her possession, to operate motor vehicle on public highways provided holder is being instructed and accompanied by person meeting specified conditions, amended Subsec. (c) to replace “learner's permit” with “youth instruction permit”, provide such permit expires on the earliest of the permit holder being issued an operator's license, the permit holder attaining age 18 or “two years from the date of issuance” and delete an obsolete date and amended Subsec. (d) to replace “learner's permit” with “youth instruction permit” and delete provision re minimum hours of instruction for applicants to whom learner's permit is issued before August 1, 2008, effective January 1, 2013; pursuant to P.A. 12-116, “vocational school” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “technical high school” in Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i), effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-89 amended Subsec. (e)(2) to exclude applicants described in Sec. 14-36m, effective January 1, 2015; P.A. 13-92 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to add provision requiring each knowledge test to include a question concerning highway work zone safety; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to make ineligible for adult instruction permit any person who has had motor vehicle operator's privilege suspended or revoked and to prohibit issuance of motor vehicle operator's license to person holding adult instruction permit who has held permit for less than 90 days unless person is member of armed forces on active duty outside the state or previously held Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, effective July 11, 2013, and amended Subsec. (d)(1) to delete provision establishing maximum fee of $125 for safe driving practices course or $150 for such course if comprehensive knowledge test is also administered and to establish maximum fee of $150 for any safe driving practices course, effective October 1, 2013; P.A. 13-277 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to add provision requiring inclusion of not less than one question on knowledge test re distracted driving or use of mobile telephones and electronic devices; P.A. 14-122 amended Subsec. (d)(1) to replace “handicapped driver training unit” with “driver training unit for persons with disabilities”; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (b)(1)(B) by deleting reference to Connecticut re person having previously held an operator's license, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 14-131 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to delete provision re waiver of examination for person honorably separated from armed forces, to add provision re waiver of examination or driving skills test for certain veterans and members of the armed forces or National Guard and to add definitions of “veteran” and “armed forces”; P.A. 14-228 amended Subsec. (g) to add Subdiv. (7) re person whose operator's license was suspended under Sec. 14-227b(i) and has served not less than 45 days of suspension and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2015; (Revisor's note: In 2015, the provisions added by P.A. 13-92, S. 3, and P.A. 13-277, S. 22, were incorporated editorially by the Revisors in the version of Subsec. (e), as amended by P.A. 13-89, S. 2, that became effective on January 1, 2015); P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (g) by adding Subdiv. (8) re violation of Sec. 14-227m(a) and by adding Subdiv. (9) re violation of Sec. 14-227n(a)(1) or (2); P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c)(1) by deleting provision re expiration of youth instruction permit on date the holder attains age 18, adding provision re holder who attains age 18 may retain such permit until expiration, and making technical changes, effective June 27, 2017; P.A. 17-202 amended Subsec. (e)(4) by replacing “deaf or hearing impaired person” with “person who is deaf or hard of hearing”; P.A. 17-237 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i) by replacing “state technical high school” with “technical education and career school”, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 21-28 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-218a(a) with reference to Sec. 14-218a and adding reference to Sec. 14-307a; P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (e)(3) by redefining “veteran” and making technical changes; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re vision screening or vision examination in Subdiv. (1) and replace 30 days with 60 days in Subdiv. (2), amended Subsec. (c) to designate existing provision re knowledge test and fee as new Subparas. (A) and (B), add new Subpara. (C) re vision screening or vision examination, designate existing provision re certificate as new Subpara. (D) and redesignate existing Subparas. (A) to (D) as clauses (i) to (iv), amended Subsec. (e) to add “, as determined by the commissioner,” in Subdiv. (2), and replace “who has not operated a motor vehicle during the preceding two years” with “whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date” and add provision re commissioner discretion to waive knowledge test in case of commercial motor vehicle license for certain veterans and members of the armed forces or National Guard in Subdiv. (3), and made technical and conforming changes in Subsecs. (c) to (e), effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 23-47 amended Subsec. (i)(2)(B) by adding language re absence of mitigating circumstances and making a technical change; P.A. 23-40 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(B) to add instruction on cannabis and video presentation on impact of cannabis to safe driving practices course, moved provision re administration of knowledge test from Subsec. (e)(3) to Subsec. (d)(3) and amended same to add provision re administration of knowledge test in languages responsive to needs of immigrants, refugees or other persons who are English language learners, amended Subsec. (e)(5) to delete reference to Sec. 14-111c and made technical and conforming changes; P.A. 23-116 amended Subsec. (e)(5) to delete reference to Sec. 14-111c, effective July 1, 2023; (Revisor's note: In 2026, an additional “(a)” designator inadvertently inserted in Subsec. (a) before the words “Except as otherwise provided” in the version of this section published in 2022 was deleted editorially by the Revisors); P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(B) by designating existing provision re safe driving practices course as clause (i) and adding clause (ii) re highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program, amended Subsec. (d) by replacing reference to Subpara. (B) with reference to Subpara (B)(i) or (ii), increasing fee for courses from $150 to $200, changing references from safe driving instruction to safe driving practices course and making technical changes, and amended Subsec. (e)(1) by adding Subpara. (C) re prohibition to issuing motor vehicle operator's license until safe boating certificate, right to operate a vessel or certificate of personal watercraft operation is not suspended, revoked or subject to pending action.

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Sec. 14-36d. Acquisition and installation of equipment. Renewal and duplication of license or card without personal appearance. Method for issuance, renewal or duplication of license, permit or card. Temporary license, permit or card. Procedures. (a) The commissioner may acquire, by lease or purchase, and install at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles and at such other locations where operator's licenses are issued or renewed, such equipment as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The commissioner may renew or produce a duplicate of any motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card without personal appearance of the license or card holder if (1) the commissioner has on file a photograph or digital image of the applicant that meets the specifications and standards prescribed by the commissioner and may be used on such license or identity card, (2) the commissioner has satisfactory evidence of the identity of the applicant, (3) the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is a legal resident of this state, (4) in the case of a renewal, the applicant personally appeared to renew such license or identity card within the time limitations specified in 6 CFR 37.25, as amended from time to time, or a shorter period of time at the discretion of the commissioner, and (5) the applicant meets all other requirements for the renewal or duplicate issuance of a license or identity card.

(c) The commissioner may issue, renew or duplicate a license, an instruction or learner's permit or an identity card pursuant to this title or section 1-1h by any method that the commissioner deems to be secure and efficient. If the commissioner determines that an applicant has met all conditions for such issuance, renewal or duplication, the commissioner may require that such license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card be produced at a centralized location and mailed to the applicant. The commissioner may issue a temporary license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card for use by the applicant for the period prior to the applicant's receipt of the permanent license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card. Such temporary license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card shall not be required to contain a photograph or digital image of the applicant as specified in subdivision (8) of subsection (a) of section 14-36h. Such temporary license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card shall have an expiration date not later than thirty days after the date of issuance and shall remain valid until the earlier of such expiration date or the date the applicant receives such license, instruction or learner's permit or identity card.

(d) If the commissioner provides for the renewal or duplicate issuance of the motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card without the personal appearance of the license or card holder in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall establish procedures to renew or issue a duplicate of such license or identity card by mail or by electronic communication with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(P.A. 76-263, S. 1, 9; P.A. 77-256, S. 2, 4; P.A. 84-197, S. 3; 84-429, S. 18; P.A. 85-613, S. 148, 154; P.A. 93-341, S. 33, 38; P.A. 03-171, S. 3; P.A. 07-167, S. 19; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 199; P.A. 21-106, S. 10; P.A. 24-20, S. 31; P.A. 25-159, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 77-256 amended Subsec. (a) to add proviso re renewal of licenses expiring in July, 1977; P.A. 84-197 inserted new language in Subsec. (b), requiring the commissioner to issue a distinctive license to persons less than 20 years of age and relettered the remaining Subsec.; P.A. 84-429 deleted obsolete provisions, rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-613 amended Subsec. (b) to apply with respect to persons under 21 as of September 1, 1985, where previously applicable to persons under twenty as of January 1, 1985; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) to allow for renewal sites other than motor vehicle department offices, amended Subsec. (b) to replace specification that the license be “distinctive” with requirement that the license indicate the date of the person's twenty-first birthday and made technical changes throughout section, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to delete references to motorcycle operator's license; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re license picture, form and content, inserting “issued or” and replacing “this section” with “this chapter”, deleted former Subsec. (b) re license issued to person less than 21 years of age, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (b) and replaced former provisions thereof with provisions re renewal without personal appearance and added new Subsec. (c) re regulations for renewal by mail or electronic communication; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 added new Subsec. (c) re method of issuance or renewal and temporary licenses, permits and cards, designated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and made a technical change, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 21-106 substantially revised Subsec. (b) re requirements for renewal or duplication of license or identity card without personal appearance, amended Subsec. (c) to add references to duplication and add provision re photograph or digital image not required, amended Subsec. (d) to replace provision re adoption of regulations with provision re procedures, and made technical and conforming changes, effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (c) by adding references to learner's permit; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (b) to replace “state or federal law” with “6 CFR 37.25, as amended from time to time, or a shorter period of time at the discretion of the commissioner”, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-36j. Commissioner to amend regulations re content of safe driving instruction courses. Attendance by parent or guardian. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall amend the regulations adopted pursuant to sections 14-36f and 14-78 concerning the content of safe driving instruction courses offered at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools to require the eight hours of instruction required by such regulations to include, for applicants to whom a learner's permit or youth instruction permit is issued, two hours of instruction concerning the statutory provisions, including penalties, applicable to drivers who are less than eighteen years of age, the dangers of teenage driving, the cognitive development of adolescents, the responsibilities and liabilities of parents of teenage drivers, and related topics deemed by the commissioner to be appropriate. Such course may be offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person in a congregate setting and distance learning, provided such distance learning is conducted in real-time by an instructor, requires camera use by any applicant and has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.

(b) A parent or guardian of any such applicant to whom a learner's permit or youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008, who is less than eighteen years of age, shall attend such two hours of instruction with such applicant. Before any such applicant is permitted to take the driver's test, such applicant shall provide an affidavit to the commissioner, signed under penalty of false statement, by an official of the driver's school, high school or other secondary school by which such course was conducted, that a parent or guardian attended the two hours of instruction required by subsection (a) of this section with such applicant.

(P.A. 08-32, S. 9; P.A. 09-187, S. 7; P.A. 12-81, S. 38; P.A. 21-106, S. 51; P.A. 25-159, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 08-32 effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (a) to require commissioner to amend regulations adopted pursuant to Sec. 14-78, effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 12-81 added references to youth instruction permit in Subsecs. (a) and (b) and deleted an obsolete date in Subsec. (a), effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re offering course in person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re camera use by applicant, effective January 1, 2026.

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Sec. 14-37b. Applicant without license from any state, United States territory or certain foreign countries. Requirements. Regulations. Any applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license who has not previously held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license and who does not hold a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by any other state, by any territory or possession of the United States, or by any foreign country with which the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has an agreement for reciprocal recognition of driver training requirements, shall be subject to the requirements of subdivision (3) of subsection (e) of section 14-36 and shall be required to present to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a certificate of the successful completion of (1) a course of not less than eight hours relative to safe driving practices, including a minimum of four hours on the nature and the medical, biological and physiological effects of alcohol and drugs and their impact on the operator of a motor vehicle, the dangers associated with the operation of a motor vehicle after the consumption of alcohol or drugs by the operator, the problems of alcohol and drug abuse and the penalties for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations, and (2) on and after January 1, 2026, the highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program described in section 14-111r. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, establishing standards for commercial drivers' schools that are licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69 to offer and conduct the course of instruction required by this section.

(P.A. 08-150, S. 28; P.A. 09-187, S. 8; P.A. 10-110, S. 56; P.A. 25-159, S. 28.)

History: P.A. 09-187 added provision re operator's license issued by any foreign country with which commissioner has reciprocal recognition agreement and re regulations establishing standards for licensed commercial driver's schools to conduct required course of instruction, effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 10-110 made a technical change; P.A. 25-159 designated existing provision re safe driving practices course as Subdiv. (1) and added Subdiv. (2) re highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program.

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Sec. 14-41. Expiration and renewal of operators' licenses and identity cards. Fees. Notice. Video presentation. (a) An original operator's license shall expire within a period not exceeding seven years following the date of the operator's next birthday. The fee for such license shall be eighty-four dollars. Upon renewal of a license, the commissioner may issue a license for a period to be determined by the commissioner, provided such period does not exceed eight years. The fee for the renewal of a license that expires eight years from the date of issuance shall be ninety-six dollars. The commissioner shall charge a prorated amount of such fee for a license that expires less than eight years from the date of issuance.

(b) The commissioner may authorize a contractor, including, but not limited to, an automobile club or association licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-67 on or before July 1, 2007, or any municipality, to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards pursuant to section 14-50a, renew licenses, renew identity cards issued pursuant to section 1-1h and conduct registration transactions. The commissioner may authorize such contractors and municipalities to charge a convenience fee, which shall not exceed eight dollars, to each applicant for a license or identity card renewal or duplication, or for a registration transaction.

(c) Any previously licensed operator who fails to renew a motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall be charged a late fee of twenty-five dollars upon renewal of such operator's license.

(d) The commissioner may, at least fifteen days before the date on which each motor vehicle operator's license or identity card expires, notify the holder of such license or identity card of the expiration date, in a manner determined by the commissioner. The commissioner shall not provide such notification by mail to any such licensee or identity card holder if the United States Postal Service has determined that mail is undeliverable to the address for such person that is documented in the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Any previously licensed operator who operates a motor vehicle within sixty days after the expiration date of the operator's license without obtaining a renewal of the license shall be fined in accordance with the amount designated for the infraction of failure to renew a motor vehicle operator's license. Any operator so charged shall not be prosecuted under section 14-36 for the same act constituting a violation under this section but section 14-36 shall apply after the sixty-day period.

(e) On and after January 1, 2013, the commissioner may extend the expiration date of an operator's license or identity card for a period of six months when such licensee or identity card holder presents documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that such person was out of the state during the renewal period for such license or identity card, or when the commissioner requires additional time to determine whether such person qualifies for a renewal. The fee for such extension shall be the same as that for a duplicate license under section 14-50a and no part of such fee shall be subject to refund. The commissioner shall not grant more than one extension to any such person pursuant to this subsection.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-3a, if the expiration date of any motor vehicle operator's license or any public passenger endorsement falls on any day when the offices of the commissioner are closed for business or are open for less than a full business day, the license or permit shall be deemed valid until midnight of the next day on which the offices of the commissioner are open for a full day of business.

(g) The commissioner shall develop, and thereafter revise as needed, a video presentation concerning current state laws that impact motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists and ways to practice safe driving behaviors and reduce transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries. In developing such video presentation, the commissioner may use materials and one or more video presentations developed by a governmental entity, independent contractor or any other party. Upon every renewal of a motor vehicle operator's license, the commissioner shall require the licensee to watch such video presentation prior to issuing such license.

(1949 Rev., S. 2381; 1953, 1955, S. 1299d; 1957, P.A. 437, S. 4; February, 1965, P.A. 68; 1967, P.A. 115; 436, S. 1; 807, S. 4; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 4; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 16; P.A. 75-213, S. 9, 53; 75-577, S. 21, 126; P.A. 76-263, S. 6, 9; P.A. 77-10; 77-256, S. 3, 4; 77-348, S. 1, 2; P.A. 79-89, S. 1; P.A. 80-51; P.A. 81-172, S. 3; P.A. 83-489, S. 3, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 29, 62; 84-429, S. 21; P.A. 85-413, S. 4, 8; P.A. 87-329, S. 5; P.A. 90-263, S. 8, 74; 90-265, S. 7, 8; P.A. 91-408, S. 8, 18; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-80, S. 49, 67; 93-341, S. 12, 38; P.A. 95-223, S. 1, 2; P.A. 97-284, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-287, S. 7, 9; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 74, 85; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 47, 131; P.A. 03-171, S. 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 34; P.A. 04-4, S. 6; 04-177 S. 12; 04-199, S. 22; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 26; P.A. 07-167, S. 32; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1, S. 94; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5, S. 43; P.A. 09-187, S. 10; P.A. 10-110, S. 21; 10-179, S. 25; P.A. 11-6, S. 137; 11-48, S. 27; 11-213, S. 16; P.A. 12-81, S. 4; P.A. 13-271, S. 15; P.A. 14-130, S. 7; P.A. 16-55, S. 24; P.A. 17-79, S. 5; P.A. 18-164, S. 23; P.A. 19-165, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 13; P.A. 23-116, S. 5; P.A. 25-159, S. 25.)

History: 1965 act added proviso clause re holder reaching 21 in Subsec. (b); 1967 acts included motorcycle licenses in provisions, revised provisions re expiration of licenses in Subsec. (b), inserted new Subsec. (c) re effect of change in birth date on expiration and reissuance of license, redesignated former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and added provisions re penalty for failure to renew license within 30 days of expiration date; 1969 act revised fee provisions in Subsecs. (b) and (c), raising rate from $0.25 to $0.35 per month and placing $2 maximum on fee for 6-month period; 1972 act changed age of majority from 21 to 18; P.A. 75-213 raised fee in Subsec. (b) to $0.45 per month not to exceed $2.50 for 6-month period; P.A. 75-577 removed reference to $25 maximum fine in Subsec. (d) and added references to fines of the amount designated for infractions specified; P.A. 76-263 revised section to cover transition period for change of validity period from 2 to 4 years and institution of licenses with pictures, deleted references to provisional licenses and deleted violation in Subsec. (d) re failure to sign license before operating motor vehicle or motorcycle; P.A. 77-10 added Subsec. (e) re expiration of license on day when motor vehicle offices are closed; P.A. 77-256 raised fee in Subsec. (c) to $0.45 per month not to exceed $2.50 for 6-month period; P.A. 77-348 revised provisions re expiration so that all licenses expire on birth date rather than last day of birth month and changed reference to June 30, 1976, to June 30, 1977, in Subsec. (a); P.A. 79-89 added exception re Sec. 14-41a to Subsec. (a); P.A. 80-51 made former Subdivs. (1) to (4) in Subsec. (a) Subparas. (A) to (D) under Subdiv. (1) re motor vehicle and motorcycle licenses, made provision re public service operator's license Subdiv. (2) and added exception re change of expiration date from April 30 to June 30; P.A. 81-172 amended Subsec. (d) by increasing from 30 to 60 days after the expiration date the amount of time during which an operator can be charged with only an infraction; P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (b) to increase additional sum from $1 to $2; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1984, to increase the fee, scheduling the increases to take effect as of July 1, 1984, 1986 and 1988; P.A. 84-429 deleted obsolete provisions, rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-413 adjusted fees after July 1, 1988, and deleted obsolete fee provisions; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (b) maintaining the fee at the level existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreasing the fee effective July 1, 1992, to the level formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsecs. (a) and (e) to substitute public passenger transportation permit for public service motor vehicle operator's license; P.A. 90-265 amended Subsec. (a) to require vision screening for motor vehicle operators prior to every other renewal of operator's license in accordance with specified schedule; P.A. 91-408 amended Subsec. (a) to delay the commencement of vision screening from July 1, 1991, to October 1, 1992, and to change the beginning and ending dates of the specified schedule accordingly; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from October 1, 1992, to July 1, 1993, and to require that screening be done in accordance with a schedule adopted by the commissioner, eliminating the specified schedule according to the last name of the operator; P.A. 93-80 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1993, to July 1, 1995, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting former Subdiv. (2) re expiration date for public passenger transportation permits, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-223 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1995, to July 1, 1997, effective July 1, 1995; (Revisor's note: In 1997 references throughout the general statutes to “Motor Vehicle(s) Commissioner” and “Motor Vehicle(s) Department” were replaced editorially by the Revisors with “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” or “Department of Motor Vehicles”, as the case may be, for consistency with customary statutory usage); P.A. 97-284 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1997, to July 1, 1999, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-287 amended Subsec. (a) by postponing the implementation of vision screening from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2001, and allowing a vision screening conducted by a licensed health care professional to have occurred during the preceding 12 months in lieu of the preceding 3 months, effective July 1, 1999; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to require renewal of license every 6 years, amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee from $3.50 to $5.25, amended Subsec. (c) to modify the issue period for renewal licenses from not more than 48 months to not more than 72 months and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality in Subsecs. (a) and (d), effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for an optional licensure period of 4 years in accordance with a schedule to be established by the commissioner and changed to July 1, 2003, the date by which the commissioner shall screen the vision of operator's at every other renewal of license, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsecs. (a), (d) and (e) to delete references to motorcycle operator's license, made technical changes in Subsec. (a) and amended Subsec. (d) to delete references to Sec. 14-40a; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (a) to change commencement date of vision screening program from July 1, 2003, to July 1, 2005, effective August 20, 2003, and applicable as of July 1, 2003; P.A. 04-4 amended Subsec. (b) to delete former formula for the license fee and to establish fees for 4-year and 6-year licenses and a fee for a part-year license, deleted former Subsec. (c) re changes in records relating to birth dates and renewal of licenses thereafter and redesignated existing Subsecs. (d) and (e) as new Subsecs. (c) and (d), effective March 11, 2004; P.A. 04-177 and P.A. 04-199 both amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for original 4-year operator's licenses from $43 to $44 and for 6-year operator's license from $65 to $66, effective July 1, 2004; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 amended Subsec. (a) by changing “2005” to “2007”, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re vision screening and amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions re renewals at office facilities of licensed automobile club or association, effective July 1, 2007; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1 attempted to amend Subsec. (a) to change July 1, 2007, to July 1, 2009, effective July 1, 2007, but failed to take effect since the vision screening provisions were previously deleted from this Subsec. by P.A. 07-167; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5 amended Subsec. (a) by restoring provisions re vision screening and postponing implementation to July 1, 2009; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone implementation of vision screening from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2011, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize commissioner, upon every other renewal of operator's license or identity card, to issue such license or card without personal appearance of licensee or card holder if such licensee or card holder has digital image on file with commissioner and has met all other renewal requirements and amended Subsec. (b) to authorize automobile clubs and associations to perform identity card renewals and registration transactions and to charge fee of not more than $2, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 10-179 amended Subsec. (b) to make the same changes as made to Subsec. (b) by P.A. 10-110, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for 4-year license from $44 to $48, for 6-year license from $66 to $72 and for a year or part thereof from $11 to $12, added Subsec. (c) re $25 late renewal fee, redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (d) and (e), and deleted “shall be deemed to have failed to renew a motor vehicle operator's license and” in Subsec. (d), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (a) by eliminating 4 or 6-year renewal requirement, requirement for personal appearance of licensee or holder for renewal and requirement for vision screening prior to every other renewal, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize issuance of duplicate licenses and identity cards by automobile club or association and make conforming and technical changes, and amended Subsec. (c) to include identity cards, change “shall” to “may” re notification and prohibit notification by mail if mail determined to be undeliverable, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to make provisions applicable upon every “other” renewal of a license or identity card, amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision re fee for 4-year license and make conforming changes, added new Subsec. (e) re 6-month extension of expiration date of operator's license or identity card and fee therefor and redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f), effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision re license fee of $12 per year or any part of a year and to increase maximum convenience fee charged by automobile club or association from $2 to $3; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (f) by replacing “public passenger transportation permit” with “public passenger endorsement, as defined in section 14-1”, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “a contractor, including, but not limited to,” and “or any office or department of a municipality”, increasing maximum convenience fee from $3 to $5 and making a conforming change, effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting “office or department of a”, replacing “its office facilities” with “the office or facilities of such contractors or municipalities” and adding provision re authorization for municipalities to charge a convenience fee, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (b) by increasing maximum convenience fee from $5 to $8 and making a technical change, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-165 deleted former Subsec. (a) re authority to issue renewal of operator's license or identity card without personal appearance of licensee or card holder, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (a) and amended same to increase period of validity for original operator's license from 6 years to 7 years, increase fee from $72 to $84 and add provision re renewal and renewal fee, designated existing provision re authority of contractor or municipality to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards as new Subsec. (b), amended Subsec. (f) to delete reference to Sec. 14-1, and made conforming and technical changes, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to delete “at the office or facilities of such contractors or municipalities”, effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 23-116 added Subsec. (g) re video presentation concerning laws that impact motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists and safe driving behaviors, effective January 1, 2024; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (g) to delete “other” re video presentation upon renewal of motor vehicle operator's license, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-44p. Validity of certain commercial driver's instruction permits. On and after October 1, 2024, each commercial driver's instruction permit issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles prior to October 1, 2024, that is otherwise valid, shall remain valid, according to its terms, and shall authorize each license holder to drive a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied in such vehicle by the holder of a commercial driver's license in accordance with the provisions of section 14-44e of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes, until the expiration of the commercial driver's instruction permit.

