Connecticut Motor Vehicle Violation Laws
Connecticut’s legal system classifies motor vehicle offenses into three distinct categories: infractions, violations, and crimes. Motor vehicle infractions represent the least severe category but can still carry significant consequences for your driving record, insurance premiums, and wallet. As Connecticut traffic attorneys, we provide this overview to help you understand the complex system of infraction laws that govern Connecticut roadways.
Definition of Motor Vehicle Infractions
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 51-164n, motor vehicle infractions are defined as minor offenses that are not crimes. Unlike more serious vehicular offenses, infractions do not carry the possibility of jail time. However, they do result in monetary fines, points on your driving record, and potential insurance increases.
Common examples of Connecticut motor vehicle infractions include:
- Basic speeding violations
- Improper turns
- Failure to signal
- Equipment violations
- Parking violations
- Minor registration and documentation issues
- Seat belt violations
The Legal Process for Infractions
Connecticut handles motor vehicle infractions through a streamlined process distinct from criminal proceedings. When cited for an infraction, you’ll receive a ticket that serves as a summons. This document provides three response options:
- Pay the fine by mail or online (which constitutes an admission of the infraction)
- Request a payment plan if facing financial hardship
- Request a court hearing to contest the ticket
Connecticut provides 10 days to respond to the ticket. Failing to respond in a timely manner can result in added penalties, including license suspension and increased fines.
Financial Penalties and Schedule
Connecticut maintains a comprehensive schedule of fines for motor vehicle infractions. While basic fines are standardized, actual costs often include additional fees and surcharges. For example:
- Basic speeding (1-9 mph over): $100 plus surcharges
- Improper turn violations: $117
- Failure to wear seat belt: $92
- Cell phone/texting violations: $150 (first offense), escalating with subsequent offenses
- Equipment violations: $92-117 depending on the specific violation
The Connecticut Centralized Infractions Bureau processes payments and maintains records of all infractions statewide.
Points System and Long-Term Consequences
While infractions don’t result in criminal records, Connecticut’s DMV assigns points for most moving violations. Accumulating points can lead to serious consequences:
- 10 points in 24 months: 30-day license suspension
- Subsequent point accumulation: Longer suspensions
Insurance companies also access this information, often resulting in premium increases lasting 3-5 years following infractions. For many drivers, these long-term insurance consequences far outweigh the initial fine amount.
Contesting Infractions Successfully
Connecticut law provides several potential defenses to motor vehicle infractions. These include:
- Challenging the officer’s observations or equipment
- Demonstrating emergency circumstances
- Identifying procedural errors in how the citation was issued
- Questioning the maintenance and calibration of speed detection equipment
- Presenting contradictory evidence regarding the alleged infraction
Working with a professional significantly increases the likelihood of successfully contesting infractions. Our attorneys understand the nuances of Connecticut’s motor vehicle laws and regularly achieve favorable outcomes including charge reductions, point prevention, and case dismissals.
The Value of Legal Counsel
Even for “simple” infractions, consulting with a Connecticut motor vehicle attorney provides substantial benefits. Professional representation can often prevent points, reduce fines, and protect your driving record from the cascading consequences that even minor infractions can trigger under Connecticut law.