(P.A. 24-20, S. 12; P.A. 25-159, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 25-159 added “2024 supplement to the” and deleted “revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2024,” re Sec. 14-44e, effective July 1, 2025.

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(C)

FEES

Sec. 14-50b. Fee for restoration of operator's license, identity card, commercial driver's license, commercial learner's permit or registration. School bus seat belt account. (a) Any person (1) whose operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, (2) who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, (3) whose identity card, issued under section 1-1h, has been revoked due to misrepresentation or deceit, or (4) whose commercial driver's license has been downgraded to a Class D operator's license or commercial learner's permit has been cancelled by the commissioner shall pay a restoration fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to said commissioner prior to the issuance to such person of a new operator's license or identity card, the restoration of such operator's license, commercial learner's permit or privilege to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle or the upgrade of such person's Class D operator's license to a commercial driver's license. Such restoration fee shall be in addition to any other fees provided by law. The commissioner shall deposit fifty dollars of such fee in the school bus seat belt account, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account.

(b) Any person whose motor vehicle registration or right of operation of a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall pay a restoration fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to said commissioner prior to the issuance to such person of a new registration or the restoration of such registration or such right of operation. Such restoration fee shall be in addition to any other fees provided by law. The commissioner shall deposit fifty dollars of such fee in the school bus seat belt account established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, on and after July 1, 2005, the first two hundred fifty thousand dollars of revenues collected from the payment of restoration fees under this section shall be appropriated to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the payment of costs, including, but not limited to, the cost of computer reprogramming, incurred by the department in establishing procedures for the suspension of operator's licenses or nonresident operating privileges under subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 14-227b.

(P.A. 76-224, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-263, S. 19, 74; 90-299, S. 2; P.A. 92-177, S. 2, 12; P.A. 98-215, S. 3; P.A. 04-250, S. 3; P.A. 05-282, S. 6; P.A. 10-83, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 2; P.A. 25-110, S. 48; 25-159, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to require payment of restoration fee by any person who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle; P.A. 90-299 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to increase from $10 to $30 the restoration fee payable to commissioner; P.A. 92-177 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to increase from $30 to $100 the restoration fee payable to commissioner; P.A. 98-215 amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing language as Subdiv. (1) and create exception as provided in Subsec. (b)(2), and added new provision as Subsec. (b)(2) re fee for person whose registration has been cancelled pursuant to Sec. 14-12g; P.A. 04-250 amended Subsec. (a) to increase operator's license restoration fee from $100 to $125 and added Subsec. (c) to require first $250,000 of restoration fees collected on or after July 1, 2004, to be appropriated to Department of Motor Vehicles for costs incurred in establishing procedures re operator license or nonresident operating privilege suspension, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-282 deleted Subsec. (b)(2) re restoration fees, making a conforming change in Subsec. (b), and amended Subsec. (c) by changing “2004” to “2005” and replacing reference to Subsec. (b) with reference to Sec. 14-227b(e); P.A. 10-83 amended Subsec. (a) to require establishment of school bus seat belt account within General Fund, increase restoration fee from $125 to $175 and require commissioner to deposit $50 of such fee in the account and amended Subsec. (b) to increase restoration fee from $125 to $175 and require commissioner to deposit $50 of such fee in the account, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to designate existing provisions as Subdivs. (1) and (2) re operator's license and commercial motor vehicle, add Subdiv. (3) re identity card and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to General Fund and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) by adding Subdiv. (4) re downgraded commercial driver's license and cancelled commercial learner's permit and making technical and conforming changes.

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(D)

DEALERS' AND REPAIRERS' LICENSES

Sec. 14-51a. Civil penalties. The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars on any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of sections 14-54 to 14-67a, inclusive, or of not more than two thousand dollars on any person, firm or corporation who violates section 14-52.

(P.A. 73-674, S. 2; P.A. 81-206, S. 1; P.A. 82-303, S. 1; P.A. 02-70, S. 46; P.A. 25-55, S. 23.)

History: P.A. 81-206 converted the criminal fines into civil penalties imposed by the commissioner; P.A. 82-303 increased penalty for violations of Sec. 14-52 from $1,000 to $2,000 and substituted reference to Sec. 14-53 for reference to Sec. 14-51; P.A. 02-70 deleted reference to repealed Sec. 14-53, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 25-55 increased civil penalty from not more than $1,000 to not more than $5,000.

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Sec. 14-52a. Grounds for refusal to grant or renew a dealer or repairer license. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, after notice and hearing, refuse to grant or renew a license to a person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of selling or repairing motor vehicles pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52 if any individual named in an application for the issuance of such license has been found liable in a civil action for odometer fraud or operating a dealer, repairer or motor vehicle recycler business without a license, convicted of a violation of any provision of laws pertaining to the business of a motor vehicle dealer or repairer, including a motor vehicle recycler, or convicted of any violation of any provision of laws involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property, in the courts of the United States or any state. Upon renewal of such license, a licensee shall make full disclosure of any such civil judgment or conviction under penalty of false statement. Each individual named in an application, on a form as prescribed by the commissioner, for the issuance of such a license shall submit to fingerprint-based state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a. The commissioner may require a person, firm or corporation to submit its application electronically.

(b) The commissioner shall not, after notice and hearing, grant or renew a license to an applicant for or the holder of a used car dealer's license that is delinquent in the payment of sales tax in connection with a business from which it is or was obligated to remit sales tax, as reported to the commissioner by the Department of Revenue Services.

(P.A. 73-200, S. 1; P.A. 80-243; P.A. 84-374, S. 1, 3; P.A. 96-167, S. 9; P.A. 02-70, S. 23; P.A. 14-130, S. 15; P.A. 16-55, S. 3; P.A. 21-106, S. 20; P.A. 22-44, S. 3; P.A. 24-20, S. 5; P.A. 25-159, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 80-243 required notice and hearing before commissioner refuses to grant or renew license and required applicant or licensee to make full disclosure of conviction of law violation; P.A. 84-374 divided the section into Subsecs. and inserted new language in Subsec. (b), prohibiting the commissioner from refusing to grant or renew a repairer's license where another independently owned business shares the same property; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) substituting “recycler” for “junk yard”; P.A. 02-70 allowed commissioner to refuse to grant or renew a dealer or repairer license if the applicant has been convicted of any violation involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property and deleted Subsec. (a) designator and former Subsec. (b) re prohibiting commissioner from refusing to grant or renew repairer's license where another independently owned business shares the same property; P.A. 14-130 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) prohibiting commissioner from granting or renewing license to an applicant or licensee that is delinquent in payment of sales tax, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing provisions re applicant to make disclosure at time of application for or renewal of license of any conviction within last 5 years with provisions re applicant to submit to state criminal history records check and, upon renewal of license, to make disclosure of any conviction under penalty of false statement, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re civil action for odometer fraud or operating dealer, repairer or motor vehicle recycler business without a license, adding provision re national criminal history records check, adding provision re electronic submission of application and adding provision re full disclosure of civil judgment and made technical changes throughout, effective July 1, 2021; P.A. 22-44 amended Subsec. (a) to add “be fingerprinted and”, delete provision re records checks based on applicant's name and date of birth and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision re submission to criminal history records checks not more than 30 days before application is made and provision of results to department and make a technical change; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) to replace provisions re applicant or officer or major stockholder if applicant is firm or corporation with provisions re individual named in application and made technical and conforming changes, effective January 1, 2026.

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Sec. 14-58. Application. General registration of motor vehicles. Documents to be issued to drivers. Photostatic copies of registration certificate as proof of ownership. Return of void number plates. Penalty. (a) Each new car dealer, used car dealer or repairer before engaging in such business shall make a separate sworn application to the commissioner for a license to engage in such business in each place of business conducted by such dealer. The application shall include any information that may be required by the commissioner on blanks to be furnished by said commissioner. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred forty dollars for each place of business conducted by the applicant, together with the fee for the type of license for which the applicant is applying, and such fee or fees shall not be subject to prorating and shall not be subject to refund. No such license shall be transferable. When such licensee adds buildings or land directly bordering or sharing a common boundary with such licensee's licensed place of business, without any intervening highway or private roadways, the commissioner may require the licensee to furnish satisfactory evidence of compliance with the provisions of section 14-54, or with other applicable provisions of law, administered by the municipality wherein such business is located, concerning building or zoning requirements. When a change of officers of a corporation engaged in such business is made, a notice of the change shall be sent to the commissioner within a period of fifteen days from the date of the change. The commissioner may suspend the license of any corporation, after notice and hearing, when the newly appointed or elected officers cannot be considered as qualified to conduct the business as provided in section 14-51.

(b) Each such licensee shall, instead of registering each motor vehicle owned by such licensee or temporarily in such licensee's custody, apply to the commissioner for a general distinguishing number and mark, and the commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate or certificates of registration containing the distinguishing number and mark assigned to such applicant, and made in a form and containing any further information that the commissioner may determine, and, thereupon, each motor vehicle owned by the applicant or temporarily in the applicant's custody shall be regarded as registered under and having assigned to it such general distinguishing number and mark until sold. For the registration of all motor vehicles registered under a general distinguishing number and mark, the commissioner shall charge a fee at the rate of seventy dollars per year. The commissioner may issue to each such licensee such registrations as the commissioner deems necessary. The commissioner may withdraw any registration previously issued or may limit the number of registrations which any licensee is eligible to receive or to hold, if the commissioner determines that a licensee does not require such number of registrations or if a licensee has been found to be in violation of any of the provisions of section 14-64.

(c) Registration certificates issued under the provisions of this section shall not be required to be carried upon such motor vehicles when upon the public highways as required under subsection (a) of section 14-13, except that the licensee shall issue to each person driving such motor vehicle a document indicating that such person is validly entrusted with such vehicle which document shall be carried in the motor vehicle. The commissioner shall determine the form and contents of this document. Legible photostatic copies of such registration certificates may be carried in such vehicles as proof of ownership. The licensee shall furnish financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner as defined in section 14-112, provided such financial responsibility shall not be required from a licensee when the commissioner finds that the licensee is of sufficient financial responsibility to meet such legal liability. The commissioner may issue such license upon presentation of evidence of such financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner shall assess an administrative fee of two hundred dollars against any licensee for failing to provide proof of policy or bond renewal or replacement on or before the expiration date of the existing policy or bond. Such fee shall be in addition to the license suspension or revocation penalties and the civil penalties to which the licensee is subject pursuant to section 14-64.

(d) Each licensee that was issued a general distinguishing number plate or plates by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of this section or section 14-59, and that no longer holds a valid license due to failure to renew the license, surrender of the license or revocation of the license by the commissioner for a violation of any provision of this subpart, shall account for and immediately return such number plate or plates to the department, or shall immediately surrender such number plate or plates to a motor vehicle inspector or other authorized agent or employee of said department. All such number plates shall be void, as of the date of termination of the license, and shall not be used as a registration to operate any motor vehicle on any highway.

(e) Any person who fails to return or surrender any general distinguishing number plate that is void, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, or who, with knowledge that such plate is void, uses such plate to operate a motor vehicle on any highway shall be guilty of a violation of subsection (c) of section 14-147.

(1949 Rev., S. 2398; 1953, S. 1312d; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 13; 1963, P.A. 373; 1967, P.A. 866, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 247, S. 2; 759, S. 10; 1971, P.A. 649, S. 2; P.A. 77-50; P.A. 80-380, S. 1, 2; P.A. 81-108, S. 1; P.A. 84-254, S. 39, 62; 84-391, S. 1, 8; 84-429, S. 56; P.A. 02-70, S. 27; P.A. 03-184, S. 5; P.A. 09-187, S. 24; P.A. 10-110, S. 20, 59; P.A. 12-81, S. 8; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 211; P.A. 17-79, S. 10; P.A. 23-40, S. 6; P.A. 25-159, S. 6.)

History: 1961 act increased application fee and fee for number plates; 1963 act added provisions re notice to commissioner of change in officers of corporation and re commissioner's suspension of license if new officers found to be unqualified; 1967 act added provisions re inclusion of additional buildings or land in license to engage in business; 1969 acts specified that $4 fee per set of plates is an annual charge and later increased $4 fee to $8; 1971 act referred to issuance of single plate rather than pair of plates; P.A. 77-50 added provision re carrying photostat copies of registration certificates as proof of ownership; P.A. 80-380 increased fee to $20 per year; P.A. 81-108 required licensees to issue documents to persons entrusted with motor vehicles subject to general registration; P.A. 84-254 increased the application and registration fees, effective July 1, 1984, scheduling the changes to take effect as of July first of 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993; P.A. 84-391 limited the number of registrations under a general distinguishing number and mark issued to new and used car dealers and repairers and limited repairers; P.A. 84-429 made technical changes for statutory consistency; P.A. 02-70 divided existing provisions into Subsecs. (a), (b) and (c) and made technical changes throughout, amended Subsec. (a) to delete provisions re additions to existing license and to authorize commissioner to require licensee to furnish evidence of compliance with Secs. 14-54 and 14-55 or other provisions of law administered by the municipality wherein the business is located re building or zoning requirements when a licensee adds buildings or adjacent land to the licensed place of business, and amended Subsec. (b) to allow commissioner to withdraw any registration previously issued or limit the number of registrations a licensee is eligible to receive when the licensee has been found to be in violation of Sec. 14-64; P.A. 03-184 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting reference to Sec. 14-55; P.A. 09-187 added Subsecs. (d) and (e) re return or surrender of general distinguishing number plates and penalty for failure to return or surrender; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize commissioner to withdraw or limit number of registrations held by licensee upon determination that licensee does not require such number and to make technical changes, effective June 5, 2010, and made a technical change in Subsec. (d), effective October 1, 2010; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (c) to add provisions re assessment of $50 fee for failing to continuously maintain financial responsibility requirements; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (c) to add “administrative” re fee and to substitute provision re failure to provide proof of policy or bond renewal or replacement for provision re failure to continuously maintain financial responsibility, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c) by increasing administrative fee from $50 to $200 for failure to provide proof of policy or bond renewal or replacement, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 23-40 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting provisions re number of registrations issued to new car dealer, repairer and limited repairer per year and making a technical and conforming change, effective January 1, 2024; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “adjacent land to” with “land directly bordering or sharing a common boundary with”, adding “without any intervening highway or private roadways,” and making a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-58a. Issuance of new car dealer license to person, firm or corporation engaged in business of merchandizing new electric low-speed vehicles prior to July 1, 2025. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14-54 or subsection (a) of section 14-58, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue a new car dealer license to any person, firm or corporation who has been engaged in the business of merchandizing new electric low-speed vehicles under a manufacturer's or importer's contract for each such make of vehicle prior to July 1, 2025, and who may, incidental to such business, sell used electric low-speed vehicles and repair electric low-speed vehicles. Any such person, firm or corporation shall conduct such business in accordance with the provisions of section 14-52a.

(b) Any such person, firm or corporation shall apply for such new car dealer license on a form prescribed by the commissioner. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-52, the fee for the issuance or renewal of any such license shall be three hundred forty dollars. Each such license shall be renewed biennially. Not less than forty-five days prior to the date of expiration of each such license, the commissioner shall send or transmit to each licensee, in a manner determined by the commissioner, an application for renewal. Any licensee which has not filed the application for renewal accompanied by the prescribed fee prior to the date of expiration of its license shall cease to engage in business. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars. The commissioner shall not renew any license under this subsection which has expired for more than forty-five days.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of section 14-52, each applicant for a license issued pursuant to the provisions of this section shall furnish a surety bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. Such bond shall be conditioned upon the applicant complying with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation relating to the conduct of such business and provided as indemnity for any loss sustained by any customer by reason of any acts of the licensee constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of the license or such licensee going out of business. Each surety bond shall be executed in the name of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved customer, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing held before said commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. For purposes of this subsection, “customer” does not include (1) any person, firm or corporation that finances a licensed dealer's motor vehicle inventory, or (2) any licensed dealer, in such person's capacity as a dealer, who buys motor vehicles from, or sells motor vehicles to, another licensed dealer.

(d) If a change in the officers or directors of a corporation engaged in the business of merchandizing new electric low-speed vehicles occurs, such corporation shall file a notice of such change with the commissioner not later than fifteen days after the date of such change. The commissioner may, after notice and hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, suspend the license of any corporation if the commissioner finds the newly appointed or elected officers or directors cannot be considered as qualified to conduct the business in accordance with the requirements of section 14-52a.

(e) Any license issued pursuant to the provisions of this section is not transferable and shall be revoked by, and surrendered to, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles upon the sale, transfer or conveyance of the licensee's business.

(P.A. 25-159, S. 63.)

History: P.A. 25-159 effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-62. Order and invoice on sale of motor vehicle; information required. Dealer preparation charge. Conveyance or processing fee. Optional add-on consumer good or service. Certificate of title on sale of used motor vehicle or sale of motor vehicle at auction. Safety inspection of used motor vehicle. Delivery after sale of used motor vehicle. (a) Each sale shall be evidenced by an order properly signed by both the buyer and seller, a copy of which shall be furnished to the buyer when executed, and an invoice upon delivery of the motor vehicle, both of which shall contain the following information: (1) Make of vehicle; (2) year of model, whether sold as new or used, and on invoice the identification number; (3) deposit, and (A) if the deposit is not refundable, the words “No Refund of Deposit” shall appear at this point, and (B) if the deposit is conditionally refundable, the words “Conditional Refund of Deposit” shall appear at this point, followed by a statement giving the conditions for refund, and (C) if the deposit is unconditionally refundable, the words “Unconditional Refund” shall appear at this point; (4) cash selling price; (5) finance charges, and (A) if these charges do not include insurance, the words “No Insurance” shall appear at this point, and (B) if these charges include insurance, a statement shall appear at this point giving the exact type of coverage; (6) allowance on motor vehicle traded in, if any, and description of the same; (7) stamped or printed in a size equal to at least ten-point bold type on the face of both the order and invoice one of the following forms: (A) “This motor vehicle not guaranteed”, or (B) “This motor vehicle is guaranteed”, followed by a statement as to the terms of such guarantee, which terms shall include the duration of the guarantee or the number of miles the guarantee shall remain in effect. Such statement shall not apply to household furnishings of any trailer; (8) if the motor vehicle is new but has been subject to use by the seller or use in connection with the seller's business as a dealer, the word “demonstrator” shall be clearly displayed on the face of both the order and invoice; (9) any dealer conveyance fee or processing fee and a statement that such fee is not payable to the state of Connecticut printed in at least ten-point bold type on the face of both the order and invoice; and (10) the dealer's legal name, address and license number. For the purposes of this section, (A) “dealer conveyance fee” or “processing fee” means a fee charged by a dealer to recover reasonable costs for processing all documentation and performing services related to the closing of a sale, including, but not limited to, the registration and transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle which is the subject of the sale, (B) “consumer good” has the same meaning as provided in section 42-110r, and (C) “consumer service” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 42-158ff.

(b) (1) The selling price quoted by any dealer to a prospective buyer shall include, separately stated, the amount of the dealer conveyance fee and that such fee is negotiable. No dealer conveyance fee shall be added to the selling price at the time the order is signed by the buyer.

(2) The selling price quoted by any dealer to a prospective buyer shall both (A) include any fee, charge or cost imposed for any optional add-on consumer good or consumer service, and (B) separately state the amount of each such fee, charge or cost and that such fee, charge or cost is optional.

(3) No dealer shall include in the selling price a dealer preparation charge for any item or service for which the dealer is reimbursed by the manufacturer or any item or service not specifically ordered by the buyer and itemized on the invoice.

(4) The form used by a dealer for the order and invoice shall not be printed in advance of discussions with a prospective buyer to include the amount of any fee, charge or cost imposed for any other optional add-on consumer good or consumer service.

(c) Each dealer shall provide a written statement to the buyer and prominently display a sign in the area of such dealer's place of business in which sales are negotiated which shall specify the amount of any conveyance or processing fee charged by such dealer, the services performed by the dealer for such fee, that such fee is negotiable, that such fee is not payable to the state of Connecticut and that the buyer may elect, where appropriate, to submit the documentation required for the registration and transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle which is the subject of the sale to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in which case the dealer shall reduce such fee by a proportional amount. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall determine the size, typeface and arrangement of such information.

(d) No dealer licensed under the provisions of section 14-52 shall sell any used motor vehicle without furnishing to the buyer, at the time of sale, a valid certificate of title, the assignment and warranty of title by such dealer or other evidence of title issued by another state or country, where applicable, disclosing the existence of any lien, security interest in or other encumbrance on the vehicle. Any dealer that violates this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

(e) No person, firm or corporation shall sell a motor vehicle at a public or private auction without furnishing to the buyer, at the time of sale, a valid certificate of title, the assignment and warranty of title by such person, firm or corporation, or other evidence of title issued by another state or country, where applicable, disclosing the existence of any lien, security interest in or other encumbrance on the vehicle.

(f) The provisions of subsection (d) of this section shall not apply to the sale of any used motor vehicle by a new car dealer to a person, firm or corporation which, pursuant to a lease contract option, purchases such vehicle at the end of the lease term provided (1) such vehicle is registered in this state in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12, (2) the certificate of title for such vehicle is in the possession of a lessor licensed under the provisions of section 14-15, (3) subsequent to such sale, such vehicle is registered in the name of the prior lessee, and (4) such dealer obtains the certificate of title from such lessor and transmits all necessary documents and fees to the commissioner not later than ten days following the issuance of a motor vehicle registration for such vehicle.

(g) Before offering any used motor vehicle for retail sale, the selling dealer shall complete a comprehensive safety inspection of such vehicle. Such safety inspection shall cover all applicable equipment and components contained in sections 14-80 to 14-106d, inclusive, and such inspection shall be evidenced on a form approved by the commissioner. The selling dealer shall attest to such form under the penalty of false statement, as prescribed in section 53a-157b, and shall state that the vehicle has undergone any necessary repairs and has been deemed to be in condition for legal operation on any highway of this state. In the event defects are found but not repaired, and the vehicle is not subject to any warranty under section 42-221, the selling dealer shall note all such defects on the form and may sell such vehicle in “as is” condition. Any vehicle sold in “as is” condition with one or more defects in the equipment or components shall have the retail purchase order, invoice, title and assignment documents prominently marked as “not in condition for legal operation on the highways” with an explanation of defects noted on such retail purchase order, invoice and safety inspection form. A dealer selling any vehicle pursuant to this subsection shall require a purchaser to acknowledge the vehicle condition by obtaining such purchaser's signature on the retail purchase order, invoice and safety inspection forms, copies of which shall be furnished to the buyer upon execution. No dealer shall charge any fee to a customer for the completion of such safety inspection or for any repairs required to remedy defects discovered during such safety inspection pursuant to this subsection, except that nothing herein shall (1) limit or otherwise regulate the retail sales price charged by a dealer for a vehicle that has been inspected or repaired prior to sale; or (2) negate or preempt any provisions of chapter 743f. This subsection shall not apply to fees for any inspection or any work performed under the terms of a lease buy back. Any dealer that fails to conduct the safety inspection required in this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

(h) No dealer licensed under section 14-52 shall deliver or permit a retail purchaser to take possession or delivery of any used motor vehicle until such purchaser has paid in full for the vehicle or until financing offered by the dealer for such vehicle has been approved by the lending institution or other entity through which any financing agreement has been made. Any dealer that violates this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

(1949 Rev., S. 2402; 1961, P.A. 587; 1963, P.A. 456; 1967, P.A. 271; P.A. 79-307; 79-631, S. 88, 111; P.A. 80-118; P.A. 89-244, S. 1; P.A. 97-51, S. 1, 2; P.A. 98-182, S. 18, 22; P.A. 07-172, S. 1; P.A. 12-81, S. 35; P.A. 13-271, S. 23; P.A. 14-130, S. 17; 14-187, S. 38; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 426; P.A. 18-164, S. 8; P.A. 25-113, S. 21.)

History: 1961 act added Subdiv. (8); 1963 act added requirement copy of order be furnished to buyer; 1967 act changed required information on order and invoice by substituting “make of vehicle” for “name” and “identification number” for “motor number”, by requiring statement whether vehicle sold as new or used, by requiring guarantee statement to be in at least ten-point bold type rather than in “large letters” and by specifically excluding household furnishings from guarantee; P.A. 79-307 added Subsec. (b) re preparation charges; P.A. 79-631 made technical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-118 clarified required deposit information re refunds; P.A. 89-244 added Subsec. (c), requiring used car dealers to furnish certificate of title or other evidence of title to buyer at time of sale of any used motor vehicle; P.A. 97-51 amended Subsec. (c) to make prohibition applicable to all dealers licensed under Sec. 14-52 in lieu of used car dealers and added Subsec. (d) re exemption from provisions of Subsec. (c) for sales of used motor vehicles at end of lease term, effective May 14, 1997; P.A. 98-182 added Subsec. (a)(9) requiring an order and invoice to contain information on any dealer conveyance fee or processing fee and a statement that such fee is not payable to the state, printed in at least ten-point bold type and defining “dealer conveyance fee” and “processing fee” and added a new Subsec. (c) requiring dealer to provide a written statement to the buyer or prominently display a sign, in a size specified by the commissioner, specifying the amount of any conveyance or processing fee, the services performed for such fee, that such fee is not payable to the state and that the buyer may submit registration and transfer of ownership documentation to the commissioner and the dealer shall reduce the fee by a proportional amount, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 07-172 added new Subsec. (e) re furnishing of certificate of title, assignment and warranty of title or other evidence of title to buyer on sale of motor vehicle at public or private auction, redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f) and made a technical change therein, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 12-81 added Subsec. (g) re safety inspection of used motor vehicle, attestation by dealer, repair or notice and explanation of defects, sale in “as is” condition, acknowledgment of vehicle condition by purchaser and prohibition on charging of fees for such inspection and repairs to remedy defects; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (d) to add provision re violation to be a class B misdemeanor, amended Subsec. (g) to replace reference to Sec. 42-224(a) with reference to Sec. 42-221, to add provision re copies of purchase order, invoice and safety inspection forms to be furnished to buyer upon execution and to add provision re failure to conduct safety inspection to be a class B misdemeanor, and added Subsec. (h) re prohibition of delivery of used motor vehicle until purchaser has paid in full or financing has been approved; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. (10) requiring orders and invoices to contain dealer's legal name, address and license number, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 14-187 amended Subsec. (a)(7)(B) to add requirement that terms include duration of guarantee or number of miles guarantee to remain in effect, effective July 1, 2014; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (b) by designating existing provisions as Subdiv. (2) and adding Subdiv. (1) re separate statement of dealer conveyance fee and that fee is negotiable, amended Subsec. (c) by requiring both a written statement and a sign that includes statement that fee is negotiable, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2015; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (f) to increase period of time for dealer to submit documents and fees re registration to commissioner from 5 days to 10 days, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 25-113 amended Subsec. (a) by adding definitions of “consumer good” and “consumer service”, amended Subsec. (b) by adding new Subdiv. (2) re optional add-on consumer good or service, redesignating existing Subdiv. (2) as Subdiv. (3) and adding Subdiv. (4) re inclusion of fee, charge or cost imposed for optional add-on consumer good or service on preprinted form, and made technical and conforming changes in Subsecs. (a) and (b).

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Sec. 14-62a. Advertisements of prices of motor vehicles. Penalty. (a) No dealer licensed under the provisions of section 14-52 shall advertise the price of any motor vehicle unless the stated price in such advertisement includes the federal tax, the cost of delivery, dealer preparation, any fee, charge or cost imposed for any add-on consumer good or consumer service and any other charges of any nature and such advertisement (1) states in at least eight-point bold type that any state or local tax, registration fees or dealer conveyance fee or processing fee, as defined in subsection (a) of section 14-62, are excluded from such advertised price, (2) separately states, in at least eight-point bold type, immediately next to the phrase “Dealer Conveyance Fee”, the amount of such dealer conveyance fee or processing fee, and (3) separately states, in at least eight-point bold type, immediately next to the phrase “Additional Fees, Charges and Costs”, the amount of any fee, charge or cost imposed for any add-on consumer good or consumer service. For the purposes of this subsection, (A) “dealer conveyance fee” and “processing fee” have the same meanings as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-62, (B) “consumer good” has the same meaning as provided in section 42-110r, and (C) “consumer service” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 42-158ff.

(b) Any new or used car dealer violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke, in accordance with section 14-64, the license of any such dealer violating the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 79-507, S. 1, 2; P.A. 84-429, S. 57; P.A. 98-182, S. 19, 22; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 427; P.A. 25-111, S. 42.)

History: P.A. 84-429 made technical change for statutory consistency; P.A. 98-182 amended Subsec. (a) to expand the dealers subject to this section from new car dealers to dealers licensed under Sec. 14-52, to require the advertisement to state in at least eight-point bold type that state or local tax, registration fees or dealer conveyance fee or processing fee is excluded from the advertised price, effective July 1, 1998; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (a) by designating existing provision re exclusion from price as Subdiv. (1) and amending same to replace “stated” with “advertised” and by adding Subdiv. (2) re dealer conveyance fee, and amended Subsec. (b) by adding reference to used car dealer, effective July 1, 2015; P.A. 25-111 substantially amended Subsec. (a) including by adding provisions re fee, charge or cost imposed for add-on consumer good or consumer service, defining “dealer conveyance fee”, “processing fee”, “consumer good” and “consumer service” and making technical and conforming changes.

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Sec. 14-63. Regulations. Customer complaints re operations of and services provided by dealer or repairer. Stipulation by licensees. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations governing the administration of all statutes relating to the license and business of dealers and repairers, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.

(b) (1) For the purposes of this subsection, (A) “nonconsensual towing or transporting” and “recovery” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-66, and (B) “police-ordered towing” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-66e.

(2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall receive, process and investigate complaints from customers of dealers and repairers concerning the operations of and services provided by any such dealer or repairer, including the provision of nonconsensual towing or transporting, recovery or storage of motor vehicles. The commissioner may permit a dealer or repairer to stipulate to a complaint and waive such dealer or repairer's right to an administrative hearing under the provisions of chapter 54.

(3) Any complaint filed with the commissioner pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall (A) be in writing, on a form provided by or acceptable to the commissioner, (B) contain a statement of the facts that form the basis of the claim against such dealer or repairer, (C) include the dealer's or repairer's name, the customer's name and address, the date on which the transaction with the dealer or repairer occurred and, if applicable, the description of any vehicle that is the subject of a complaint, (D) be accompanied by any supporting documentation that pertains to the complaint, including, but not limited to, the written authorization form described in subsection (b) of section 14-145, photographs, invoices, repair orders and evidence of payment, and (E) be mailed or otherwise transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(4) Not later than fourteen days from the date of receiving a customer complaint, the commissioner shall notify the customer and the dealer or repairer that is the subject of the complaint that the complaint (A) was received and of the particular matters alleged by the customer, and (B) will be subject to further investigation. Such investigation shall consist of a determination of (i) whether the complaint is complete and all relevant documents were received, and (ii) whether the complaint states facts which, if true, would give rise to one or more violations of sections 14-51 to 14-66c, inclusive, sections 14-145, 14-145a, 14-145e and 14-150 or any regulation adopted pursuant to said sections or section 14-150d.

(5) In the event that the complaint is incomplete, the commissioner shall notify the customer, in writing, of what deficiencies exist in the complaint and provide the date by which the customer is required to submit documentation to address such deficiencies. In the event that such deficiencies are not addressed by the specified date, no action shall be taken on the complaint and the commissioner shall notify the customer and the dealer or repairer, in writing, that no further action will be taken. The commissioner shall maintain a written record of all conversations with the customer and include such record with the complaint in the records of the department.

(6) In the event that the complaint does not state facts that give rise to a violation of sections 14-51 to 14-66c, inclusive, sections 14-145, 14-145a, 14-145e and 14-150 or any regulation adopted pursuant to said sections or section 14-150d, the commissioner shall notify the customer and the dealer or repairer, in writing, that the commissioner will not proceed with the complaint. Such notice shall include a brief statement of the reasons why the commissioner has taken no action.

(7) If, after the investigation, the commissioner determines that a complaint is complete and determines one or more violations of sections 14-51 to 14-66c, inclusive, sections 14-145, 14-145a, 14-145e and 14-150 or any regulation adopted pursuant to said sections or section 14-150d, the commissioner shall notify the customer and the dealer or repairer of such determination. The notification shall relate the particular matters involved in the complaint and inform the dealer or repairer that such dealer or repairer is required to respond to the matters alleged in the complaint not later than ten days after the date of the notification. Upon receipt of the dealer or repairer's response, the commissioner may (A) mediate a voluntary resolution of the complaint that is acceptable to the customer and the dealer or repairer, (B) proceed with an administrative hearing under chapter 54, or (C) determine that no action is to be taken and notify the customer and the dealer or repairer, in writing, of the reason for that determination.

(8) If the complaint is resolved through voluntary mediation, the dealer or repairer shall waive its right to an administrative hearing under chapter 54. If the dealer or repairer enters into a stipulated agreement, settlement agreement or consent order and fails to comply with the terms of such agreement or order, the dealer or repairer's license shall be suspended in accordance with the terms of such agreement or order. An agreement between the customer and the dealer or repairer shall not preclude the commissioner from proceeding to take action if the commissioner has reason to believe that the dealer or repairer has violated any provision of section 14-64.

(9) If the commissioner determines that there is one or more probable violations of sections 14-51 to 14-66c, inclusive, sections 14-145, 14-145a, 14-145e and 14-150 or any regulation adopted pursuant to said sections or section 14-150d and that the department will take action, the department shall notify the customer and dealer or repairer of such determination and proceed with a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, regardless of whether the matter has or has not been settled between the customer and the dealer or repairer. The commissioner may proceed to take any action authorized under the provisions of section 14-64, and, in the case of police-ordered towing, recommend to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection that such dealer or repairer be removed from the rotational system maintained pursuant to section 29-23a.

(10) A decision by the commissioner not to take action against the dealer or repairer pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be without prejudice to the claim of the customer; and neither the fact that the commissioner has determined not to proceed nor the notice furnished to the parties, in accordance with this subsection, shall be admissible in any civil action.

(11) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

(1949 Rev., S. 2403; P.A. 79-114; P.A. 86-114; P.A. 02-70, S. 28; P.A. 03-278, S. 41; P.A. 13-271, S. 24; P.A. 14-130, S. 18; P.A. 25-55, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 79-114 prohibited regulations requiring place of business to have more than two bays; P.A. 86-114 added Subsec. (b) re adoption of regulations establishing complaint procedure and specifying circumstances under which licensee may stipulate to complaint and waive hearing; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize commissioner to make, alter or repeal regulations in accordance with chapter 54, deleting reference to “after notice and hearing, provided such regulations shall not require the place of business of a repairer to have more than two bays”, and amended Subsec. (b) to make a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality, to require regulations to provide for commissioner to contact each licensee that is the subject of a complaint to notify licensee of the complaint, to require commissioner to attempt to mediate voluntary resolution of the complaint and to specify procedures, in regulations, in the event the complaint is unresolved; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b) to make commissioner's attempt to mediate complaint permissive, if commissioner determines facts give rise to violation of law related to licensee's business, rather than mandatory, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision re regulations to become effective 10 days after copy mailed to licensees, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 25-55 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “commissioner may make, alter or repeal” with “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt” and substantially revised Subsec. (b).

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Sec. 14-64. Suspension and revocation of licenses. Civil penalties. Restitution orders. (a) The commissioner may suspend or revoke the license or licenses of any licensee or impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars for each violation on any licensee or both, when, after notice and hearing, the commissioner finds that the licensee:

(1) Has violated any provision of any statute or regulation of any state or any federal statute or regulation pertaining to its business as a licensee or has failed to comply with the terms of a final decision and order of any state department or federal agency concerning any such provision;

(2) Has failed to maintain such records of transactions concerning the purchase, sale or repair of motor vehicles or major component parts, as required by such regulations as shall be adopted by the commissioner, for a period of three years after such purchase, sale or repairs, provided the records shall include the vehicle identification number and the name and address of the person from whom each vehicle or part was purchased and to whom each vehicle or part was sold, if a sale occurred;

(3) (A) Has failed to allow inspection of such records by the commissioner or the commissioner's representative during normal business hours, provided written notice stating the purpose of the inspection is furnished to the licensee, or (B) has failed to allow inspection of such records by any representative of the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or any organized local police department, which inspection may include examination of the premises to determine the accuracy of such records;

(4) Has made a false statement as to the condition, prior ownership or prior use of any motor vehicle sold, exchanged, transferred, offered for sale or repaired if the licensee knew or should have known that such statement was false;

(5) Is not qualified to conduct the licensed business, applying the standards of section 14-51, and the applicable regulations;

(6) Has violated any provision of sections 42-221 to 42-226, inclusive;

(7) Has failed to fully execute or provide the buyer with (A) an order as described in section 14-62, (B) the properly assigned certificate of title, or (C) a temporary transfer or new issue of registration;

(8) Has failed to deliver a motor vehicle free and clear of all liens, unless written notification is given to the buyer stating such motor vehicle shall be purchased subject to a lien;

(9) Has violated any provision of sections 14-65f to 14-65j, inclusive, and section 14-65l;

(10) Has used registration number plates issued by the commissioner, in violation of the provisions and standards set forth in sections 14-59 and 14-60 and the applicable regulations;

(11) Has failed to secure or to account for or surrender to the commissioner on demand official registration plates or any other official materials in its custody; or

(12) Has been convicted, or if the licensee is a firm or corporation, an officer or major stockholder has been convicted, of a violation of any provision of laws pertaining to the business of a motor vehicle dealer or repairer, including a motor vehicle recycler, or of any violation involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property, in the courts of the United States or of any state, or has failed to make full disclosure of any such conviction.

(b) In addition to, or in lieu of, the imposition of any other penalties authorized by this section, the commissioner may order any such licensee to make restitution to any aggrieved customer.

(1949 Rev., S. 2404; 1963, P.A. 234; P.A. 73-674, S. 1; P.A. 74-107, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-331, S. 10, 58; P.A. 79-69; P.A. 80-148; 80-292, S. 2; P.A. 81-160; 81-172, S. 7; 81-174, S. 2; P.A. 82-472, S. 40, 183; P.A. 86-114, S. 2; P.A. 93-397, S. 2; P.A. 98-34, S. 1; P.A. 02-70, S. 29; P.A. 03-278, S. 42; P.A. 05-218, S. 8; P.A. 10-5, S. 48; 10-110, S. 13; P.A. 11-51, S. 134; P.A. 25-55, S. 24; 25-159, S. 7.)

History: 1963 act added authority to revoke license; P.A. 73-674 required suspension or revocation of license for violation of state regulations and federal statutes or regulations extending applicability, and required suspension or revocation for failure to maintain records, for failure to allow inspection of records or for false statement and deleted provision re fine; P.A. 74-107 made suspension or revocation optional rather than mandatory by replacing “shall” with “may”, allowed commissioner to require bond whether license suspended or revoked or not and added provisions re return of bond; P.A. 78-331 made technical corrections; P.A. 79-69 substituted “shall” for “may” in Subdiv. (2); P.A. 80-148 made technical changes and allowed revocation or suspension if licensee found not qualified to conduct the business; P.A. 80-292 included major component parts in Subdiv. (2) and required that records contain vehicle identification number and names and addresses of sellers and buyers; P.A. 81-160 included a provision giving the commissioner the authority to impose civil penalties in addition to the power to suspend or revoke licenses; P.A. 81-172 included false statements concerning a motor vehicle that is “offered for sale” as cause for license suspension or revocation; P.A. 81-174 included failure to allow inspection of records and premises by state or local police as grounds for license suspension or revocation; P.A. 82-472 made technical corrections; P.A. 86-114 added provision allowing commissioner to order restitution to aggrieved customer; P.A. 93-397 added Subdiv. (6), making violation of Secs. 42-221 to 42-226, inclusive, grounds for suspension or revocation of license; P.A. 98-34 clarified that commissioner may impose a civil penalty for each violation and added Subdivs. (7) to (9) inclusive, expanding grounds for suspension, revocation and civil penalty; P.A. 02-70 made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, amended Subdiv. (1) to allow commissioner to suspend or revoke the license of any licensee when, after a hearing, the commissioner finds that the licensee has failed to comply with the terms of a final decision and order of any state department or federal agency concerning any state or federal statute or regulation pertaining to its business as a licensee, added new Subdiv. (10) to allow commissioner to suspend or revoke a license when commissioner finds that the licensee used number plates in violation of Secs. 14-59 and 14-60 and applicable regulations and eliminated requirement that licensee furnish to the commissioner a bond in the amount of $1,000 when commissioner has made requisite finding; P.A. 03-278 made a technical change, effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 05-218 added Subdiv. (11) re failure to secure or account for or surrender official registration plates or any other official materials, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 10-5 added reference to Sec. 14-65l in Subdiv. (9), effective May 5, 2010; P.A. 10-110 added Subdiv. (12) to authorize license suspension or revocation or imposition of civil penalty upon finding that licensee has been convicted of violating law pertaining to business of motor vehicle dealer, repairer or recycler, or violation of law involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property, or has failed to fully disclose any such conviction, effective July 1, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Department of Public Safety” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 25-55 increased civil penalty from not more than $1,000 to not more than $5,000 for each violation and made technical changes; P.A. 25-159 added Subsec. (a) and (b) designators, amended Subsec. (a)(2) by increasing period of retention from 2 years to 3 years and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2025.

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(E)

WRECKERS

Sec. 14-66. Wreckers used for towing and transporting motor vehicles. Registration. Distinguishing number plates. Exceptions. Penalties. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Nonconsensual towing or transporting” means the towing or transporting and recovery of a motor vehicle without the prior consent or authorization of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle performed (A) in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145, or (B) pursuant to an order of a police officer or traffic authority;

(2) “Police officer” has the same meaning as provided in section 7-294a;

(3) “Traffic authority” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-297; and

(4) “Recovery” means winching, hoisting, uprighting or other similar function performed by a wrecker service to return a motor vehicle to a position where the towing or transporting may be initiated.

(b) No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of operating a wrecker for the purpose of towing or transporting motor vehicles, including motor vehicles which are disabled, inoperative or wrecked or are being removed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145, 14-150 or 14-307, unless such person, firm or corporation is a motor vehicle dealer or repairer licensed pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52. Any person aggrieved by any action of the commissioner under the provisions of this section may appeal therefrom in accordance with section 4-183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the judicial district of New Britain.

(c) Each wrecker used for towing or transporting motor vehicles shall be registered as a wrecker by the commissioner for a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars. Each such registration shall be renewed biennially according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner so as to effect staggered renewal of all such registrations. If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any registration more or less than two years from its issuance, the commissioner may charge a prorated amount for such registration fee.

(d) An owner of a wrecker may apply to the commissioner for a general distinguishing number and number plate for the purpose of displaying such number plate on a motor vehicle temporarily in the custody of such owner and being towed or transported by such owner. The commissioner shall issue such number and number plate to an owner of a wrecker (1) who has complied with the requirements of this section, and (2) whose wrecker is equipped in accordance with subsection (e) of this section. The commissioner shall charge a fee to cover the cost of issuance and renewal of such number plates.

(e) (1) The commissioner, or an inspector authorized by the commissioner, shall examine each wrecker, including its number, equipment and identification, and shall determine the mechanical condition of such wrecker and whether or not it is properly equipped to do the work intended. A wrecker shall be deemed properly equipped if there are flashing yellow lights installed and mounted on such wrecker that (A) show in all directions at all times, and (B) are as close to the back of the cab of such wrecker as practicable. Such lights shall be in operation when such wrecker is towing a vehicle and when such wrecker is at the scene of an accident or the location of a disabled motor vehicle. In addition, each wrecker shall be equipped with a spot light mounted so that its beam of light is directed toward the hoisting equipment in the rear of such wrecker. The hoisting equipment of each wrecker shall be of sufficient capacity to perform the service intended and shall be securely mounted to the frame of such vehicle. A fire extinguisher shall be carried at all times on each wrecker which shall be in proper working condition, mounted in a permanent bracket on each wrecker and have a minimum rating of eight bc. A set of three flares in operating condition shall be carried at all times on each wrecker and shall be used between the periods of one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise when the wrecker is parked on a highway while making emergency repairs or preparing to pick up a disabled vehicle to remove it from a highway or adjoining property.

(2) No wrecker service shall offer to give any gratuities or inducements of any kind to any police officer or other person in order to obtain towing business or recommendations for towing or storage of, or estimating repairs to, disabled vehicles.

(3) No wrecker service shall require the owner of a disabled vehicle to sign a contract for the repair or storage of such owner's disabled vehicle as part of the consideration for towing such vehicle or to sign an order for the repair of, or authorization for estimating repairs to such vehicle, until the tow job has been completed. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit the wrecker service and owner of the disabled vehicle from entering into an agreement for the repair or storage of such vehicle upon the completion of the tow.

(4) No wrecker service shall tow a vehicle in such a negligent manner as to cause further damage to the vehicle being towed.

(5) No wrecker service shall knowingly permit any person to occupy a vehicle while the vehicle is being towed.

(f) With respect to the nonconsensual towing or transporting of a motor vehicle, no wrecker service may tow or transport a vehicle to the premises of any person, firm or corporation engaged in the storage of vehicles for compensation unless such person, firm or corporation adheres to the storage charges published by the commissioner in accordance with section 14-66d.

(g) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person, firm, corporation or association: (1) Towing or transporting a motor vehicle, provided such person, firm, corporation or association is licensed as a motor vehicle dealer pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52 and does not offer direct towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; (2) operating as an automobile club or automobile association licensed under section 14-67; (3) operating as a motor vehicle recycler licensed under section 14-67l or any contractor of such recycler, provided such recycler or its contractor does not offer towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; (4) engaging in the business of repossession of motor vehicles for lending institutions, provided it does not offer direct towing or transporting unless licensed as a motor vehicle dealer pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52; (5) towing motor vehicles owned or leased by such person, firm, association or corporation; (6) towing or transporting motor vehicles for hire, with the appropriate operating authority, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, as amended from time to time, provided such person, firm, corporation or association does not offer towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; or (7) towing motor vehicles to or from an auction conducted by a motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52, provided such person, firm, corporation or association does not offer direct towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting.

(h) Any police officer or traffic authority may determine that a vehicle blocking a travel lane on a limited access highway constitutes an emergency and a threat to public safety. Upon such determination, such officer or traffic authority may direct the wrecker service to remove such vehicle. Any such wrecker service shall be held harmless from liability or causes of action for property damages incurred to such vehicle or to its contents or the surrounding area caused by such emergency removal, provided such removal measures are taken under the direction of such officer or authority and all reasonable care is taken by the wrecker service to limit any further damage to such vehicle, such vehicle's contents or the surrounding area.

(i) Any person, firm, corporation or association that violates the provisions of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and for a second or subsequent offense, shall be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.

(1953, S. 1314d; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 15; 1967, P.A. 454, S. 2; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 11; 1971, P.A. 473; P.A. 75-213, S. 12, 53; P.A. 76-436, S. 342, 681; P.A. 77-603, S. 32, 125; P.A. 78-280, S. 5, 127; P.A. 79-15, S. 1, 3; 79-228; P.A. 80-144, S. 1, 2; 80-383; P.A. 84-254, S. 40, 62; 84-359, S. 2; 84-391, S. 6, 8; P.A. 85-223, S. 1; 85-265; P.A. 87-329, S. 14; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4–6; P.A. 97-236, S. 11, 27; P.A. 99-215, S. 24, 29; 99-268, S. 10; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4, S. 34; P.A. 05-218, S. 23; P.A. 07-167, S. 21; P.A. 10-110, S. 61; P.A. 13-271, S. 26; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 163; P.A. 22-44, S. 12; 22-141, S. 1; P.A. 24-20, S. 37; P.A. 25-55, S. 6.)

History: 1961 act increased registration fee in Subsec. (c); 1967 act included wreckers “transporting” vehicles as well as wreckers “towing” vehicles and replaced general reference requiring wreckers to be equipped as per regulations of commissioner with specific requirements re equipment; 1969 act increased registration fee in Subsec. (c) from $4 to $20; 1971 act required filing storage charges as well as others with commissioner and specified that commissioner to be guided by charges in standard service manual when making determination re charges for towing or transporting vehicles; P.A. 75-213 increased registration fee in Subsec. (c) to $26; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-603 made appeals in accordance with Sec. 4-183 except that venue to be in Hartford county; P.A. 78-280 replaced Hartford county with judicial district of Hartford-New Britain; P.A. 79-15 required flashing yellow, rather than red, lights as part of equipment; P.A. 79-228 added Subsec. (d) re limitation on provisions of section; P.A. 80-144 included reference to inoperative vehicles and those “being removed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145”; P.A. 80-383 amended Subsec. (d) to require registration of wrecker used in salvage operations as commercial motor vehicle; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (c) to increase periodically the fee from $26 to $52 as of July 1, 1992; P.A. 84-359 amended Subsec. (d), deleting the requirement that wreckers used for salvage purposes be registered as commercial motor vehicles; P.A. 84-391 amended Subsec. (c), providing for the staggered renewal of wrecker registrations and deleting expiration date of last day in February; P.A. 85-223 amended Subsec. (c) by requiring each wrecker used for towing or transporting disabled or wrecked motor vehicles for compensation to be registered as a wrecker; P.A. 85-265 inserted new Subsec. (d) prohibiting wrecker operators from towing vehicles to storage premises unless a schedule of storage charges has been filed and filed charges are adhered to and relettered former Subsec. (d) as (e); P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (c), maintaining the annual fee at the level existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreasing the fee effective July 1, 1992, to the level formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988; P.A. 88-230 replaced “judicial district of Hartford-New Britain” with “judicial district of Hartford”, effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 97-236 divided Subsec. (a) into three Subdivs., adding in Subdiv. (1) references to Secs. 14-150 and 14-307, eliminating requirement that wrecker operators file schedule of rates and charges with commissioner and eliminating authority of commissioner to disapprove filing of rates and charges if they are not just and reasonable, inserting in Subdiv. (2) new language requiring commissioner to establish and publish schedule of uniform rates and charges for nonconsensual towing and transporting of motor vehicles and for storage thereof, authorizing commissioner to amend such schedule, allowing commissioner to consider various factors in establishing and amending rates and charges and requiring commissioner to hold a public hearing for purpose of obtaining additional information re rates and charges and restating the language in Subdiv. (3) for consistency with provisions of Subdivs. (1) and (2) of this Subsec., amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes, amended Subsec. (c) to substitute biennial for annual renewal of registration, to increase registration fee from $46 to $92 and to make technical changes for consistency, amended Subsec. (d) to restate language for consistency with provisions of Subsec. (a), and added Subsec. (f) to define term “nonconsensual towing or transporting”, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-215 replaced “judicial district of Hartford” with “judicial district of New Britain in Subsec. (a), effective June 29, 1999; P.A. 99-268 inserted new provisions re issuance of distinguishing number and number plate as Subsec. (d), redesignating former Subsecs. (d) to (f), inclusive, as (e) to (g), and made a technical change in Subsec. (b) re gender neutrality; P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; (Revisor's note: In 2003 the references in Subsecs. (a) and (f) to “subdivision (D)” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “subpart (D)” for clarity of reference); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4 amended Subsec. (c) to increase fee for registration of wrecker used for towing or transporting disabled or wrecked motor vehicles for compensation from $92 to $125, effective January 1, 2004; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by eliminating provision authorizing commissioner to amend schedule, rates and charges from time to time and adding provision that upon petition of person licensed under section, but not more frequently than once every two years, commissioner shall reconsider established rates and charges and amend same if rates and charges are determined to be no longer just and reasonable, effective July 6, 2005; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by adding provision re consideration of the Consumer Price Index; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to delete requirement that towing be “for compensation” and to authorize towing of vehicles other than disabled, inoperative or wrecked vehicles, amended Subsec. (b) to replace requirement that beam of light from spotlight can be shown in all directions with requirement that beam of light is directed toward hoisting equipment in rear of wrecker, amended Subsec. (f) to exempt from provisions of section any person, firm or corporation operating as automobile club or association or as motor vehicle recycler, or engaged in repossession business or in towing motor vehicles owned or leased by such person, firm or corporation, and made technical and conforming changes in Subsecs. (a), (b), (c) and (f); P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (f) to apply provisions to associations and make technical changes, to delete “for salvage purposes” and “wrecker service” and limit exemption to person, firm, corporation or association that does not offer direct towing or transporting to public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting in Subdiv. (1), to apply exemption to contractor of recycler and limit exemption to recycler or contractor that does not offer towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting in Subdiv. (3), to limit exemption to person, firm, corporation or association that does not offer direct towing or transporting unless licensed as motor vehicle dealer in Subdiv. (4), to add Subdiv. (6) re exemption for person, firm, corporation or association towing or transporting for hire with the appropriate operating authority, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, and to add Subdiv. (7) re exemption for person, firm, corporation or association towing vehicle to or from auction conducted by licensed dealer, and added Subsec. (h) re commission of first offense to be an infraction and commission of second or subsequent offense to be a class D misdemeanor; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 added new Subsec. (g) re removal of vehicle blocking a travel lane and redesignated existing Subsecs. (g) and (h) as Subsecs. (h) and (i); P.A. 22-44 amended Subsec. (b) to delete “two” re yellow lights and delete provisions re lights to indicate full width of wrecker and be mounted not less than 8 feet above road surface; P.A. 22-141 amended Subsec. (b) to add “or storage”, add provision re nothing to be construed to prohibit agreement upon completion of tow job and make a technical change; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re no licensee to knowingly permit person to occupy vehicle while being towed; P.A. 25-55 substantially revised section.

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Sec. 14-66a. Wrecker service. Motor vehicle redemption and access to personal property within stored motor vehicle. Regulations. Penalty. (a) Each wrecker service that stores a motor vehicle that has been subject to nonconsensual towing or transporting, as defined in section 14-66, shall store such vehicle at the site of the wrecker service's business in a secured lot. The site shall be open during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The wrecker service shall (1) maintain an advertised telephone number to take requests twenty-four hours a day from a motor vehicle owner or person authorized by such owner seeking to redeem a stored motor vehicle or remove any personal property within such stored motor vehicle, and (2) if such request is not made during the wrecker service's hours of operation, provide for such redemption or access to personal property not later than four hours after such request. A lending institution or person authorized by such lending institution may only redeem a stored motor vehicle during the wrecker service's hours of operation.

(b) Any such wrecker service does not have a lien upon the personal property within a motor vehicle stored at such wrecker service's secured storage lot and shall permit the owner of the motor vehicle or a person authorized by such owner to access such motor vehicle and remove any personal property from within such motor vehicle during such wrecker service's hours of operation or, if not open, not later than four hours after receiving a request to remove such personal property.

(c) No wrecker service shall charge for vehicle storage on a day when such wrecker service does not make the vehicle available for redemption. The wrecker service may charge an after-hours redemption fee established by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in accordance with section 14-66d if the wrecker service releases a motor vehicle outside its hours of operation.

(d) The wrecker service shall release a motor vehicle to its owner, a lending institution or a person authorized by the owner or lending institution to regain possession, upon demand, provided the owner, lending institution or authorized person (1) presents proof of registration, the certificate of title, the bill of sale, the lease for the motor vehicle or other reasonable proof of ownership, and (2) pays the costs of towing and storage. The wrecker service shall release the motor vehicle even if the address on the proof of registration, certificate of title, bill of sale, lease for the motor vehicle or other reasonable proof of ownership is different from the current address of the owner or authorized person redeeming the motor vehicle.

(e) The wrecker service shall accept such payment by cash or credit or debit card and maintain sufficient cash at the office of such wrecker service to provide change to the owner or authorized person at the time of payment. If such payment is made by credit or debit card, the holder of such credit or debit card shall appear at the office of such wrecker service and sign the credit or debit card receipt.

(f) Any vehicle owner, lending institution or authorized person shall have the right to inspect the vehicle before redeeming the vehicle. No general release of any kind that would release the wrecker service from liability for damages or from liability for any claim that the vehicle was towed without justification may be required from any vehicle owner, lending institution or authorized person, as a condition of release of the vehicle. A receipt showing the name of the wrecker service and an itemization of the charges shall be provided to the person paying the towing and storage costs at the time of payment.

(g) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, requiring all wreckers to display either the name and address or name and telephone number of the licensed registrant of such wrecker.

(h) Any person, firm, corporation or association that violates the provisions of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and for a second or subsequent offense, shall be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.

(P.A. 79-15, S. 2, 3; P.A. 25-55, S. 12.)

History: P.A. 25-55 substantially revised section by adding Subsecs. (a) to (f), inclusive, re wrecker service's business, access to personal property from within towed motor vehicle, prohibition re charging for vehicle storage on day when vehicle not available for redemption, release of towed motor vehicle, acceptance of payment and right to inspection before vehicle redemption, designating existing provision re regulations as Subsec. (g) and adding Subsec. (h) re penalty.

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Sec. 14-66b. Wrecker services to maintain records. (a) Each owner of a wrecker registered pursuant to subsection (c) of section 14-66 shall keep and maintain a record stating the following information: (1) The registration number of each motor vehicle towed or transported and the registration number of each wrecker used to tow or transport such motor vehicle; (2) the date and time the tow commenced and was completed; (3) the location from which the disabled motor vehicle was towed and the destination of such tow; (4) the mileage of the wrecker at the commencement and completion of the tow; (5) the charge for tow service and any other charges incurred for services related to such tow; (6) the name and address of the person requesting tow service; (7) the written authorization form, as described in subsection (b) of section 14-145 for each motor vehicle towed or transported; (8) photographs of the motor vehicle taken pursuant to subsection (d) of section 14-145; and (9) any other information the commissioner deems necessary and specified in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. Such records shall be retained at the place of business of the wrecker service for a period of three years and shall be available for inspection during regular business hours by any law enforcement officer or inspector designated by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

(b) Each owner of a wrecker shall also keep and maintain copies of any written contracts with owners or lessees of property authorizing the towing or removal of motor vehicles from the property of such owner or lessee, or with lending institutions repossessing any motor vehicles, as provided in section 14-145, and such contracts shall be available for inspection by motor vehicle owners, agents of the owners, or lending institutions, upon request.

(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit any licensed motor vehicle dealer or repairer who operates a wrecker service to maintain, in an electronic format prescribed by the commissioner, all records, photographs, documents and forms required by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Such records, photographs, documents and forms shall be produced in written format, upon request by the department, during the licensee's business hours on the same day of such request.

(d) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be deemed to have committed an infraction.

(P.A. 84-182; P.A. 91-408, S. 5; P.A. 12-81, S. 44; P.A. 14-130, S. 19; P.A. 15-42, S. 6; P.A. 18-164, S. 9; P.A. 25-55, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 91-408 added provision requiring the maintenance of copies of contracts authorizing the towing or removal of vehicles and requiring that such contracts be available for inspection; P.A. 12-81 added provisions authorizing commissioner to permit licensed dealer who operates wrecker service to maintain required records, documents and forms in electronic format and requiring same to be produced in written format not later than 3 business days after department request, and made a technical change; P.A. 14-130 amended Subdiv. (1) to add wrecker registration number to record keeping requirements, amended Subdiv. (4) to replace “total mileage traveled during such tow” with “the mileage of the wrecker at the commencement and completion of the tow”, replaced provision re three-day document production deadline with provision re production during business hours on same day of request, added provision making violation an infraction and made technical changes; P.A. 15-42 added requirement that records of contracts with certain lending institutions be kept and added lending institutions to list of who may inspect such contracts; P.A. 18-164 added provision re permitting repairer who operates wrecker service to maintain records, documents and forms in electronic format, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 25-55 added Subsec. designators (a) to (d), amended Subsec. (a) by adding new Subdiv. (7) re written authorization form, adding Sudiv. (8) re photographs, redesignating existing Subdiv. (7) as Subdiv. (9) and increasing period for record retention from 2 years to 3 years and amended Subsec. (c) by adding references to photographs.

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Sec. 14-66c. Sale or disposal of motorized personal property. Penalty. (a) As used in this section, “motorized personal property” includes mini-motorcycles, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, or other types of motorized personal property.

(b) If any motorized personal property is towed or otherwise removed by a wrecker service, at the direction of an officer attached to an organized police department or an owner of real property where such personal property has been abandoned, such property shall be taken to and stored in a suitable place. Not later than forty-eight hours after the time that such property is taken into custody, the wrecker service shall give written notice by certified mail to the owner, if known, (1) that such property has been taken and stored, and (2) of the location of such property. Such wrecker service shall have a lien upon the same for towing or removal charges and storage charges. If such owner does not claim such property, or if the owner of such property is not known, the wrecker service may sell or dispose of such property after thirty days, subject to any provision of the general statutes, or any regulation adopted thereunder, concerning the sale or disposal of such property.

(c) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined not less than thirty-five dollars or more than fifty dollars, and, for each subsequent offense, be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.

(P.A. 09-187, S. 33; P.A. 10-110, S. 60; P.A. 12-80, S. 61; P.A. 25-55, S. 19.)

History: P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (b) to include motorized personal property towed or removed at direction of owner of real property where such personal property has been abandoned and to make technical changes; P.A. 12-80 amended Subsec. (c) to replace penalty for subsequent offense of a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $100 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both with a class D misdemeanor and make a technical change; P.A. 25-55 amended Subsec. (b) to replace references to licensee or operator of wrecker with references to wrecker service and make technical and conforming changes.

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Sec. 14-66d. Schedule of rates and charges for provision of private-property trespass towing and storage of motor vehicles. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Private-property trespass towing” means the towing or transporting of a motor vehicle without the prior consent or authorization of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle performed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145;

(2) “Light-duty motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than ten thousand pounds;

(3) “Medium-duty motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle, including any cargo, with a gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds or more but not more than twenty-six thousand pounds;

(4) “Heavy-duty motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle, including any cargo, with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than twenty-six thousand pounds;

(5) “Drop fee” means the fee payable for the release of a motor vehicle that has been connected to a wrecker but not yet removed from private property from which such motor vehicle is to be towed;

(6) “After-hours redemption fee” means the fee payable for redeeming a motor vehicle from a motor vehicle storage facility outside the wrecker service's hours of operation; and

(7) “Nonconsensual towing or transporting” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-66.

(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish and publish a schedule of rates and charges for the provision of private-property trespass towing and the storage of motor vehicles. Such schedule shall be effective on January 1, 2026, and shall include (1) flat rates for towing services provided to light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles, (2) a fee for additional labor, (3) a drop fee, (4) a mileage fee, (5) storage rates, and (6) an after-hours redemption fee. Not later than November 1, 2025, the commissioner shall hold one public hearing for the purpose of obtaining information to establish the schedule.

(c) Such flat rates shall include the first two miles of transportation performed by such wrecker service. No wrecker service may charge a mileage fee for more than thirteen additional miles of transportation provided to a motor vehicle subject to private-property trespass towing.

(d) Such storage rates and the after-hours redemption fee shall apply to the storage of light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles subject to nonconsensual towing or transporting.

(e) The schedule of rates and charges established pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be just and reasonable and reflect the reasonable operating costs of wrecker services that perform private-property trespass towing and store motor vehicles. In establishing such rates and charges, the commissioner shall consider factors, including, but not limited to, the most recent transportation producer price index published by the United States Department of Transportation, rates set by other jurisdictions and the cost of fuel, wreckers, motor vehicle parts, equipment, personnel, workers' compensation insurance, unemployment compensation and insurance premiums.

(f) In the period of time between July 1, 2028, and October 1, 2028, inclusive, and every three years thereafter, the commissioner shall hold one public hearing for the purpose of reconsidering the schedule of rates and charges established pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner may amend such established schedule if, after consideration of the factors set forth in subsection (e) of this section and the testimony received at the public hearing, the commissioner determines that such established schedule is no longer just and reasonable and does not reflect the reasonable operating costs of wrecker services that perform private-property trespass towing. If the commissioner amends such schedule, such amended schedule shall be effective the January first following each public hearing held pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.

(g) Upon the publication of a schedule pursuant to the provisions of this section, no wrecker service shall (1) charge more than the rates and charges contained in such schedule, or (2) charge for services that are not included in such schedule.

(h) The uniform rates and charges for the nonconsensual towing or transporting and storage of motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than ten thousand pounds established and published by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles pursuant to section 14-66 of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2025, shall continue to be effective on and after October 1, 2025, until December 31, 2025, inclusive, and no wrecker service shall charge more than such published rates and charges during such period.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 7.)

History: P.A. 25-55 effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-66e. Schedule of rates and charges for the provision of police-ordered towing. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Police-ordered towing” means towing or transporting and recovery of a motor vehicle without the prior consent of authorization of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle performed pursuant to the provisions of section 14-150, section 14-307 or any other order of a police officer or traffic authority;

(2) “Oversize or overweight motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle, combination of motor vehicle and trailer or commercial vehicle combination, including each such motor vehicle's load, whose dimensions or weight does not conform to the provisions of sections 14-262, 14-262a, 14-264, 14-267a and 14-269 or any other requirement specified in the general statutes;

(3) “Winching” means the process of moving a motor vehicle by the use of chains, nylon slings or additional lengths of winch cable from a position that is not accessible for direct hookup for towing a motor vehicle;

(4) “Nonconsensual towing or transporting” and “recovery” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-66; and

(5) “Light-duty motor vehicle”, “medium-duty motor vehicle” and “heavy-duty motor vehicle” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-66d.

(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish and publish a schedule of rates and charges for the provision of police-ordered towing that includes:

(1) A base hourly rate that may be charged for towing or transporting services provided to (A) a light-duty motor vehicle, (B) a medium-duty motor vehicle, (C) a heavy-duty motor vehicle, and (D) an oversize or overweight motor vehicle. The commissioner shall identify the services and equipment involved in the provision of such towing or transporting services that are included in such base hourly rate;

(2) An hourly rate for winching services, provided such winching service is performed on a vehicle that is located off a paved portion of a highway;

(3) Hourly rates or charges for each type of specialized equipment used in connection with the provision of police-ordered towing that are not included in the base hourly rate established pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection. Such rates or charges shall account for the cost of each such type of specialized equipment and a reasonable profit margin;

(4) Hourly rates for labor that is not included in such base hourly rate; and

(5) A charge for necessary administrative services.

(c) The schedule of rates and charges established pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be just and reasonable and reflect the reasonable operating costs of wrecker services that perform police-ordered towing. In establishing such rates and charges, the commissioner shall consider factors, including, but not limited to, the most recent transportation producer price index published by the United States Department of Transportation, rates set by other jurisdictions, rates for consensual towing of motor vehicles, the cost of equipment required by regulations adopted pursuant to section 29-23a, and the cost of workers' compensation insurance, unemployment compensation and insurance premiums.

(d) Not later than ninety days after receipt of a proposed schedule of rates and charges and any supporting documentation from the Police-Ordered Towing Council pursuant to section 14-66f, the commissioner shall (1) hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining additional information concerning such proposed schedule, and (2) establish and publish a schedule of rates and charges for the provision of police-ordered towing. If the commissioner amends the proposed schedule, the commissioner shall provide a written explanation to the council of the reason for such amendment.

(e) Upon the publication of a schedule pursuant to the provisions of this section, no wrecker service shall (1) charge more than the rates and charges contained in such schedule, or (2) charge for services that are not included in such schedule.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 8.)

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Sec. 14-66f. Police-Ordered Towing Council established. Membership, meetings and duties. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Police-ordered towing” and “oversize or overweight motor vehicle” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-66e; and

(2) “Light-duty motor vehicle”, “medium-duty motor vehicle” and “heavy-duty motor vehicle” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-66d.

(b) There is established a Police-Ordered Towing Council within the Department of Motor Vehicles for administrative purposes only. Such council shall (1) advise the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles concerning policies affecting police-ordered towing, and (2) develop a proposed schedule of rates and charges for the provision of police-ordered towing of light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty and oversize or overweight motor vehicles.

(c) The council shall consist of the following members: (1) Three representatives of an organization in the state that represents towing and recovery professionals, appointed by the Governor; (2) two representatives of an organization in the state that represents the commercial trucking industry, appointed by the Governor; (3) one representative of an association of police chiefs in the state, appointed by the Governor; (4) one representative of an association of fire chiefs in the state, appointed by the Governor; (5) one representative of the insurance industry, appointed by the Governor; and (6) the Commissioners of Transportation, Emergency Services and Public Protection and Energy and Environmental Protection and the Insurance Commissioner, or their designees.

(d) Appointments to the council shall be made not later than August 1, 2025. Each member appointed shall serve for a term of three years and may serve until such member's successor is appointed. Any vacancy shall be filled by the Governor not later than thirty days after the date of such vacancy. The chairperson of the council shall be appointed by the Governor and shall convene the first meeting of the council not later than September 15, 2025.

(e) The council shall (1) on or before January 1, 2026, consider the factors set forth in subsection (c) of section 14-66e and submit to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a proposed schedule of rates and charges for the provision of police-ordered towing of light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty and oversize or overweight motor vehicles; (2) in the period of time between June 1, 2028, and September 1, 2028, inclusive, and every three years thereafter, review and consider adjustments to the rates and charges published in accordance with section 14-66e and submit such recommended adjustments, if any, to the commissioner; (3) recommend specific procedures for determining whether a service performed by a wrecker service in the provision of police-ordered towing was required; (4) request information from other parties to assist with the work of the council and, in the discretion of the council, hold public hearings for the purpose of obtaining information; and (5) make any additional recommendations to the Department of Motor Vehicles that the council deems appropriate.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 9.)

History: P.A. 25-55 effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-66g. Consumer bill of rights re towing. (a) Not later than September 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall develop, and thereafter revise as necessary, a consumer bill of rights regarding towing that includes, but is not limited to, (1) a summary of the rights and responsibilities of a motor vehicle owner or operator if such motor vehicle is subject to nonconsensual towing or transporting, as defined in section 14-66; (2) when a wrecker service shall be available for the purpose of vehicle redemption and removing any personal property from within a stored motor vehicle; (3) the schedule of rates and charges that a wrecker service may charge for private-property trespass towing, as defined in section 14-66d, police-ordered towing, as defined in section 14-66e, and storage; (4) a description of the records and photographs that an owner or operator may request from the wrecker service pursuant to the provisions of section 14-145; (5) a warning that a wrecker service may sell towed vehicles pursuant to section 14-150c; and (6) information on filing a customer complaint with the commissioner pursuant to section 14-63. The commissioner shall, at a minimum, revise the consumer bill of rights each time the commissioner publishes a schedule of rates and charges for the provision of private-property trespass towing in accordance with section 14-66d or police-ordered towing in accordance with section 14-66e. The commissioner shall publish the consumer bill of rights in English and Spanish and make the consumer bill of rights available for public dissemination.

(b) On and after October 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall post the consumer bill of rights regarding towing on the Internet web site of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Attorney General shall post such bill of rights on the Internet web site of the Attorney General.

(c) On and after October 1, 2025, a wrecker service shall post the consumer bill of rights at the wrecker service's place of business and make copies of such bill of rights available for distribution to customers who visit such place of business. If a wrecker service maintains an Internet web site for its business, the wrecker service shall prominently post such bill of rights on such Internet web site.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 25-55 effective June 10, 2025.

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(H)

MOTOR VEHICLE RECYCLERS

Sec. 14-67h. “Major component parts” defined. As used in this part, sections 14-103a, 14-149, 14-152, 14-184 and subsection (b) of section 14-196, “major component parts” has the same meaning as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-149a.

(P.A. 80-292, S. 1; P.A. 81-174, S. 3; P.A. 99-268, S. 13; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 14-122, S. 105; P.A. 25-69, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 81-174 amended the definition to include hoods, rear fenders and quarter panels and to remove floors from consideration as major component parts; P.A. 99-268 redefined “major component parts” to have the same meaning as provided in Sec. 14-149a(a)(2) and deleted the requirement that this definition apply to Sec. 53a-119b; P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 14-122 made technical changes; P.A. 25-69 deleted reference to Sec. 38a-356, effective June 23, 2025.

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Sec. 14-67i. (Formerly Sec. 21-16). Certificate of approval of location required. Exemption. (a) No person, firm or corporation shall establish, operate or maintain a motor vehicle recycler's yard or motor vehicle recycler's business, unless (1) a certificate of approval of the location to be used therefor has been procured from the board or authority designated by local charter, regulation or ordinance in the town, city or borough wherein such yard or business is located or is proposed to be located, except that in any town or city having a zoning commission, combined planning and zoning commission and a board of appeals, such certificate shall be obtained from the board of appeals, and (2) such person, firm or corporation holds a motor vehicle recycler's license issued pursuant to section 14-67l.

(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any public agency, as defined in section 7-339a, which acquires, collects, dismantles or disposes of junk or abandoned motor vehicles pursuant to a program of solid waste disposal, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 446d and the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, concerning the operation of motor vehicle recycler's yards, provided this exemption shall not apply to any public agency which sells or distributes or exchanges for profit motor vehicle parts for reuse as such, and provided further, such public agency shall designate an employee to maintain accurate records of all motor vehicles received and processed. Such records shall include the make, year, serial number and, if available, the name and address of the person from whom each vehicle was received. A list containing the make, year and serial number of each such motor vehicle shall be sent to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles on or before the last day of the month following the month during which such disposal occurred.

(1949 Rev., S. 4655; 1957, P.A. 438, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 415, S. 1; 1969, P.A. 712; 1971, P.A. 504, S. 1; P.A. 81-347, S. 1, 3; P.A. 90-229, S. 1; P.A. 96-167, S. 16; P.A. 03-184, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 71; P.A. 12-81, S. 10; P.A. 25-159, S. 8.)

History: 1967 act deleted requirement zoning board of appeals certify location “is not within an established district restricted against such uses”; 1969 act added Subsec. (b) re applicability of provisions to public agencies; 1971 act made provision re public agencies in Subsec. (b) Subdiv. (1), adding provision re required record-keeping and added Subdiv. (2) re intermediate processors; Sec. 21-16 transferred to Sec. 14-67i in 1981; P.A. 81-347 transferred procurement of certificate from zoning board of appeals to zoning commission and deleted reference to town manager's power to grant certificates of approval for business location in Subsec. (a). P.A. 90-229 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to add to exemption for any public agency, which acquires, collects or disposes of junk vehicles pursuant to solid waste disposal program “in accordance with the provisions of chapter 446d and the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, concerning the operation of motor vehicle junk yards”; and Subsec. (b)(2) to limit exemption for intermediate processor to that which operates at a licensed facility; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute motor vehicle recycler's yard or recycler's business for motor vehicle junk yard or junk business and amended Subsec. (b) to make changes consistent with provisions of Subsec. (a) and to substitute motor vehicle recycler's license for motor vehicle junk yard license; P.A. 03-184 amended Subsec. (a) to replace requirement for approval of certificate by chief elected official or zoning commission with requirement that the certificate be obtained from the zoning commission, planning and zoning commission or other board or authority of the municipality; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing provision authorizing the zoning commission or planning and zoning commission to issue certificate of approval with provision that in any town or city with a zoning commission, combined planning and zoning commission and a board of appeals, such certificate shall be obtained from the board of appeals; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b) to delete former Subdiv. (2) re exemption for intermediate processor and make a conforming change, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (a) by designating existing provision re certificate of approval of location as Subdiv. (1) and adding Subdiv. (2) re holding a motor vehicle recycler's license, effective July 1, 2025.

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Sec. 14-67l. (Formerly Sec. 21-18). License, fees and surety bond. General registration of motor vehicles. Documents to be issued to drivers of such motor vehicles. Compliance with environmental statutes and regulations. (a) Upon receiving a certificate of approval pursuant to section 14-67i, each applicant for an issuance of a motor vehicle recycler's license shall (1) submit such certificate of approval to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, (2) pay a fee of two hundred eighty dollars to the commissioner for the examination of the location or proposed location of each such motor vehicle recycler's yard or business, (3) pay a license fee of seven hundred five dollars to the commissioner for each motor vehicle recycler's yard or business, and (4) submit a surety bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars.

(b) Any surety bond submitted pursuant to subsection (a) or (d) of this section shall be conditioned upon the applicant or licensee complying with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation relating to the business of operating a motor vehicle recycler's yard and provided as indemnity for any loss sustained by any aggrieved customer by reason of any acts of the licensee constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of the license or such licensee going out of business. Each surety bond shall be executed in the name of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved customer, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the commissioner after a hearing held in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. The commissioner shall assess an administrative fee of two hundred dollars against any licensee for failing to provide proof of bond renewal or replacement on or before the date of the expiration of the existing bond.

(c) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, upon receipt of such certificate of approval, the payment of the required fees, the submission of such surety bond and observance of regulations required, the commissioner may issue a license, provided the commissioner may refuse to grant a license to a person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of operating a motor vehicle recycler's yard if the applicant for such license or, an officer or major stockholder, if the applicant is a firm or corporation, has been convicted of a violation of any provision of laws pertaining to the business of a motor vehicle dealer or repairer, including a motor vehicle recycler, in the courts of the United States or of this state or any state of the United States, in accordance with the hearing requirements provided for in section 14-67p.

(d) Any license may be renewed on a biennial basis upon payment of a fee of seven hundred dollars and submission of a surety bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. Upon the expiration date of a license, the licensee shall cease to conduct such licensee's business until such time as the licensee's application for renewal, accompanied by such renewal fee and surety bond, is approved by the commissioner. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars. The commissioner shall not renew any recycler's license under this section that has been expired for more than forty-five days and the holder of any such expired license may apply for a new license in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(e) Each such licensee shall, instead of registering each motor vehicle owned by the licensee, apply to the commissioner for a general distinguishing number and mark, and the commissioner may issue to the applicant a certificate of registration containing the distinguishing number and mark assigned to such licensee and, thereupon, each motor vehicle owned by such licensee shall be regarded as registered under such general distinguishing number and mark. No licensee may be issued more than three registrations under a general distinguishing number and mark in a year, unless the licensee applies for an additional registration to the commissioner, in such form and containing such information as the commissioner may require to substantiate such request. The commissioner may issue to each such licensee such additional registrations as the commissioner deems necessary. The licensee shall issue to each person driving such motor vehicle a document indicating that such person is validly entrusted with the vehicle, which document shall be carried in the motor vehicle. The commissioner shall determine the form and contents of such document. For the registration of each motor vehicle under a general distinguishing number and mark, the commissioner shall charge a fee at the rate of seventy dollars per year. Such licensee shall furnish proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner, as described in section 14-112. Such number plates may be used as provided for under section 14-67n.

(f) Each applicant for a recycler's license shall be required to certify that, to the best of such applicant's knowledge and belief, all the property to be used for the operation of the yard and business is in compliance with the provisions of all applicable provisions of title 22a and all regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection pursuant to the provisions of said title. Upon receipt of such certification and completed application, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall notify the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. The notification shall include a statement of the location of the subject property and a legal description thereof. Within forty-five days of receipt of such notification, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall inform the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles if there is any reason to believe that the property that is proposed to be licensed is not in compliance with the above referenced statutory and regulatory requirements. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is informed that there is any such reason to believe that the subject location is not in compliance with such requirements, said commissioner may (1) refuse to issue the license, or (2) issue the license subject to such conditions, including, but not limited to, the remediation of the conditions causing the suspected violation or violations, as are acceptable to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(1949 Rev., S. 4658; 1953, S. 2333d; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 20; 1971, P.A. 649, S. 5; 1972, P.A. 223, S. 27; P.A. 73-200, S. 2; P.A. 81-108, S. 2; 81-372; P.A. 82-472, S. 41, 183; P.A. 83-489, S. 11, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 44, 62; 84-391, S. 3, 8; P.A. 96-167, S. 18; P.A. 08-150, S. 10; P.A. 09-187, S. 18; P.A. 10-110, S. 43; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 24-20, S. 6; P.A. 25-159, S. 9.)

History: 1961 act increased examination and license fees from $25 to $40 each and registration fee from $5 to $7 and changed technical language; 1971 act replaced reference to pairs of plates with reference to single plate; 1972 act increased initial license fee from $40 to $100 and increased renewal fee from $40 to $50; P.A. 73-200 added provision re grounds for refusal to grant license and replaced reference to Sec. 21-22 (later transferred to Sec. 14-67q) with reference to Sec. 21-19 (later transferred to Sec. 14-67n); Sec. 21-18 transferred to Sec. 14-67l in 1981; P.A. 81-108 required licensees to issue documents to persons entrusted with motor vehicles subject to general registration; P.A. 81-372 increased the fee for each number plate from $7 to $20; P.A. 82-472 made technical corrections; P.A. 83-489 increased fee for examination of location of junk yard or business from $40 to $80, increased license fee for junk yard or business from $100 to $200 and increased annual license renewal fee from $50 to $100; P.A. 84-254 increased the fees, scheduling the increases to take effect as of July first of 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993; P.A. 84-391 limited the number of registrations under a general distinguishing number and mark issued to junk yard or junk business licensees and provided for the staggered renewal of such licenses and deleted provision whereby license period ended “the last day of February next following”; P.A. 96-167 substituted “motor vehicle recycler's license” for “motor vehicle junk yard” or “junk business license” and “motor vehicle recycler's yard” for “motor vehicle junk yard”; P.A. 08-150 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to add exception re Subsec. (b) with respect to issuance of license by commissioner and delete obsolete provisions re scheduled fee increases, retaining $280 examination fee, $705 license fee, $350 license renewal fee and $70 number plate fee, and added Subsec. (b) re certificate of compliance with environmental statutes and regulations, review of subject property by Commissioner of Environmental Protection and authority of Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to refuse to issue license or issue license with conditions; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (a) to replace provisions re annual license renewal and $350 renewal fee with provisions re biennial license renewal and $700 renewal fee, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to replace motor vehicle registration fee of $70 for each number plate furnished with registration fee at rate of $70 per year and to make technical changes, effective June 5, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. designators (1) to (3) and add Subdiv. (4) re $25,000 surety bond, added new Subsec. (b) re surety bond, redesignated existing provision re issuance of license as Subsec. (c), redesignated existing provision re renewal, registration of vehicle under distinguishing number and mark and proof of financial responsibility as Subsec. (d), redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (e) and made technical and conforming changes; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (c) by replacing reference to Subsec. (e) with reference to Subsec. (f), amended Subsec. (d) by adding provisions re ceasing to conduct business upon expiration date of license, renewal application, late fee and prohibition re renewing license expired for more than 45 days, designated existing provisions in Subsec. (d) re registration containing distinguishing number and marker as new Subsec. (e), redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f) and made a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.

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PART IV

DRIVERS' SCHOOLS

Sec. 14-73. Instructor's license. Master instructor's license. Regulations. (a)(1) No person shall be employed by a drivers' school to give instruction in driving a motor vehicle unless such person is licensed to act as an instructor or master instructor by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

(2) The drivers' school employing an instructor's licensee or a master instructor's licensee shall be responsible for ensuring any such licensee is in compliance with the requirements of this part and any regulations adopted under section 14-78.

(b) Application for an instructor's license or a master instructor's license shall be in writing and shall contain such information as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles requires. Each applicant for an instructor's license or a master instructor's license, or for any renewal thereof, shall be fingerprinted and shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles that such applicant: (1) Is of good moral character considering such person's state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, and record, if any, on the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k. If any applicant for a license or the renewal of a license has a criminal record or is listed on the state child abuse and neglect registry, the commissioner shall make a determination of whether to issue or renew an instructor's license or master instructor's license in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in section 14-44 and the regulations adopted pursuant to said section; (2) has held a license to drive a motor vehicle for the past five consecutive years and has a driving record satisfactory to the commissioner, including no record of a conviction or administrative license suspension for a drug or alcohol-related offense during such five-year period; (3) has passed a physical examination, administered not more than ninety days prior to the date of application, by a physician, physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed to practice within the state and the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse certifies that the applicant is physically fit to operate a motor vehicle and provide instruction in driving; (4) has received a high school diploma or has an equivalent academic education; and (5) has completed an instructor training course of forty-five clock hours given by a school or agency approved by the commissioner, except that any such course given by an institution within the Connecticut State University System shall be approved by the commissioner and the State Board of Education. During the period of licensure, an instructor shall notify the commissioner, within forty-eight hours, of an arrest or conviction for a misdemeanor or felony, or an arrest, conviction or administrative license suspension for a drug or alcohol-related offense. Upon such notification, the commissioner may suspend, revoke or withdraw the instructor's license or master instructor's license pursuant to the provisions of section 14-79.

(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may deny the application of any person for an instructor's license or a master instructor's license if the commissioner determines that the applicant has made a material false statement or concealed a material fact in connection with such person's application for the instructor's license or master instructor's license.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall conduct such written, oral and practical examinations, as the commissioner deems necessary, to determine whether an applicant has sufficient skill in the operation of motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation, a satisfactory knowledge of the motor vehicle laws and the ability to impart such skill and knowledge to others. If the applicant successfully completes the examinations and meets all other requirements of this section, the commissioner shall issue an instructor's license or a master instructor's license, as the case may be, to such applicant. The license shall be valid for use only in connection with a drivers' school or schools licensed pursuant to section 14-69. If the applicant fails the examination, such applicant may apply for reexamination after five days. The license and the license renewal shall be valid for two years.

(e) The licensee shall be reexamined periodically in accordance with standards specified in regulations adopted under section 14-78.

(f) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, standards and procedures for the training and licensing of master instructors who are qualified to train driving instructors.

(g) The fee for an instructor's license, or for any renewal thereof, shall be one hundred dollars. The fee for a master instructor's license, or for any renewal thereof, shall be two hundred dollars. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has not received a complete renewal application and fee on or before the expiration date of an applicant's license, such applicant shall be charged, in addition to the renewal fee, a late fee in an amount equal to the fee for such applicant's license. The commissioner shall not renew an instructor's license or a master instructor's license that has expired for more than sixty days and the holder of any such expired license may apply for a new license in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(h) An instructor's licensee or a master instructor's licensee shall prominently display or wear an identification badge issued by the employing drivers' school at all times when providing classroom or behind-the-wheel instruction. Such identification badge shall include the licensee's name, photograph and license number, the expiration date of such license and the name of the employing drivers' school. The employing drivers' school shall be responsible for ensuring an instructor's licensee and master instructor's licensee wears such identification badge in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

(i) Any person who is not licensed in accordance with this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor if such person: (1) Engages in the business of providing, for compensation, instruction in driving a motor vehicle; or (2) is employed by a drivers' school to give instruction in driving a motor vehicle.

(1957, P.A. 507, S. 6; 1971, P.A. 456, S. 1; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 19; P.A. 73-252; P.A. 76-379; P.A. 78-355, S. 2; P.A. 83-587, S. 28, 96; P.A. 84-254, S. 46, 62; 84-429, S. 27; 84-546, S. 42, 173; P.A. 86-90, S. 2; P.A. 91-256, S. 65, 69; P.A. 02-70, S. 31; P.A. 04-182, S. 10; P.A. 08-150, S. 11; P.A. 10-110, S. 39; P.A. 11-213, S. 25; P.A. 12-81, S. 43; P.A. 13-271, S. 28; P.A. 14-130, S. 20; P.A. 16-39, S. 10; P.A. 21-196, S. 12; P.A. 22-44, S. 5; P.A. 24-20, S. 8; P.A. 25-22, S. 104; 25-159, S. 10.)

History: 1971 act expanded requirements re qualifications and licensure of driving instructors adding to requirements that applicant never have been convicted of crime involving moral turpitude, have had recent medical exam, have high school diploma or its equivalent and have completed instructor training course and elaborating on examination, reexamination, annual course requirements etc.; 1972 act changed minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 reflecting change in age of majority; P.A. 73-252 replaced requirement that instructors take courses in traffic safety annually until 80 hours completed in first four years following licensure with requirement that they take advanced instructor course of at least 45 hours during three years following licensure; P.A. 76-379 amended Subsec. (a)(6) to allow courses approved by motor vehicle commissioner or state board of education rather than by both and added exception re approval by both for courses given by state college; P.A. 78-355 amended Subsec. (a)(6) to delete reference to state board of education approval except with regard to state college programs, amended Subsec. (c) to allow option of taking advanced course or attending annual seminars in traffic safety; P.A. 83-587 substituted reference to institution governed by Connecticut State University board of trustees for “state college” in Subsec. (a); P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (e) to increase periodically the fee from $3 to $10.75 as of July 1, 1993; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions, deleted obsolete provisions re instructors issued licenses before January 1, 1972, and made other technical changes; P.A. 84-546 made technical changes to Subsec. (a) to clarify reference to “state board of education”; P.A. 86-90 amended Subsec. (b) to require applicant for instructor's license to hold operator's license for past four consecutive years, rather than past two years, and to eliminate reference to age of such applicant; P.A. 91-256 made a technical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (e) to require that the licensee be reexamined periodically in accordance with standards specified in regulations adopted under Sec. 14-78, in lieu of reexamination prior to issuance of a renewal of license or at any time during the license period, and to delete “after January 1, 1972”; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (f) to increase fee for instructor's license to $50 and delete provision re past fee increases, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to delete provision re evidence that applicant “has never been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude” and add provision re person's “criminal record and record, if any, on the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k, as obtained and reviewed by the commissioner in accordance with the standards of section 14-44”, amended Subsec. (b)(2) to add “including no record of a conviction for a drug or alcohol-related offense during such four-year period”, amended Subsec. (d) to add “and meets all other requirements of this section” and made technical changes; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (b) to require fingerprinting of applicant, to replace consideration of criminal record with consideration of state and national criminal history records checks and require decision re issuance or renewal to persons with criminal records or listed on abuse and neglect registry to be made in accordance with Sec. 14-44 and regulations in Subdiv. (1), to add administrative license suspension in Subdiv. (2) and to require instructor to notify commissioner of arrest or conviction for misdemeanor or felony, or arrest, conviction or administrative license suspension for drug or alcohol-related offense, amended Subsec. (d) to allow application for reexamination after 1 month, instead of 3 months, and to change licensure and validity from calendar year to 1 year, added new Subsec. (f) to authorize adoption of regulations re master instructors and to make Subsec. (b) and Sec. 14-74 applicable to such instructors, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (g) and amended same to establish fee for issuance or renewal of master instructor's license and late fee, and made technical changes in Subsecs. (b) and (d); P.A. 11-213 added Subsec. (h) re penalty for provision of instruction without license, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (d) to change term of license and license renewal from 1 year to 2 years and amended Subsec. (g) to change fee for instructor's license and renewal from $50 to $100 and for master instructor's license and renewal from $100 to $200; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (d) to make license valid for use in connection with a drivers' school licensed pursuant to Sec. 14-69, rather than valid only with business of school listed on license, and to allow application for reexamination after 5 days instead of 1 month, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting provisions re attendance at seminars or taking advanced instructor course, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 16-39 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by adding references to advanced practice registered nurse; P.A. 21-196 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by adding references to physician assistant; P.A. 22-44 amended Subsec. (a) to add “or master instructor”, amended Subsec. (b) to add references to master instructor, replace “four” with “five” and “four-year” with “five-year” in Subdiv. (2), replaced provision re medical examination with provision re physical examination administered not more than 90 days prior to application in Subdiv. (3) and add provision re suspension, revocation or withdrawal of license, amended Subsecs. (c) and (d) to add references to master instructor license, amended Subsec. (f) to delete provision re application of Sec. 14-74(b) to master instructors, amended Subsec. (g) to add provision re no renewal of license expired for more than 60 days and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 24-20 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. (1) designator and add Subdiv. (2) re employing driver's school responsibility for ensuring compliance, amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re renewal, amended Subsec. (g) to add provision re holder of expired license may apply for new license, added new Subsec. (h) re identification badge, redesignated existing Subsec. (h) as Subsec. (i) and made technical changes; P.A. 25-22 replaced “under the jurisdiction of the board of trustees of the Connecticut State University System” with “within the Connecticut State University System” in Subsec. (b), effective June 9, 2025; P.A. 25-159 made technical changes.

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PART V

EQUIPMENT

Sec. 14-81b. Restrictions on used brake drums and brake discs. The term “brake drum”, as used in this section, means the individual cupped metal drums to which motor vehicle wheels are each attached and against whose interior surface, brake shoe pressure is applied to effect stopping, holding or control of forward or backward vehicle movement. The term “brake disc” as used in this section, means the parallel faced circular rotational member to which motor vehicle wheels are each attached and against whose exterior surface, brake lining pressure is applied to effect stopping, holding or control of forward or backward movement. No person, firm or corporation shall service, turn, grind, install, sell, give or offer for sale for passenger or commercial motor vehicle use any used brake drum or brake disc which exceeds wear limits established in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. Any person, firm or corporation which performs or permits any violation of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in subsection (a) of section 14-222.

(1963, P.A. 624; P.A. 00-169, S. 5; P.A. 25-19, S. 11.)

History: P.A. 00-169 defined “brake disc”, made provisions of section applicable to brake discs, and extended section to commercial motor vehicles; P.A. 25-19 replaced reference to Sec. 14-222(b) with reference to Sec. 14-222(a).

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Sec. 14-96a. Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when. (a) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state shall display such lighted lamps and illuminating devices as may be required under the provisions of this section and sections 14-96b to 14-96aa, inclusive, (1) at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, (2) at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, and (3) at any time during periods of precipitation, including, but not limited to, periods of snow, rain or fog.

(b) Whenever in said sections any requirement is declared as to distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, such requirement shall apply during the times stated in subsection (a) of this section in respect to a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.

(c) Whenever in said sections any requirement is declared as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, such requirement shall mean the height measured from the center of such lamps or devices to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.

(d) Failure to illuminate lamps and illuminating devices at such time as required by this section shall be an infraction.

(e) To the extent that a violation concerning the number, placement or intensity of a lamp or illuminating device, or any other technical specification provided in sections 14-96b to 14-96aa, inclusive, concerning a lamp or illuminating device would constitute a violation under this section, such violation shall be enforced under section 14-96b, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96e, 14-96f, 14-96g, 14-96i, 14-96j, 14-96k, 14-96l, 14-96m, 14-96n, 14-96o, 14-96p, 14-96q, 14-96r, 14-96s, 14-96t, 14-96u, 14-96x, 14-96y, 14-96z or 14-96aa, and not under this section.

(1967, P.A. 834, S. 1, 2; P.A. 75-577, S. 27, 126; P.A. 87-230; P.A. 90-4; P.A. 05-288, S. 58; P.A. 25-19, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 87-230 amended Subsec. (a) to clarify that “unfavorable atmospheric conditions” include, but are not limited to, periods of snow, rain or fog; P.A. 90-4 rearranged Subsec. (a) dividing it into subdivisions, and added new language clarifying requirement re display of headlights during periods of precipitation; P.A. 05-288 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 25-19 made a technical change and deleted reference to Sec. 14-96a in Subsec. (a), replaced “provide lighted” with “illuminate” in Subsec. (d) and added Subsec. (e) re violations concerning number, placement or intensity of lamps or illuminated devices.

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Sec. 14-96c. Tail lamps. Illumination of rear registration plate. (a) After October 1, 1967, every motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer and pole trailer, and any other vehicle which is being drawn at the end of a combination of vehicles, shall be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear, which, when lighted as required in subsection (a) of section 14-96a, shall emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear, except that passenger cars manufactured or assembled prior to October 1, 1957, and motorcycles shall have at least one such tail lamp. On a combination of vehicles, only the tail lamps on the rearmost vehicle need actually be seen from the distance specified. On vehicles equipped with more than one tail lamp, the lamps shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

(b) Every tail lamp upon every vehicle shall be located at a mounted height of not more than seventy-two inches nor less than fifteen inches.

(c) The rear registration plate shall be so illumined with a white light as to render it clearly legible from a distance of fifty feet to the rear. Any tail lamp or tail lamps, together with any separate lamp or lamps for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the head lamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted, except that any vehicle equipped by the manufacturer with daytime running lamps which meet federal requirements may have such daytime running lamps illuminated without illumination of the tail lamps or rear registration plate.

(d) Failure to have tail lamps as required in this section shall be an infraction.

(1967, P.A. 834, S. 4; P.A. 75-577, S. 29, 126; P.A. 90-263, S. 21, 74; P.A. 96-167, S. 28; P.A. 25-19, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute 15 for 20 inches as a minimum mounted height; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (c) to add exception for any vehicle equipped with daytime running lamps meeting federal requirements; P.A. 25-19 deleted language re illuminating rear registration plate in Subsec. (d).

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Sec. 14-96y. Number of head lamps. Number in combination with other lamps. (a) At all times specified in subsection (a) of section 14-96a, at least two lighted lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.

(b) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as required by this section is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.

(c) Any operator of a motor vehicle that does not have at least two lamps as required by this section shall be deemed to have committed an infraction, except that if such motor vehicle has at least one such lamp, such operator shall be issued a warning for defective equipment under the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-103 for a first offense, and for any subsequent violation of this section, such operator shall be deemed to have committed an infraction.

(1967, P.A. 834, S. 27; P.A. 75-577, S. 51, 126; P.A. 25-19, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (c); P.A. 25-19 made a technical change in Subsec. (b) and added an exception and language re subsequent violation in Subsec. (c).

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Sec. 14-99f. Windshield. Obstruction of view. (a) Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a windshield of a type prescribed by section 14-100 and a windshield cleaner or wiper in effective working order located directly in front of the operator while in use on the highway. The windshield shall be reasonably free of defects and accumulations, inside and out, of snow, ice, condensation and dirt. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a motorcycle or a vehicle designed by the manufacturer for nonhighway operation without a windshield.

(b) No person shall operate a motor vehicle required to be equipped with such a windshield if the windshield is in a condition to interfere with an unobstructed view of the highway in a manner that significantly blocks or conceals by use of an obstacle or obstruction to an extent that would prevent a reasonable person from viewing the highway.

(c) No article, device, sticker or ornament shall be attached or affixed to or hung on or in any motor vehicle in such a manner or location as to interfere with the operator's unobstructed view of the highway in a manner that significantly blocks or conceals by use of an obstacle or obstruction to an extent that would prevent a reasonable person from viewing the highway or to distract the attention of the operator.

(d) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.

(P.A. 84-429, S. 36; P.A. 99-268, S. 4; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 25-19, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 99-268 amended Subsec. (a) to delete exemption for certain farm vehicles; P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 25-19 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to add language re a manner that significantly blocks, conceals or obstructs.

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PART VI

JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Sec. 14-111. Suspension or revocation of registration, license or right to operate. (a) Authority of commissioner. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the commissioner from suspending or revoking any registration or any operator's license issued under the provisions of any statute relating to motor vehicles, or from suspending the right of any person to operate a motor vehicle in this state, or from suspending or revoking the right of any nonresident to operate, or the right to any operation of, any motor vehicle within this state, for any cause that he deems sufficient, with or without a hearing. Whenever any certificate of registration is suspended or revoked, all evidence of the same shall be delivered forthwith to the commissioner or to any person authorized by the commissioner to receive the same, and the commissioner or any person authorized by the commissioner may seize such certificate of registration and all evidence of the same. Except as otherwise provided by law, the commissioner may cancel any such suspension or revocation and may return such certificate of registration or restore the operator's license either with or without an additional fee, provided no certificate of registration or operator's license which has been suspended for any definite term, except as provided in subsection (k) of this section, shall be returned or restored until the term of suspension has been completed. Any appeal taken from the action of the commissioner shall not act as a stay of suspension or revocation except with his consent. No service of process shall be necessary in connection with any of the prescribed activities of the commissioner, but a notice forwarded by bulk certified mail to the address of the person registered as owner or operator of any motor vehicle as shown by the records of the commissioner shall be sufficient notice to such person that the certificate of registration or operator's license is revoked or under suspension.

(b) Suspension of operator's license or privilege. (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection, whenever the holder of any motor vehicle operator's license has been convicted or has forfeited any bond taken or has received a suspended judgment or sentence for any of the following violations, the commissioner shall, without hearing, suspend such person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state as follows: For a first violation of subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 14-224 or section 14-110, 14-215 or 53a-119b, for a period of not less than one year and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of not less than two years; for a violation of section 14-222, for a period of not less than thirty days or more than ninety days and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of not less than ninety days; for a violation of subdivision (2) or (3) of subsection (b) of section 14-224, for a period of not less than ninety days and for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of not less than one year; for a first or second violation of subsection (c) of section 14-224, for a period of forty-five days and for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of two years; for a first violation of subsection (b), (d) or (e) of section 14-147, for a period of not less than ninety days and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of not less than five years; for a first violation of subsection (c) of section 14-147, for a period of not less than thirty days and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of not less than one year.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14-111b and except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection, whenever the holder of any motor vehicle operator's license or youth instruction permit who is less than eighteen years of age or whenever a person who does not hold an operator's license who is less than eighteen years of age has been convicted or has forfeited any bond taken or has received a suspended judgment or sentence for any of the following violations, the commissioner shall suspend such person's operator's license or privilege to obtain an operator's license as follows: For a first violation of subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of section 14-219 or subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of section 14-219, for a period of sixty days and, for a second violation thereof, for a period of ninety days and, for a third or subsequent violation thereof, for a period of six months; for a first violation of section 14-222, for a period of six months and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of one year; for a violation of subsection (c) of section 14-224, for a period of six months and, for a subsequent violation thereof, for a period of one year; for a first violation of section 14-296aa, for a period of thirty days and, for a second violation thereof, for a period of ninety days and, for a third or subsequent violation thereof, for a period of six months.

(3) The commissioner shall suspend the motor vehicle operator's license of any youth adjudged a youthful offender for a violation of section 14-215 or 14-222, subsection (b) of section 14-223 or subdivision (2) or (3) of subsection (b) or subsection (c) of section 14-224 for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense.

(4) Whenever any person who has not been issued a motor vehicle operator's license under section 14-36 is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) of section 14-36: (A) The commissioner shall suspend such person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle, (B) such suspension shall remain in effect for a period of ninety days, and (C) the commissioner shall not issue an operator's license to such person under section 14-36 until such period of suspension has expired and all applicable requirements for such license have been satisfied by such person.

(d) Hearings. The commissioner may hold hearings in each judicial district on all matters arising within such judicial district under the provisions of this chapter. He may use any court room, when the same is not in use by the court, for the purpose of holding hearings and may require the attendance of any officer authorized to serve criminal process, and such officer shall be under the direction of the commissioner. The fees of witnesses and officers shall be the same as in criminal cases before the Superior Court and shall be paid by the Treasurer upon order of the Comptroller.

(e) Enforcement of order. The Superior Court may, by mandamus or other appropriate remedy, upon application of the commissioner, enforce any order issued by the commissioner under the provisions of this section.

(f) Failure to return registration, plates or license. In case of failure forthwith to return any certificate of registration, number plate or plates of any motor vehicle or operator's license upon order of the commissioner, no certificate of registration shall be issued for any motor vehicle licensed by the certificate not returned and no operator's license shall be issued to the negligent party within a period of one year except by an order of the commissioner.

(g) Person not holding Connecticut operator's license. When any person who does not hold a Connecticut operator's license is convicted or has such person's case nolled or is given a suspended judgment or sentence for a violation of any provision of section 14-36, 14-110 or 14-145, subsection (b), (d) or (e) of section 14-147, or section 14-215, 14-224, 14-227a, 14-227m, 14-227n or 14-229, the commissioner shall not issue to such person a nonresident or resident operator's license during such period as the commissioner may determine, which period shall not be less than the period provided for suspension in subsection (b) of this section or in subsection (g) of section 14-227a, subsection (c) of section 14-227m or subsection (c) of section 14-227n. When any person is convicted or has such person's case nolled or is given a suspended judgment or sentence for any violation of any of the provisions of section 14-12, the commissioner shall not issue registration for any motor vehicle owned by such person until thirty days after application therefor.

(h) Perjury or false statement. Whenever any person has been prosecuted for perjury or false statement under the provisions of section 14-110 and the case has been nolled or a suspended sentence or judgment entered, and when the false statement refers to the name or age or a former suspension or former conviction of the applicant, the commissioner shall suspend or withhold such applicant's license for a period of not less than thirty days plus the period of time wherein the applicant was in possession of the void license.

(i) Reversal or reduction of suspension or revocation. (1) Whenever any person has been convicted of any violation of section 14-110, 14-147, 14-215, 14-222 or 14-224 and such person's license has been suspended by the commissioner, such person may make application to the commissioner for the reversal or reduction of the term of such suspension. Such application shall be in writing and shall state specifically the reasons why such applicant believes that the applicant is entitled to such reversal or reduction. The commissioner shall consider each such application and the applicant's driver control record, as defined in section 14-111h, and may grant a hearing to the applicant in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 and section 14-4a.

(2) Any person whose license has been revoked in accordance with subparagraph (C) of subdivision (3) of subsection (g) of section 14-227a or subparagraph (C) of subdivision (3) of subsection (c) of section 14-227m may, at any time after two years from the date of such revocation, request a hearing before the commissioner, conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, and the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection for reversal or reduction of such revocation. The commissioner shall require such person to provide evidence that any reversal or reduction of such revocation shall not endanger the public safety or welfare. Such evidence shall include, but not be limited to, proof that such person has: (A) Successfully completed an alcohol or drug education and treatment program subsequent to such person's most recent conviction or privilege suspension for an offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs, (B) not been convicted of or had a suspension of his or her operating privilege for any offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs during the preceding two years, and (C) has not operated a motor vehicle during the previous two years. The commissioner shall require any person, as a condition of granting such reversal or reduction, to install and maintain an approved ignition interlock device, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-227a. The approved ignition interlock device shall be installed and maintained for any period during the lifetime of such person in which such person owns or operates a motor vehicle, except that such person may, at any time after fifteen years from the date the commissioner grants such reversal or reduction, request a hearing before the commissioner, conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to remove such ignition interlock device. The commissioner may authorize the removal of such ignition interlock device, for good cause shown, after such fifteen-year period and such hearing. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards to implement the provisions of this section.

(j) Ignition interlock device. Any person whose motor vehicle operator's license is suspended by the commissioner and whose license is subsequently restricted to the operation of a motor vehicle that is equipped with an approved, ignition interlock device who fails to comply with the requirements for the installation and use of such device in a motor vehicle owned or operated by such person, as set forth in regulations adopted by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-227a, shall be subject to the reinstatement of such suspension of the person's operator's license until such person demonstrates to the commissioner's satisfaction that such person intends to install and maintain the ignition interlock device for the prescribed period.

(1949 Rev., S. 2456; 1949, S. 1345d; 1951, S. 1346d; 1957, P.A. 612, S. 1, 2, 3; 1959, P.A. 220, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 128; February, 1965, P.A. 574, S. 15, 16, 17; 1967, P.A. 263; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 86; P.A. 73-386; P.A. 74-338, S. 53, 94; P.A. 76-42, S. 2; P.A. 78-280, S. 2, 127; P.A. 79-245, S. 1, 2; P.A. 80-438, S. 1; 80-466, S. 18, 25; P.A. 83-534, S. 4–6; P.A. 93-177; P.A. 95-260, S. 23, 24; P.A. 98-182, S. 13, 22; P.A. 02-70, S. 47, 48; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 114; P.A. 03-278, S. 44; P.A. 05-215, S. 2, 5; P.A. 07-167, S. 41; P.A. 08-32, S. 6; 08-150, S. 47, 62; P.A. 09-187, S. 4, 5, 35; P.A. 11-48, S. 54; 11-51, S. 219; 11-213, S. 28; P.A. 12-81, S. 28; 12-178, S. 1; P.A. 14-130, S. 31; 14-228, S. 3; P.A. 16-126, S. 12, 13; P.A. 18-164, S. 10; P.A. 23-40, S. 17, 18; P.A. 25-19, S. 12; 25-80, S. 4.)

History: 1959 act amended Subsec. (k) to include reference to Secs. 14-219 and 14-222 and deleted reference to a second violation of Sec. 14-222; 1961 act amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision for suspension for violation of any statute relating to motor vehicles; 1965 act deleted reference to repealed statute and substituted “subsection (a) of section 14-227a” in Subsecs. (b), (h) and (k); 1967 act clarified provisions of Subsec. (c); 1971 act included reference to prosecution for false statement in Subsec. (i); P.A. 73-386 deleted reference to “second” violation of Sec. 14-222(a) in Subsec. (b); P.A. 74-338 deleted provision allowing suspension of license when license holder has had his case nolled upon payment of any sum of money in Subsec. (b); P.A. 76-42 substituted Sec. 53a-119b for reference to repealed Sec. 14-229; P.A. 78-280 replaced county with judicial district in Subsec. (e); P.A. 79-245 replaced reference to “registered or certified” mail with “bulk certified” mail in Subsec. (a); P.A. 80-438 amended Subsec. (k) to add provision re treatment and rehabilitation programs; P.A. 80-466 amended Subsec. (g) to add reference to single license plate; P.A. 83-534 amended Subsec. (b) to delete a violation of “subsection (a) of section 14-227a” from the list of violations with specified periods of license suspension to reflect inclusion of such suspension periods in Sec. 14-227a, amended Subsec. (h) to include the period provided for suspension “in subsection (h) of section 14-227a”, and amended Subsec. (k) to delete the authorization for a person convicted of a violation of “subsection (a) of section 14-227a” to apply to the commissioner for a reversal of the suspension or revocation of his license imposed as a result of such conviction and to delete provision that authorized the commissioner to require such person to participate in a treatment or rehabilitation program as a condition to the return of his license; P.A. 93-177 amended Subsec. (c) to add provision re the inadmissibility in a civil or criminal proceeding of the fact of a license suspension when the operator waives his right to a hearing and consents to the license suspension for a period of not less than one year; P.A. 95-260 repealed Subsec. (c) re suspension of license following fatal accident, effective June 13, 1995; P.A. 98-182 divided Subsec. (b) into Subdivs. and in Subdiv. (2) allowed the commissioner to suspend the operator's license of a person who has been arrested for a felony and for whom there is an outstanding warrant for rearrest for failure to appear, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to delete reference to periods of suspension of an operator's license for a first and a subsequent violation of Sec. 14-145 and amended Subsec. (k) to delete references to Secs. 14-145, 14-219 and 14-229, to eliminate provision re application to commissioner for reversal or reduction of term of suspension for any person who has had his case nolled or judgment or execution suspended or has forfeited his bond and to add provision re such application for any person who has had his or her license suspended in accordance with Sec. 14-111c or 14-111n, to allow a person whose license is suspended for specified violations to apply to commissioner for the reduction of the term of such suspension, deleting references throughout Subsec. to reversal of the revocation, to require commissioner to consider each application for reversal or reduction of the term of suspension and the applicant's driver control record and to allow commissioner to grant a hearing to applicant, to eliminate provisions re filing of a trial fee, and to make technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2002; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 amended Subsec. (h) to make a technical change, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-278 made a technical change in Subsec. (b)(1), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 05-215 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to reduce from five years to two years the minimum period of suspension for a subsequent violation of Sec. 14-224(a), 14-110, 14-215 or 53a-119b, effective October 1, 2005, and applicable to any suspension of an operator's license on or after October 1, 2000, and amended Subsec. (k) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and make technical changes therein and add Subdiv. (2) authorizing a person whose license has been revoked in accordance with Sec. 14-227a(g)(3)(C) on or after October 1, 1999, to apply for reversal or reduction of such revocation; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (k)(2) by changing required time period after date of revocation from 10 years to 6 years, replacing provision re application to commissioner with provision re request for a hearing before commissioner, conducted in accordance with chapter 54, and added provisions re evidence, installation and maintenance of ignition interlock device and adoption of regulations; P.A. 08-32 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to add exception re provisions of new Subsec. (b)(2) and make a technical change, added new Subsec. (b)(2) re suspension provisions for certain violations by holders of operator's licenses who are less than 18 years of age and redesignated existing Subsec. (b)(2) as Subsec. (b)(3), effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to require commissioner to suspend operator's license of holder who is less than 18 years of age for first violation of Sec. 14-219(b)(4), effective August 1, 2008, and added Subsec. (l) re ignition interlock device, effective October 1, 2008; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to provide penalty for violation of Sec. 14-224(c) and subsequent violation of Sec. 14-224(b) and to require suspension of privilege to operate motor vehicle in this state for violations which require suspension of operator's license, effective July 8, 2009, and amended Subsec. (b)(2) to provide that holder of learner's permit who is less than 18 years of age and person less than 18 years of age who does not hold an operator's license shall have privilege to obtain operator's license suspended for listed violations and amended Subsec. (k)(2) to delete “on or after October 1, 1999”, effective October 1, 2009; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (k)(2) to require ignition interlock device be installed and maintained “for a period of ten years after the date of the granting of such reversal or reduction” rather than “from the date such reversal or reduction is granted until ten years has passed since the date of such revocation”, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-51 made identical changes as P.A. 11-48, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (a) to delete references to delivery or seizure of operator's license following suspension or revocation, add provisions re restoration of license and make technical changes, deleted former Subsec. (b)(3) re suspension of license upon arrest for a felony and issuance of rearrest warrant for failure to appear, deleted former Subsec. (d) re notice to municipal officials of revocation or suspension of license or registration and former Subsec. (j) re filing of surety and redesignated existing Subsecs. (e) to (i), (k) and (l) as Subsecs. (d) to (h), (i) and (j) and amended Subsec. (i)(1) to delete reference to license suspension in accordance with Sec. 14-111c or 14-111n; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b) to add exception re Subdiv. (3) in Subdivs. (1) and (2), replace “learner's permit” with “youth instruction permit” in Subdiv. (2), add Subdiv. (3) re required license suspension periods for youth adjudged youthful offender for violation of certain offenses, and add Subdiv. (4) re sanctions for person not issued operator's license who is convicted of second or subsequent violation of Sec. 14-36(a); P.A. 12-178 amended Subsec. (i)(2) to allow request for a hearing re reversal or reduction of revocation after 2 years, rather than 6 years, from date of revocation, require evidence that person has not been convicted of offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs during preceding 2 years, rather than 6 years, replace provision re 10-year period for installation and maintenance of ignition interlock device with provisions re lifetime requirement and exception that person may apply after 15 years to remove ignition interlock device and commissioner may grant application and authorize removal for good cause shown after a hearing, effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “or subdivision (1) of subsection (b)” re first violation of Sec. 14-224 and adding “subdivision (2) or (3)” re violation of Sec. 14-224(b) in Subdiv. (1) and by adding “subdivision (2) or (3) of” re violation of Sec. 14-224(b) and making a technical change in Subdiv. (3); P.A. 14-228 amended Subsec. (j) to replace provision re period of resuspension with provision re reinstatement of suspension until person demonstrates intent to install and maintain ignition interlock device for prescribed period, effective July 1, 2015; P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (g) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-227a(a) with reference to Sec. 14-227a and by adding references to Secs. 14-227m and 14-227n and Secs. 14-227m(c) and 14-227n(c) and amended Subsec. (i)(2) by adding reference to Sec. 14-227m(c)(3)(C); P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (i)(2) to designate existing provision re alcohol education and treatment program as Subpara. (A) and amend same to add “or drug” and provision re when program is to be completed, to designate existing provision re conviction of any offense related to alcohol, controlled substances or drugs as Subpara. (B) and amend same to add provision re suspension of operating privilege, and to add Subpara. (C) re not operating a motor vehicle during previous two years, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 23-40 amended Subsecs. (b)(1) and (g) to add reference to Subsecs. (d) and (e) of Sec. 14-147 and make technical changes; P.A. 25-19 amended Subsec. (b)(1) and (2) by replacing references to Sec. 14-222(a) with references to Sec. 14-222; P.A. 25-80 amended Subsec. (b)(1) by changing suspension period for a violation of Sec. 14-224(c) for a first violation of 30-90 days and not less than 90 days for a subsequent violation to a period of 45 days for a first or second violation and for 2 years for a subsequent violation.

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Sec. 14-111g. Operator's retraining program. (a)(1) For the purposes of this section, “moving violation” means any violation of subsection (c) of section 14-36 or section 14-36g, 14-212d, 14-218a, 14-219, 14-222, 14-223, 14-230 to 14-249, inclusive, 14-279, 14-283, 14-289b, 14-296aa, 14-299, 14-300, 14-301, 14-302 or 14-303, and “suspension violation” means a violation of section 14-222a, 14-224, 14-227a, 14-227m or 14-227n, or section 53a-56b, 53a-57 or 53a-60d.

(2) Except as provided in subdivision (4) of this subsection, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any motor vehicle operator who is twenty-four years of age or less, who has been convicted of a moving violation or a suspension violation, or both, committed on two or more occasions to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program.

(3) Except as provided in subdivision (4) of this subsection, the commissioner may require any motor vehicle operator over twenty-four years of age, who has been convicted of a moving violation or a suspension violation or a combination of said violations, committed on three or more occasions to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program.

(4) The commissioner shall require (A) any motor vehicle operator convicted of traveling more than seventy-five miles per hour, (B) any person operating a commercial motor vehicle convicted of traveling more than sixty-five miles per hour in a highway work zone, as defined in section 14-212d, and (C) any motor vehicle operator convicted of a violation of section 14-222 or subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 14-224, to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program.

(5) The commissioner shall notify such operator, in writing, of such requirement. A fee of not more than eighty-five dollars shall be charged for the retraining program. The commissioner, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may suspend the motor vehicle operator's license of any such operator who fails to attend or successfully complete the program until the operator successfully completes the program. The hearing shall be limited to any claim of impossibility of the operator to attend the retraining program, or to a determination of mistake or misidentification.

(b) (1) The retraining program shall be taught by a designee of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or by an instructor approved by the commissioner and shall (A) review principles of motor vehicle operation, (B) develop alternative attitudes for those attitudes contributing to aggressive driving behavior, and (C) emphasize the need to practice safe driving behavior.

(2) The retraining program shall be offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles or by any other organization certified by the commissioner to conduct such program in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing. Any drivers' school, as defined in section 14-68, that meets the licensure requirements of part IV of this chapter shall be eligible to seek certification to offer the motor vehicle operator's retraining program. The commissioner shall determine the number of program providers necessary to serve the needs of the public.

(3) Each organization or drivers' school seeking certification or recertification to conduct such retraining program shall submit an application to the department in such form as the commissioner shall require and an application fee of three hundred fifty dollars. Each such applicant shall:

(A) Be registered to do business in this state and continuously maintain good standing with the office of the Secretary of the State;

(B) File and continuously maintain a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Such bond shall be conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation concerning the conduct of an operator retraining program and provided as indemnity for any loss or expense sustained by either the state or any person by reason of any acts or omissions of the program provider. Such bond shall be executed in the name of the State of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved party, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing held before the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54;

(C) Have a permanent place of business in this state where all operator retraining program records shall be maintained and accessible to the commissioner during normal business hours;

(D) Submit for approval by the commissioner a detailed curriculum and lesson plan, including any changes to such curriculum and lesson plan, which shall be used in each operator retraining class; and

(E) Electronically transmit information concerning enrollment and class completion to the commissioner at such times and in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe.

(4) Prior to the certification of an applicant, the commissioner shall investigate the applicant's character, driving history and criminal history. If the applicant is a business entity, such investigation shall include the principals and officers of such entity. The applicant shall submit to the commissioner any information pertaining to current or past criminal or civil actions. The certification of a program provider by the commissioner shall not be transferable and shall be valid for a two-year period. Recertification of a provider shall be at the discretion of the commissioner and in such form and manner determined by the commissioner.

(c) Any person who is required to attend an operator retraining program shall have such requirement and the completion date of such requirement posted on such person's driving history record maintained by the commissioner. The date of class completion shall remain on such person's driving history record until such person has attained thirty-six consecutive months without any additional moving violations or suspension violations specified in subsection (a) of this section being posted to such person's driving history record. Until the completion of such thirty-six consecutive months, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall suspend such person's operator's license or operating privilege for: (1) Thirty days upon a first conviction for any specified moving violation or suspension violation; (2) sixty days upon a second conviction of any specified moving violation or suspension violation; and (3) ninety days for a third or subsequent conviction of a specified moving violation or suspension violation.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(P.A. 93-181, S. 1, 4; P.A. 95-221, S. 3, 4; P.A. 98-182, S. 12, 22; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 115; P.A. 03-278, S. 45; P.A. 08-32, S. 7; P.A. 10-110, S. 31; P.A. 11-213, S. 54; P.A. 12-81, S. 13; P.A. 13-92, S. 2; P.A. 16-126, S. 14; P.A. 18-164, S. 22; P.A. 19-53, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 23; P.A. 25-65, S. 23.)

History: P.A. 93-181 effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 95-221 made the retraining program applicable to all licensed motor vehicle operators by deleting the provision limiting such program to operators under 18 years of age and the provision authorizing the commissioner to suspend the operator's license of an operator who does not successfully complete the program until the operator attains the age of 18 years, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 98-182 amended Subsec. (a) by creating a suspension violation, altering the requirements for attending a retraining program for persons 24 years of age or younger and persons over 24 years of age, expanding the retraining program to include the development of alternative attitudes for those contributing to aggressive behavior and an emphasis on safe driving behavior and added a new Subsec. (b) allowing the commissioner to retain a portion of the fees collected for the cost of implementing the retraining program, effective July 1, 1998; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to Sec. 14-227a(b), effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 08-32 redefined “moving violation” in Subsec. (a) to include violation of Sec. 14-36(c), Sec. 14-36g or Sec. 14-296aa(d), effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “licensed motor vehicle operator” with “motor vehicle operator” and to delete components of retraining program, deleted former Subsec. (b) re authority of commissioner to retain not more than $10 from each fee collected pursuant to Subsec. (a) for program costs and added new Subsec. (b) re components of retraining program and certification of organizations to conduct such program, effective January 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 redefined “moving violation” in Subsec. (a), added new Subsec. (c) re operator retraining requirement, driving history record and suspension provisions during 36 consecutive months following completion of requirement and redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d); P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to redefine “moving violation” by replacing reference to Secs. 14-299 to 14-303, inclusive, with Sec. 14-299, 14-300, 14-301, 14-302 or 14-303, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-92 amended Subsec. (a) to include in definition of “moving violation” any violation of Sec. 14-212d and to require operator's retraining program attendance for any motor vehicle operator convicted of traveling more than 75 miles per hour in a highway work zone and any operator of a commercial motor vehicle convicted of traveling more than 65 miles per hour in a highway work zone; P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (a) by adding references to Secs. 14-227m and 14-227n; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (a) to increase maximum fee for retraining program from $60 to $85, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-53 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re a violation of Sec. 14-224(c)(1); P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re offering of retraining program in-person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, effective June 30, 2021; P.A. 25-65 amended Subsec. (a) by adding Subdiv. designators (1) to (6), adding “Except as provided in subdivision (4) of this subsection, the” in Subdivs. (2) and (3) and adding Subpara. designators (A) to (C) and reference to Sec. 14-222 in Subdiv. (4), amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. designators (1) to (4), redesignating existing Subdivs. (1) to (3) as Subparas. (A) to (C) and made technical and conforming changes.

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Sec. 14-111r. Highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Highway work zone” and “highway worker” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-212d;

(2) “Emergency vehicle” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-283;

(3) “Drivers' school” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-68; and

(4) “Moving violation” and “suspension violation” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-111g.

(b) On and after January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall require the attendance and successful completion of a highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program by (1) any applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license or instruction permit issued under section 14-36, and (2) any motor vehicle operator who has been convicted of a violation of section 14-283b or 14-212d.

(c) The highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program shall, at a minimum, (1) review principles of safe motor vehicle operation, (2) highlight the dangers of highway work zones, (3) emphasize risks associated with unsafe driving in a highway work zone, (4) include testimonials from highway workers and the families of highway workers, (5) emphasize the dangers posed by vehicles that are located on the shoulder of a highway, (6) review proper interactions with emergency vehicles, and (7) conclude with a test in a written or electronic format.

(d) Such program shall be offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or by any other organization certified by the commissioner to conduct such program in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing. Any drivers' school that meets the licensure requirement of part IV of this chapter shall be eligible to seek certification to offer the highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program. The commissioner shall determine the number of program providers necessary to serve the needs of the public.

(e) (1) Each organization or drivers' school seeking certification or recertification to conduct such program shall submit an application to the department in such form as the commissioner shall require and an application fee of three hundred fifty dollars. Each such applicant shall:

(A) Be registered to do business in this state and continuously maintain good standing with the office of the Secretary of the State;

(B) File and continuously maintain a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Such bond shall be conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation concerning the conduct of a highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program and provided as indemnity for any loss or expense sustained by either the state or any person by reason of any acts or omissions of the program provider. Such bond shall be executed in the name of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved party, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing held before the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54;

(C) Have a permanent place of business in this state where all records pertaining to such program shall be maintained and accessible to the commissioner during normal business hours;

(D) Submit for approval by the commissioner a detailed curriculum and lesson plan, including any changes to such curriculum and lesson plan, which shall be used in each program; and

(E) Electronically transmit information concerning enrollment and program completion to the commissioner at such times and in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe.

(2) Prior to the certification of an applicant, the commissioner shall investigate the applicant's character, driving history and criminal history. If the applicant is a business entity, such investigation shall include the principals and officers of such entity. The applicant shall submit to the commissioner any information pertaining to current or past criminal or civil actions. The certification of a program provider by the commissioner shall not be transferable and shall be valid for a two-year period. Recertification of a provider shall be at the discretion of the commissioner and in such form and manner determined by the commissioner.

(f) Any person who is required to attend a highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program because such person has been convicted of a violation of section 14-283b or 14-212d shall have such requirement and the completion date of such requirement posted on such person's driving history record maintained by the commissioner. The date of program completion shall remain on such person's driving history record until such person has attained thirty-six consecutive months without any additional moving violations, suspension violations or violations of section 14-283b being posted to such person's driving history record. Until the completion of such thirty-six consecutive months, the commissioner shall suspend such person's operator's license or operating privilege for: (1) Thirty days upon a first conviction for any specified moving violation, suspension violation or violation of section 14-283b; (2) sixty days upon a second conviction for any specified moving violation, suspension violation or violation of section 14-283b; and (3) ninety days for a third or subsequent conviction of a specified moving violation, suspension violation or violation of section 14-283b.

(g) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 25-159, S. 26.)

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Sec. 14-140. Release on own recognizance. Report of failure to appear, comply with remote events and deadlines, pay fine or fee, surcharge or cost or make timely payment in accordance with installment payment plan. Reciprocal agreements. Opening of judgment. (a) Any person who has been arrested by an officer for a violation of any provision of any statute relating to motor vehicles may be released, upon such person's own recognizance, by such officer in such officer's discretion, unless such violation is of a provision relating to driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs or using a motor vehicle without permission of the owner or evading responsibility for personal injury or property damage or involves the death or serious injury of another, in which cases such person shall not be released on such person's own recognizance.

(b) (1) If any person so arrested or summoned wilfully fails to appear for any scheduled court appearance at the time and place assigned, or if any person charged with an infraction involving the use of a motor vehicle, or with a motor vehicle violation specified in section 51-164n, wilfully fails to comply with remote events and deadlines set by the court for infractions and violations specified in section 51-164n or fails to pay the fine and any additional fee imposed, make timely payments in accordance with an installment payment plan entered into on or after July 1, 2028, or send in such person's plea of not guilty by the answer date or wilfully fails to appear for any scheduled court appearance which may be required, or if any person fails to pay any surcharge imposed under section 13b-70, any fee imposed under section 51-56a or any cost imposed under section 54-143 or 54-143a, a report of such failure shall be sent to the commissioner by the court having jurisdiction.

(2) Upon receipt of such report, the commissioner shall send a suspension notice to such person (A) informing such person that such person's motor vehicle operator's license will be suspended not later than sixty days after the date of such notice unless such person reopens judgment with the court having jurisdiction within such sixty-day period, and (B) providing instructions on how to file a motion to reopen and apply for a waiver of fees with the court having jurisdiction.

(3) The provisions of this section shall be extended to any nonresident owner or operator of a motor vehicle residing in any state, the proper authorities of which agree with the commissioner to revoke, until personal appearance to answer the charge against such person, such person's motor vehicle registration certificate or operator's license, upon such person's failure to appear for any scheduled court appearance.

(4) Any infractions or violations, for which a report of failure to appear has been sent to the commissioner under this subsection, that have not otherwise been disposed of shall be dismissed by operation of law seven years after such report was sent.

(c) The commissioner may enter into reciprocal agreements with the proper authorities of other states, which agreements may include provisions for the suspension or revocation of licenses and registrations of residents and nonresidents who fail to appear for trial at the time and place assigned.

(d) Any judgment under this section shall be opened upon the payment to the clerk of the Superior Court of a fee of forty dollars. Such filing fee may be waived by the court.

(e) In addition, the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall apply to sections 29-322, 29-349 and 29-351.

(1949 Rev., S. 2464; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 62; 1967, P.A. 500, S. 1; P.A. 73-423; P.A. 76-381, S. 1; P.A. 79-534, S. 6; Nov. Sp. Sess. P.A. 81-4, S. 25, 32; P.A. 82-325, S. 2, 3, 7; P.A. 83-577, S. 6; P.A. 87-525, S. 3; P.A. 93-141, S. 1; 93-307, S. 25, 34; P.A. 94-135, S. 1, 5; P.A. 96-180, S. 41, 166; P.A. 98-81, S. 3; P.A. 05-248, S. 2; P.A. 09-177, S. 21; P.A. 10-54, S. 6; P.A. 12-60, S. 3, 4; P.A. 24-108, S. 2; P.A. 25-159, S. 60.)

History: 1961 act removed obsolete references to trial justices in Subsec. (b); 1967 act replaced detailed provisions re notification of person to be tried with simple reference to summons in Subsec. (b) and deleted provision re release of person on own recognizance; P.A. 73-423 added Subsec. (c) re agreements with other states concerning actions taken upon persons' failure to appear for trial; P.A. 76-381 made Subsec. (b) provisions applicable to persons charged with infraction who fail to pay fine, plead not guilty or appear for trial within time limit specified; P.A. 79-534 made Subsec. (b) applicable to persons charged with infraction who fail to pay “any additional fee imposed”; Nov. Sp. Sess. P.A. 81-4 added Subsec. (4) re filing fee required before motion to reopen judgment is granted unless fee waived by court; P.A. 82-325 rephrased Subsec. (d) to specify that the fee is payable upon the filing of the motion and provided that said Subsec. is applicable to fees payable on or after February 1, 1982; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (d) to raise fee from $30 to $40; P.A. 87-525 added Subsec. (e), requiring provisions of Subsec. (b) to be applicable to certain sections; P.A. 93-141 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “wilfully” before “fails” and changing “trial” to “scheduled court appearance”; P.A. 93-307 deleted a reference to Sec. 13b-404a which was repealed by the same act, substituting reference to Secs. 13b-410a to 13b-410c, inclusive, effective June 29, 1993; P.A. 94-135 applied Subsec. (b) to persons charged with a motor vehicle violation specified in Sec. 51-164n and amended Subsec. (d) by removing reference to filing a motion to reopen judgment, providing that judgment shall be opened upon payment of $40; P.A. 96-180 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), substituted “any scheduled court appearance” for “trial” in Subsec. (b) and deleted “13b-410a to 13b-410c, inclusive,” in Subsec. (e), effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 98-81 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re dismissal of infractions or violations by operation of law seven years after report for failure to appear was sent; P.A. 05-248 amended Subsec. (b) to make provisions applicable if any person fails to pay any surcharge under Sec. 13b-70, any fee imposed under Sec. 51-56a or any cost imposed under Sec. 54-143 or 54-143a, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 09-177 amended Subsec. (e) to delete references to Secs. 29-332 and 29-339, effective January 1, 2011; P.A. 10-54 changed effective date of P.A. 09-177, S. 21, from January 1, 2011, to January 1, 2013, effective May 18, 2010; P.A. 12-60 changed effective date of P.A. 09-177, S. 21, as amended by P.A. 10-54, S. 6, from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2015, effective May 31, 2012; P.A. 24-108 amended Subsec. (b) to make provision applicable to any person who “wilfully fails to comply with remote events and deadlines set by the court for infractions and violations specified in section 51-164n”, effective July 1, 2024; P.A. 25-159 amended Subsec. (b) by designating existing provision re report of failure as Subdiv. (1) and amending same to add reference to timely payments in accordance with installment payment plan, adding Subdiv. (2) re suspension notice by commissioner, designating existing provision re extension to nonresident owner or operator as Subdiv. (3), designating existing provision re infractions or violations dismissed by operation of law as Subdiv. (4) and made technical changes.

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PART VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 14-145. Towing motor vehicle from private property. Written authorization. Prohibition re issuance of parking citation. Exemption. Regulations. Penalty. (a) For the purposes of this section, “motor vehicle” does not include an authorized emergency vehicle.

(b) (1) An owner or lessee of private property, or such owner or lessee's agent, may utilize a wrecker service to tow any motor vehicle left without authorization on such private property in accordance with the provisions of this section, sections 14-145a, 14-145c and 14-145e, provided such owner or lessee, or such owner or lessee's agent, signs or electronically signs a written authorization form for each such tow. Such written authorization form shall be prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and shall include, but need not be limited to, (A) the make, model, vehicle identification number and number plate of the motor vehicle to be towed, (B) the reason for the tow, (C) the name, job title, residential or business address and telephone number of the owner, lessee or agent authorizing the tow, (D) the date and time that such authorization to tow was given, (E) confirmation that conspicuous signage, if required pursuant to the provisions of section 14-145e, is installed, (F) in cases where (i) a wrecker service, acting as an agent on behalf of the owner or lessee of private property pursuant to a written contract, signs or electronically signs the written authorization form to tow a motor vehicle, and (ii) the reason for such tow is a violation of a parking rule established by such owner or lessee and listed in such contract, a copy of the portion of such contract that lists each parking rule established, and (G) a certification, signed under penalty of false statement pursuant to section 53a-157b, that the statements made are true and correct to the best of such person's knowledge, information and belief.

(2) No owner or lessee of private property, or such owner or lessee's agent, shall (A) issue a parking citation by written warning, posted signage or other means to impose a monetary sanction on an owner of a motor vehicle parked on such private property, or (B) render a motor vehicle on such private property immovable through the use of a wheel-locking device. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subsection (a) of section 10a-173, or a private secondary school.

(c) (1) No wrecker service may act as an agent of the owner or lessee of a private property with the authority to sign or electronically sign the written authorization form to tow a motor vehicle from such private property, unless such wrecker service and the owner or lessee have executed a written contract concerning the provision of general towing services on such private property. If any such contract is executed, a wrecker service may sign or electrically sign the written authorization form to tow a motor vehicle from such private property that is left (A) in a space reserved, as required in section 14-253a, for exclusive use by persons who are blind and persons with disabilities and such vehicle does not bear a removable windshield placard or special license plate, as defined in section 14-253a, (B) in an area reserved for authorized emergency vehicles, (C) within ten feet of a fire hydrant, as provided in section 14-251, (D) blocking building access, (E) blocking entry to or exit from such property or a parking space on such property, (F) in or obstructing a vehicular traffic aisle, or (G) leaking a fluid that presents a hazard or threat. Any such contract may also permit the wrecker service to tow a motor vehicle from such private property for violating specific parking rules established by the owner or lessee, provided (i) such parking rules are listed in the contract, and (ii) the purpose of any such parking rule is to promote the convenience, safety or welfare of motor vehicle operators on the private property, preserve the private property from abuse or make a fair distribution of parking resources.

(2) No owner or lessee of a parking facility or residential parking facility, as such terms are defined in section 14-145e, or such owner or lessee's agent, shall authorize the towing of a motor vehicle in such parking facility or residential parking facility solely because the vehicle has an expired registration in violation of section 14-12, unless such owner, lessee or agent affixes a written notice to such motor vehicle at least fourteen days prior to towing such vehicle. Any such notice shall (A) state that the motor vehicle has an expired registration in violation of section 14-12, (B) state that the motor vehicle will be towed from the parking facility or residential parking facility without the consent of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle remains at or returns to the parking facility or residential parking facility not later than fourteen days after the day the notice was affixed to the motor vehicle and such motor vehicle still has an expired registration, (C) indicate the time and date after which the motor vehicle may be towed from such private property if the motor vehicle still has an expired registration, (D) indicate the time and date when the notice is affixed to the motor vehicle, and (E) be affixed to the motor vehicle at a conspicuous location on the windshield nearest the operator's side.

(3) No owner or lessee of a residential parking facility, or such owner or lessee's agent, shall authorize the towing of a motor vehicle on such residential parking facility solely because the permit to park at such residential parking facility issued by such owner, lessee or agent has expired, unless such owner, lessee or agent affixes a written notice to such motor vehicle at least seventy-two hours prior to towing such vehicle. Any such notice shall (A) state that the permit to park at such residential parking facility issued by the owner, lessee or agent has expired, (B) state that the motor vehicle will be towed from the residential parking facility without the consent of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle remains at or returns to the residential parking facility without a valid permit issued by the owner, lessee or agent not later than seventy-two hours after the time the notice was affixed to the motor vehicle, (C) indicate the time after which the motor vehicle may be towed from such private property if the motor vehicle does not have a valid permit, (D) indicate the time when the notice is affixed to the motor vehicle, and (E) be affixed to the motor vehicle at a conspicuous location on the windshield nearest the operator's side. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a motor vehicle with a temporary or visitor permit to park at such residential parking facility issued by such owner, lessee or agent, provided any such temporary or visitor permit clearly states the expiration of such permit.

(d) (1) Before a wrecker service connects a wrecker to a motor vehicle without the consent of the motor vehicle's owner or operator, the wrecker service shall take at least two photographs of the motor vehicle that are of sufficient resolution to clearly show the reason for towing such motor vehicle and the condition of such motor vehicle.

(2) (A) Upon request by the owner or operator of a towed motor vehicle, or such owner or operator's agent, the lienholder of the towed motor vehicle or the insurance company acting on behalf of the owner of the towed motor vehicle, the wrecker service shall provide, at no cost, (i) a copy of the written authorization form described in subsection (b) of this section, and (ii) copies of the photographs taken pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection.

(B) A rebuttable presumption that a wrecker service did not have authorization to tow is created by evidence that the wrecker service failed to provide a copy of such written authorization form. A rebuttable presumption that a wrecker service damaged a motor vehicle is created by evidence that the wrecker service failed to provide photographs of the motor vehicle's condition upon request by such owner, operator, agent, lienholder or insurance company and the motor vehicle has suffered damage. A rebuttable presumption that the tow was performed in violation of the provisions of this section is created by evidence that a wrecker service failed to provide a photograph that shows the reason for towing such motor vehicle.

(e) (1) If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle returns to the motor vehicle that has not yet been connected to a wrecker, the wrecker service shall stop preparations to tow the motor vehicle and inform the owner or operator that if such owner or operator moves the motor vehicle or rectifies the reason for the tow, the wrecker service will not tow such motor vehicle and will not charge a fee to the owner or operator.

(2) If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle returns to the motor vehicle that has been connected to a wrecker, but has not yet been removed from the private property, the wrecker service shall stop preparations to tow the motor vehicle and inform the owner or operator that the wrecker service will release the motor vehicle upon payment of a drop fee, as established by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in accordance with section 14-66d. The wrecker service shall accept payment of such drop fee by cash or credit or debit card, provide a receipt to such owner or operator and immediately release the motor vehicle upon receipt of such payment. If such owner or operator does not pay such drop fee, the wrecker service shall proceed with the tow and provide a copy of the consumer bill of rights regarding towing developed pursuant to section 14-66g to such owner or operator.

(f) (1) (A) Not later than two hours after an unauthorized motor vehicle is towed or otherwise removed by a wrecker service, or a repossessed motor vehicle is towed or otherwise removed by a wrecker service or an exempt entity, as described in subsection (g) of section 14-66, the wrecker service or the exempt entity shall notify the local police department or resident state trooper serving the municipality where the tow or removal was conducted and specify the time the motor vehicle was towed or removed, the location from which the vehicle was removed and the location at which the vehicle is stored. Such notification shall be submitted, in writing, or transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail and the record of such notification shall be retained by such wrecker service or exempt entity in accordance with the provisions of section 14-66b. No such wrecker service or exempt entity may charge a storage fee for an unauthorized or repossessed motor vehicle for the time it is stored prior to notification of the local police department or resident state trooper by the wrecker service or exempt entity.

(B) If such motor vehicle remains unclaimed forty-eight hours after the notification pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, the wrecker service or owner of the garage where such motor vehicle is stored or the exempt entity shall immediately complete a notice of such tow, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, and mail a copy of such form by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner and all lienholders of record. If the motor vehicle is not claimed by its owner within the time periods specified in subsection (b) of section 14-150c, the wrecker service or owner of the garage where such motor vehicle is stored or the exempt entity may dispose of such motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of section 14-150c.

(2) The local police department or resident state trooper, not later than forty-eight hours after receiving notification of a tow or removal of an unauthorized motor vehicle pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, shall enter the vehicle identification number into the National Crime Information Center database and the Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing System to determine whether such motor vehicle has been reported as stolen. If such motor vehicle has been reported as stolen, the local police department or resident state trooper shall immediately notify the department that reported the vehicle as stolen.

(g) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, (1) specifying the circumstances under which title to any motor vehicle towed or stored, or both, under this section may be transferred to any wrecker service or person, firm or corporation storing such vehicle, and (2) establishing the procedure whereby such wrecker service or person, firm or corporation may obtain title to such motor vehicle.

(h) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined fifty dollars, and, for each subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars and not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or be both fined and imprisoned.

(i) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, the provisions of this section shall not apply to (1) a motor vehicle towed with the consent of the owner or operator, or (2) a motor vehicle subject to repossession.

(j) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the right of a municipality or the state to remove an abandoned motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of section 14-150.

(1949 Rev., S. 2469; February, 1965, P.A. 448, S. 15; 1969, P.A. 131; 417; P.A. 73-429, S. 1; P.A. 81-351, S. 1; P.A. 82-223, S. 13; P.A. 83-577, S. 19; P.A. 91-408, S. 1; P.A. 02-70, S. 68; P.A. 10-3, S. 60; P.A. 13-271, S. 29; P.A. 14-130, S. 21; P.A. 15-42, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 233; P.A. 17-79, S. 18; P.A. 18-164, S. 15; P.A. 19-140, S. 1; P.A. 25-55, S. 1.)

History: 1965 act added provisions re damage of vehicle or parts and removal of parts; 1969 acts added provision forbidding tampering with odometer and added exception to allow property owner or agent to remove vehicle left on property without authorization; P.A. 73-429 deleted provision re tampering with odometer; P.A. 81-351 removed and transferred the tampering provisions from the section, divided the section into subsections and established requirements for towing or removing a motor vehicle from private property; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (c) by specifying that the commission of a first offense constituted an infraction and increasing the minimum fine therefor from $10 to $25; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (c) by increasing the minimum fine for a first offense from $25 to $35; P.A. 91-408 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “A property owner” with “An owner or lessee of private property”, authorizing such owner or lessee to “cause to be removed” a motor vehicle, providing that removal shall be in accordance with “this section and sections 14-145a to 14-145c, inclusive”, rather than in accordance with “subsection (b) of this section” and adding exception for certain designated police, fire and emergency vehicles and for removal of vehicles from property leased by a governmental agency; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b) to require the licensee or operator of the wrecker to notify the local police department of the tow of the vehicle left on private property within 2 hours, instead of 24 hours, effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 10-3 amended Subsec. (c) to replace fine for first offense of not less than $35 nor more than $50 with fine of $50, effective April 14, 2010; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re notification in writing or by facsimile or electronic mail and re licensee retention of notification record, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (b) to add provisions re police to enter vehicle identification number of towed vehicle into national database and state system and to notify department of any motor vehicle reported stolen, to add provision re notice of tow if vehicle not claimed within 48 hours, and to add reference to Subsecs. (g) to (i) of Sec. 14-150, added new Subsec. (c) re commissioner to adopt regulations re transfer of title of towed vehicles, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 15-42 amended Subsec. (a) by designating existing provisions as Subdivs. (1) and (3), adding authorization to use wheel-locking device and signage requirement in Subdiv. (1), adding Subdiv. (2) re repossessions and replacing “the removal of motor vehicles from” with “motor vehicles left without authorization on” in Subdiv. (3), amended Subsec. (b) by designating existing provisions as Subdiv. (1)(A) and (B), amending Subdiv. (1)(A) by adding provisions re unauthorized motor vehicle and repossessed motor vehicle towed or otherwise removed by wrecker or exempt entity and deleting provisions re determination whether motor vehicle has been reported as stolen and notification by local police department, adding Subdiv. (2) re use of wheel-locking devices and adding Subdiv. (3) re determination whether motor vehicle has been reported as stolen and notification by local police department, and made technical and conforming changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (a) by adding new Subdiv. (2) re exceptions to signage requirement for towing and redesignating existing Subdivs. (2) and (3) as Subdivs. (3) and (4); P.A. 17-79 amended Subsecs. (b)(1)(B) and (b)(2)(B) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-150(i) with reference to Sec. 14-150(j) and making technical changes, effective January 1, 2018; P.A. 18-164 added new Subsec. (d) prohibiting issuance of parking citation and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e); P.A. 19-140 amended Subsec. (d) exempting independent institutions of higher education and private secondary schools, effective July 9, 2019; P.A. 25-55 substantially revised section.

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Sec. 14-145a. Rebate by wrecker service to owner or lessee of private property prohibited. No wrecker service that tows a motor vehicle from private property shall rebate or pay any money or other valuable consideration to the owner or lessee, or such owner or lessee's agent, of the property from which the motor vehicle is towed, or to a lending institution, for the privilege of towing such motor vehicle.

(P.A. 91-408, S. 2; P.A. 15-42, S. 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 234; P.A. 25-55, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 15-42 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re use of wheel-locking device and re towing, removal or use of wheel-locking device for purpose of repossession, amended Subsec. (b) to add references to motor vehicle rendered immovable and to prohibit rebate to lending institution, and made technical and conforming changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that a wheel-locking device may only be used upon the instruction of the owner or lessee; P.A. 25-55 deleted Subsec. (a) re prohibition on towing or removing vehicle from private property or using wheel-locking device except upon instruction of property owner or lessee, deleted Subsec. (b) designator, deleted references to rendering motor vehicle immovable and made technical and conforming changes.

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Sec. 14-145b. Storage and release of motor vehicles that have been towed or rendered immovable. Section 14-145b is repealed, effective October 1, 2025.

(P.A. 91-408, S. 3; P.A. 05-218, S. 27; P.A. 15-42, S. 3; P.A. 25-55, S. 27.)

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Sec. 14-145c. Liability of property owner, lessee or lending institution for improper towing or removal of motor vehicle. Whenever an owner or lessee of private property or a lending institution, or such owner's, lessee's or institution's agent, improperly causes a motor vehicle to be towed or removed from such property, the owner or lessee of the property or the lending institution shall be liable to the owner of the vehicle for the costs of towing or removal and of storage of the vehicle and for reasonable attorney's fees and court costs, if applicable.

(P.A. 91-408, S. 4; P.A. 15-42, S. 4; P.A. 25-55, S. 20.)

History: P.A. 15-42 added references to removal by a lending institution, added reference to vehicle rendered immovable and added provision re liability for fees charged to remove a wheel-locking device; P.A. 25-55 deleted provision re rendering motor vehicle immovable on property and provision re liability for fees charged for wheel-locking device.

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Sec. 14-145d. Notification to chief of police required prior to use of wheel-locking device by person, firm or corporation hired by independent institution of higher education or private secondary school. (a) Any person, firm or corporation that engages in rendering motor vehicles immovable through the use of wheel-locking or similar devices and is hired by an independent institution of higher education, as defined in subsection (a) of section 10a-173, or a private secondary school to render unauthorized motor vehicles immovable on such institution or school's private property shall, five business days prior to taking such action within a municipality, notify the chief of police of the local police department of such municipality of such activities. Such notification shall be in the form and manner directed by the chief of police.

(b) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined fifty dollars and, for each subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars and not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days or be both fined and imprisoned.

(P.A. 15-42, S. 5; P.A. 25-55, S. 21.)

History: P.A. 25-55 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “owner or lessee of private property” with “independent institution of higher education, as defined in subsection (a) of section 10a-173, or a private secondary school” and make a conforming change.

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Sec. 14-145e. Towing from parking facility or residential parking facility. Conspicuous signage. Exceptions. Penalty. (a) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Parking facility” means one or more lots, garages, parking terminals or other structures and accommodations located on private property for the parking of motor vehicles off of any highway;

(2) “Residential parking facility” means a parking facility that is located at a multifamily dwelling consisting of five or more units, a condominium or a common interest community;

(3) “Condominium” has the same meaning as provided in section 47-68a; and

(4) “Common interest community” has the same meaning as provided in section 47-202.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, no owner or lessee of a parking facility or residential parking facility, or such owner or lessee's agent, may utilize a wrecker service to tow any motor vehicle left without authorization at such parking facility pursuant to the provisions of section 14-145, unless such owner, lessee or agent installs conspicuous signage as required pursuant to the provisions of this section at such parking facility at least forty-eight hours before a motor vehicle may be towed from such facility.

(2) Except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section, no wrecker service shall tow a motor vehicle from a parking facility or residential parking facility pursuant to the provisions of section 14-145, unless such wrecker service verifies conspicuous signage, as required pursuant to the provisions of this section, is installed at such parking facility.

(c) (1) The owner, lessee or agent of a parking facility or residential parking facility shall install conspicuous signage at all entryways to such facility. Such conspicuous signage shall (A) bear the international symbol for towing, (B) be at least twelve inches long and eighteen inches wide with letters not less than one inch in height, (C) state that motor vehicles left without authorization at such facility may be removed at the expense of the owner of the motor vehicle, (D) state any costs or fees that may be charged, and (E) provide the name, address and telephone number for the wrecker service performing the tow or, alternatively, a telephone number in order for the motor vehicle owner or operator to locate where such motor vehicle has been stored and obtain information regarding how to redeem such motor vehicle.

(2) If such owner, lessee or agent designates one or more spaces as restricted parking spaces and the parking facility or residential parking facility is otherwise unrestricted, such owner, lessee or agent shall, instead of installing at all entryways to such facility, install such conspicuous signage that prohibits unauthorized vehicles from parking in such designated spaces at (A) the right or left side of each entrance to a designated area or group of parking spaces located on the restricted portion of the facility, or (B) the end of a restricted parking space so that the sign is in front of a vehicle that is parking in the space.

(3) If such owner, lessee or agent imposes further specific parking restrictions in an area to which conspicuous signs are installed for individual restricted parking spaces and any such sign is in front of a vehicle that is parked in the space, the conspicuous signage shall also indicate that the space is reserved for a particular unit number, person or type of person, such as a resident.

(4) The owner or lessee of a parking facility or residential parking facility, or such owner or lessee's agent, shall also install conspicuous signage that lists the parking rules of such facility which if violated would cause a motor vehicle to be towed from such facility. The purpose of any such parking rule shall be to promote the convenience, safety or welfare of motor vehicle operators on the facility, preserve the facility from abuse or make a fair distribution of parking resources at the facility.

(d) Conspicuous signage, as described in subsection (c) of this section, is not required to be installed at a parking facility or residential parking facility if a motor vehicle is left (1) in a space reserved, as required in section 14-253a, for exclusive use by persons who are blind and persons with disabilities, and such motor vehicle does not bear a removable windshield placard or special license plate, as defined in section 14-253a; (2) in an area reserved for authorized emergency vehicles; (3) within ten feet of a fire hydrant, as provided in section 14-251; (4) blocking building access; (5) blocking entry to or exit from such property or a parking space on such facility; (6) in or obstructing a vehicular traffic aisle; (7) in such facility and is leaking a fluid that presents a hazard or threat; or (8) in an area not designated for the parking of motor vehicles.

(e) The owner or lessee of a parking facility, or such owner or lessee's agent, may utilize the services of a wrecker service to tow a motor vehicle left without authorization at such parking facility without installing such conspicuous signage, provided such owner, lessee or agent affixes a written notice to such motor vehicle at least forty-eight hours prior to towing such vehicle. Any such notice shall (1) state that the motor vehicle will be towed from the parking facility without the consent of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle remains parked at the parking facility, (2) indicate the time when the motor vehicle will be removed, which shall not be earlier than forty-eight hours after the time the notice was affixed to the motor vehicle, (3) indicate the time when the notice is affixed to the motor vehicle, and (4) be affixed to the motor vehicle at a conspicuous location on the windshield nearest the operator's side. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a residential parking facility.

(f) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined fifty dollars, and, for each subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than fifty dollars and not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or be both fined and imprisoned.

(g) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a parking facility that is located at a multifamily dwelling consisting of four or less units.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 3; 25-159, S. 62.)

History: P.A. 25-159 added Subsec. (g) re section not applicable to parking facility located at multifamily dwelling consisting of 4 of fewer units.

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Sec. 14-150. Abandoned or unregistered motor vehicles and motor vehicles which are a menace to traffic. Notice. Removal. Storage. Hearing. (a) Any person who abandons any motor vehicle within the limits of any highway or upon property other than such person's own without the consent of the owner thereof for a period longer than twenty-four hours shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined not less than eighty-five dollars. The last owner of record of a motor vehicle found abandoned, as shown by the files of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deemed prima facie to have been the owner of such motor vehicle at the time it was abandoned and the person who abandoned the same or caused or procured its abandonment.

(b) Any inspector of the Department of Motor Vehicles, any officer attached to an organized police department, any enforcement officer of a parking authority authorized under an ordinance adopted pursuant to section 7-204a to enforce parking regulations in the municipality in which it is located or any state police officer upon discovery of any motor vehicle, whether situated within or without any highway of this state, which such inspector or officer determines is a menace to traffic or public health or safety, shall take such motor vehicle into such inspector's or officer's custody and cause the same to be taken to and stored in a suitable place.

(c) Any inspector of the Department of Motor Vehicles, any officer attached to an organized police department, any enforcement officer of a parking authority authorized under an ordinance adopted pursuant to section 7-204a to enforce parking regulations in the municipality in which it is located or any state police officer, upon discovery of any motor vehicle which such inspector or officer determines to be apparently abandoned or a motor vehicle without proper registration, whether situated within or without any highway of this state, shall affix to such motor vehicle a notification sticker in a manner so as to be readily visible. This notification sticker shall contain the following information: (1) The date and time the notification sticker was affixed to the motor vehicle; (2) a statement that pursuant to this section, if the motor vehicle is not removed within twenty-four hours of the time the sticker was affixed, it shall be taken into custody and stored at the owner's expense; (3) the location and telephone number where additional information may be obtained; and (4) the identity of the affixing officer. If the motor vehicle is not removed within such twenty-four-hour period, the affixing department or parking authority shall take such motor vehicle into its custody and cause the same to be stored in a suitable place, except that such department or parking authority shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of any such motor vehicle which is determined to be stolen prior to taking such vehicle into its custody and shall allow such owner to make arrangements for removal of such vehicle.

(d) If the motor vehicle has no registration marker plates or invalid registration marker plates, and if such inspector or officer makes a determination in good faith that (1) the motor vehicle is apparently abandoned, (2) the market value of such motor vehicle in its current condition is five hundred dollars or less, and (3) the motor vehicle is so vandalized, damaged, or in disrepair as to be unusable as a motor vehicle, title to such motor vehicle shall, upon taking custody of such motor vehicle, immediately vest in the municipality in which the motor vehicle was discovered. Within forty-eight hours of the time that such motor vehicle is taken into custody, the affixing department or parking authority shall notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in writing, of the vehicle identification number and a description of the motor vehicle and thereafter shall immediately sell or transfer such motor vehicle to a recycler licensed in accordance with section 14-67l. Upon sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle, the affixing department or parking authority shall give written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person who was the owner of such motor vehicle at the time of abandonment, if known, which notice shall state that the motor vehicle has been sold or otherwise disposed of. The proceeds of the sale or disposition, or the fair market value of the motor vehicle in its current condition, whichever is greater, less the towing and sale or disposal expenses and the amount of any fines due, shall be paid to such person or such person's representatives, if claimed by such person or such person's representatives within one year from the date of sale. If such balance is not claimed within such period, it shall escheat to the municipality. If the expenses incurred by the municipality for towing and the sale or disposition of such motor vehicle and any such fines exceed the proceeds of such sale or disposition, such person shall be liable to such municipality for such excess amount.

(e) Within forty-eight hours of the time that a motor vehicle is taken into custody and stored pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the affixing department or parking authority shall give written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner and any lienholders of such motor vehicle, if such motor vehicle appears on the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The wrecker service that took such motor vehicle into custody shall make a reasonable effort to identify the owner or lienholders of such motor vehicle and send written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner and any lienholders of such motor vehicle. The notice provided by the affixing department, parking authority and wrecker service shall state: (1) That the motor vehicle has been taken into custody and stored, (2) the location of storage of the motor vehicle, (3) that, unless title has already vested in the municipality pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, such motor vehicle may be sold in accordance with section 14-150c, and (4) that the owner has a right to contest the validity of such taking by application, on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, to the hearing officer named in such notice within ten days from the date of such notice. Such application forms shall be made readily available to the public at all offices and on the Internet web site of the Department of Motor Vehicles, parking authorities authorized under an ordinance adopted pursuant to section 7-204a to enforce parking regulations and state and local police departments.

(f) (1) The chief executive officer of each town shall appoint a suitable person, who shall not be a member of any state or local police department, to be a hearing officer to hear applications to determine whether or not the towing within such municipality of such motor vehicle was authorized under the provisions of this section. Two or more towns may join in appointing such hearing officer; provided any such hearing shall be held at a location which is as near to the town within which such motor vehicle was towed as is reasonable and practicable. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish the qualifications necessary for hearing officers and procedures for the holding of such hearings. If it is determined at such hearing that the vehicle was not a menace to traffic, abandoned or unregistered, as the case may be, the owner of such motor vehicle shall not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of the taking and storage of such motor vehicle, the lien provisions of this section shall not apply to such owner, and the department which took and stored such motor vehicle shall be liable for such expenses. If the owner, prior to such determination, pays such expenses and the storage charges of such motor vehicle, and it is determined at such hearing that the motor vehicle was not a menace to traffic, abandoned or unregistered, as the case may be, the department or parking authority which took such motor vehicle shall be liable to such owner for the amount paid by such owner. Any person aggrieved by the decision of such hearing officer may, within fifteen days of the notice of such decision, appeal to the superior court for the judicial district wherein such hearing was held.

(2) The chief executive officer of each municipality shall designate a suitable person who shall be responsible for the collection of data concerning abandoned motor vehicles within such municipality and the preparation and submission of periodic reports to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles which shall contain such information as the commissioner may require.

(1949 Rev., S. 2475; 1963, P.A. 272; 1967, P.A. 877; 1969, P.A. 350; 1971, P.A. 817, S. 2; P.A. 73-131; P.A. 76-381, S. 7; 76-402, S. 1, 3; P.A. 77-452, S. 50, 72; P.A. 78-280, S. 1, 127; P.A. 80-119; P.A. 86-119; P.A. 87-372, S. 1, 2; P.A. 88-270, S. 4, 8; P.A. 91-408, S. 16; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13, S. 11, 21; P.A. 98-215, S. 4; P.A. 99-27; P.A. 00-35, S. 2; P.A. 03-264, S. 4; P.A. 04-30, S. 1; P.A. 07-167, S. 31; P.A. 13-271, S. 58; P.A. 14-130, S. 22; P.A. 17-79, S. 17; P.A. 25-55, S. 13.)

History: 1963 act authorized sale of vehicle for storage and towing charges after 30 days where value of vehicle is not more than $35; 1967 act included reference to deliberate abandonment, increased fine from $50 to $100 maximum and imprisonment from 60 to 90 days and added provision re determination of owner as last owner of record in Subsec. (a); 1969 act changed applicable current market value of vehicle from $35 to $100; 1971 act deleted “wilfully and deliberately” to describe abandonment in Subsec. (a); P.A. 73-131 deleted phrase “apparently has been involved in an accident” describing vehicles which are a menace to traffic in Subsec. (b); P.A. 76-381 replaced fine and imprisonment provision in Subsec. (a) with statement that violator has committed an infraction; P.A. 76-402 made Subsec. (b) applicable to vehicles which are a menace to traffic, deleting other descriptive phrases, and deleted provisions re liability for vehicle in officer's custody and charges as lien on vehicle, inserted new Subsecs. (c) and (d) re procedure for dealing with abandoned or unregistered vehicles, placed storage provisions formerly in Subsec. (b) in new Subsec. (e) and included references to application for hearing and redesignated Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (f); P.A. 77-452 replaced court of common pleas with superior court in Subsec. (d); P.A. 78-280 deleted reference to counties in Subsec. (d); P.A. 80-119 made auction sale of vehicle mandatory rather than optional if storage limit reached without owner taking action to regain vehicle and added provisions re required report of sale to commissioner in Subsec. (e); P.A. 86-119 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to require such motor vehicles to be taken into custody and stored and added Subsec. (g), requiring motor vehicle commissioner to adopt regulations re title to abandoned motor vehicles; P.A. 87-372 inserted new provisions as Subsec. (d), requiring immediate vesting of title to an abandoned, unusable motor vehicle with a current market value of $100 or less in the municipality where the vehicle was discovered and specifying procedures for notice and distribution of proceeds from sale or disposition, and relettering remaining Subsecs., and amended Subsecs. (e) and (g), providing vehicle may be sold after 15 days if market value does not exceed $500 or after 90 days if such value exceeds $500; P.A. 88-270 amended Subsec. (a) to require that the fine be not less than $85; amended Subsec. (b) to require removal of any vehicle which is a menace to public health or safety; amended Subsec. (d) to require the deduction of the amount of any fines due from the proceeds of the sale or disposition, and added Subsec. (f)(2), requiring municipal chief executive officer to designate person responsible for collecting abandoned vehicle data and reporting to motor vehicle commissioner; P.A. 91-408 amended Subsec. (c) to add provision requiring department to attempt to notify the owner of a stolen vehicle and to allow the owner to remove the vehicle; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13 added $5 fee for filing of notice; (Revisor's note: In 1997 references throughout the general statutes to “Motor Vehicle(s) Commissioner” and “Motor Vehicle(s) Department” were replaced editorially by the Revisors with “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles” or “Department of Motor Vehicles”, as the case may be, for consistency with customary statutory usage); P.A. 98-215 amended Subsecs. (e) and (g) to reduce from 90 to 45 days the time after which a vehicle may be sold re vehicles with market value over $500; P.A. 99-27 amended Subsec. (d)(2) by increasing the required value of a motor vehicle from $100 to $500, amended Subsecs. (e) and (g) by applying provisions to motor vehicles valued at $1,500, increased from $500, and made technical changes re gender neutrality; P.A. 00-35 deleted provisions in Subsec. (g) re advertising sale, and added provisions re minimum bids at public auction and provision that if no bid is made the owner or keeper may sell or dispose of such vehicle; P.A. 03-264 amended Subsecs. (b) to (f), inclusive, to add provisions re enforcement by parking authority authorized to enforce municipal parking regulations, replaced “such officer” with “such hearing officer” in Subsec. (f)(1) and made technical changes in Subsec. (j); P.A. 04-30 amended Subsec. (e) to require that written notice by certified mail be given to any lienholders of such motor vehicle if the same appears on the records of the department and amended Subsec. (g) to make technical changes and to require that notice of intent to sell be sent to any lienholder of record of motor vehicle, effective April 28, 2004; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (g) by inserting reference to owner's or keeper's towing charges; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (j) to allow commissioner to adopt regulations re disposal of motor home or recreational vehicle abandoned at campground, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (g) to add provision allowing charges for both towing and storage, amended Subsec. (i) to replace “engine number and chassis” with “vehicle identification”, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (d) by adding provision re sale or transfer of motor vehicle to recycler, amended Subsecs. (d) and (e) by adding “return receipt requested”, further amended Subsec. (e) by designating provisions re 15 days and 45 days as Subparas. (A) and (B), respectively, substantially amended Subsec. (g) including by designating provisions re current market value does not exceed $1,500 as Subdiv. (1) and amending same to replace provision re owner or keeper may sell for storage and towing charges with provisions re owner or keeper shall send notice of intent to sell and affidavit of compliance, designating provisions re current market value exceeds $1,500 as Subdiv. (2) and amending same by adding “not less than” re 45 days, replacing “sell the same” with provision re sending notice of intent to sell and affidavit of compliance, adding provision re owner or keeper to apply proceeds toward payment of towing and storage and deleting provision re notice at last usual place of abode, added new Subsec. (h) re notice of intent to sell, added new Subsec. (i) re affidavit of compliance and number of days owner or keeper may charge for storage, redesignated existing Subsec. (h) re report of information as Subsec. (j), deleted former Subsec. (i) re notice to commissioner, redesignated Subsec. (j) re regulations as Subsec. (k) and made technical and conforming changes, effective January 1, 2018; P.A. 25-55 amended Subsec. (b) to add “such inspector or officer determines” re vehicle is menace to traffic or public health or safety, amended Subsec. (c) to add “which such inspector or officer determines to be” re vehicle is abandoned or without proper registration, amended Subsec. (d) to add provision re wrecker service to make reasonable effort to identify owner or lienholder and send written notice, replace Subparas. (A) and (B) re when vehicle may be sold with reference to Sec. 14-150c and add provision re application forms made available on department's Internet web site, amended Subsec. (f) to add reference to chapter 54 and delete Subsecs. (g) to (k) re lien, affidavit of compliance, sale and regulations.

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Sec. 14-150c. Lien upon motor vehicle for towing or storage charges imposed by wrecker service or owner or keeper of any garage, storage facility or other place. Notice of intent to sell motor vehicle. Approval of proposed sale and affidavit of compliance. Sale of motor vehicle. Proceeds. (a) Whenever a motor vehicle is taken into custody and stored pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of section 14-150, or is subject to nonconsensual towing or transporting, as defined in section 14-66, the wrecker service or owner or keeper of any garage, storage facility or other place where such motor vehicle is stored shall have a lien upon such motor vehicle for towing or storage charges, or both, imposed by such wrecker service or owner or keeper that result from towing or storing a motor vehicle.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (d) of section 14-150, if such wrecker service or owner or keeper makes a determination in good faith that the current market value of the stored motor vehicle does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars and such stored motor vehicle has been stored for a period of not less than fifteen days, such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall, unless an application filed by the owner of such motor vehicle pursuant to subsection (e) of section 14-150, is pending and the owner of such motor vehicle has notified such wrecker service or owner or keeper that such application for hearing has been filed, send a notice of intent to sell that complies with subsection (c) of this section to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, the owner of such motor vehicle and any known lienholder of record of such motor vehicle at the end of such fifteen-day period. Upon approval by the commissioner of the notice of intent to sell, the commissioner shall issue such wrecker service or owner or keeper an affidavit of compliance. Such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall sell such motor vehicle not less than five business days after the mailing date of the notice of intent and apply the proceeds of the sale toward the towing and storage charges imposed by such wrecker service or owner or keeper.

(2) If such wrecker service or owner or keeper makes a determination in good faith that the current market value of the stored motor vehicle exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars and if such motor vehicle has been stored for a period of not less than forty-five days, such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall, unless an application filed by the owner pursuant to subsection (e) of section 14-150, is pending and the owner of such motor vehicle has notified such wrecker service or owner or keeper that such application for a hearing has been filed, send a notice of intent to sell that complies with subsection (c) of this section to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, the owner of such motor vehicle and any known lienholder of record of such motor vehicle at the end of such forty-five-day period. Upon approval by the commissioner of the notice of intent to sell, the commissioner shall issue such wrecker service or owner or keeper an affidavit of compliance. Such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall sell such motor vehicle at public auction for cash, at the place of business of such wrecker service or owner or keeper not less than five business days after the mailing date of the notice of intent to sell. Such owner or keeper shall apply the proceeds of such sale toward the towing and storage charges imposed by such wrecker service or owner or keeper, the expenses related to such sale and any debt or obligation incurred by the officer who placed such motor vehicle in storage in accordance with section 14-150.

(3) In determining the current market value of the stored motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, the wrecker service may deduct for an observed defect or missing major component part, as defined in section 14-149a.

(c) (1) The notice of intent to sell described in subsection (b) of this section shall include, but need not be limited to, (A) the make, model and vehicle identification number of the stored motor vehicle, (B) the date such motor vehicle was left with such wrecker service or owner or keeper and by whom, (C) the registration number if any number plates are on such motor vehicle, (D) the retail market value of such motor vehicle as determined by the wrecker service or owner or keeper, and (E) a statement to the owner and known lienholder that (i) the stored motor vehicle will be sold if not redeemed in a timely manner, (ii) such motor vehicle may be redeemed until the point-of-sale, (iii) any proceeds of such sale, after deducting the amount due to such wrecker service or owner or keeper and any expenses of the officer who placed such motor vehicle in storage, if applicable, will be held in an escrow account and paid to the owner of such motor vehicle or such owner's legal representatives, if claimed by such owner or legal representatives not later than one year from the date of such sale, and (iv) if such proceeds are not claimed within said period of time, such proceeds will escheat to the state. Such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall provide such notice and a copy of the consumer bill of rights regarding towing, developed pursuant to section 14-66g, to the motor vehicle owner and lienholder by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(2) Such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall also provide a copy of the notice of intent to sell to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in a form and manner determined by the commissioner. Such notice of intent to sell shall be accompanied by a filing fee of ten dollars and any other information, such as photographs of the stored motor vehicle, that the commissioner may prescribe. Such notice of intent to sell shall be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, as defined in section 1-200. The commissioner may send a copy of such notice of intent to sell electronically to the owner or lienholder of such motor vehicle.

(3) Any sale of a stored motor vehicle under the provisions of this section shall be void, unless such wrecker service or owner or keeper provides the notices required by this subsection.

(d) Upon receipt of a notice of intent to sell, the commissioner shall review such notice and determine if the owner of the motor vehicle has filed a customer complaint concerning such wrecker service or owner or keeper pursuant to section 14-63. The commissioner shall not approve such proposed sale until any such customer complaint is resolved. If the commissioner approves such proposed sale, the commissioner shall issue such wrecker service or owner or keeper an affidavit of compliance.

(e) (1) Upon receipt of an affidavit of compliance by the commissioner, such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall mail a notice of proposed sale to the motor vehicle owner and known lienholder by certified mail, return receipt requested, that indicates the date, time and place of the proposed sale of such motor vehicle. Not less than five business days after the mailing date of the notice of proposed sale, such wrecker service or owner or keeper may proceed to sell such motor vehicle pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (b) of this section.

(2) In addition to the thirty-day period immediately following the date such motor vehicle was placed in storage under subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section, or a sixty-day period immediately following the date such motor vehicle was placed in storage under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section, the wrecker service may only charge up to ten additional days of storage for such motor vehicle after receipt of the affidavit of compliance issued by the commissioner.

(f) At the time of a sale conducted in accordance with the provisions of this section, such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall provide the purchaser of such motor vehicle with the affidavit of compliance issued by the commissioner.

(g) Not later than fifteen days after the sale of a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of this section, such wrecker service or owner or keeper of such garage shall (1) report the sale price, towing and storage charges, repair charges, if any, expenses related to the sale, any proceeds, the buyer's name and address, identification of the vehicle and such other information as may be required in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-150d, to the commissioner, (2) deposit the proceeds of such sale, after deducting the amount due to such wrecker service or owner or keeper and any expenses of the officer who placed such motor vehicle in storage, if applicable, into an escrow account, and (3) upon receipt of a claim by the prior owner of such motor vehicle or such owner's legal representatives not later than one year from the date of such sale, pay such sale proceeds to the prior owner or such owner's legal representatives. If such sale proceeds are not claimed within said period of time, such sale proceeds shall escheat to the state as unclaimed property and the wrecker service or owner or keeper shall be subject to the requirements of part III of chapter 32, including all obligations of a holder of unclaimed property. Not later than ten days after filing any report and paying any funds to the Treasurer as required by part III of chapter 32, such wrecker service or owner or keeper shall provide evidence to the commissioner, in a form and manner determined by the commissioner, that such report was submitted and funds have escheated.

(h) In no event shall such wrecker service or owner or keeper sell a motor vehicle that has not been (1) stored for at least thirty days if the current market value of such motor vehicle does not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars, or (2) stored for at least sixty days if the current market value of such motor vehicle exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 14.)

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Sec. 14-150d. Regulations. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the purposes of sections 14-150 and 14-150c. The regulations shall (1) specify the circumstances under which title to any motor vehicle abandoned within the limits of any highway may be transferred to the wrecker service, (2) establish the procedure whereby such wrecker service may obtain title to such motor vehicle, and (3) specify the circumstances under which the owner of a campground may dispose of a motor home or recreational vehicle abandoned on such owner's property and establishing procedures governing such disposal.

(P.A. 25-55, S. 16.)

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