Connecticut Passing Laws and Defenses
There are many passing laws in the state of Connecticut that you must follow to avoid a driving violation. In this section of our website, we explain a few of these common laws. Read on to learn more about these laws and violation consequences.
Motorcycle Illegal Passing in Connecticut
Connecticut law treats motorcycles like any other vehicle when it comes to passing regulations. Motorcyclists must follow the same rules as car drivers, though their smaller size sometimes creates a dangerous temptation to weave through traffic. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-232, motorcyclists must pass on the left at a safe distance and return to the right lane only when safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The misconception that motorcycles can filter between lanes or split lanes is dangerous and illegal in Connecticut. Violations can result in fines starting at $100 and potentially add points to your license, affecting insurance rates for years to come.
Passing in No-Passing Zones
Connecticut designates no-passing zones for safety reasons – typically around curves, hills, intersections, or areas with limited visibility. These zones are marked by solid yellow lines on your side of the road’s centerline. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-234, passing another vehicle in these designated zones is strictly prohibited. The penalties reflect the serious danger this behavior presents, with fines ranging from $100-$200 for first offenses and increasing with subsequent violations. Beyond financial penalties, this violation adds points to your driving record and can be considered a moving violation that significantly impacts insurance premiums.
Passing on the Right in Connecticut
While many drivers assume passing on the right is always illegal, Connecticut law does permit it in specific, limited circumstances under General Statutes § 14-233. You may legally pass on the right when:
- The vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn.
- You’re driving on a road wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic in your direction.
- You’re on a one-way street with sufficient width for two or more lanes.
However, passing on the right is only legal when it can be done safely and without driving off the main roadway. Violations often occur when drivers use breakdown lanes or shoulders to pass, resulting in fines between $100-$200 and potential points on your license.
Passing a School Bus
Of all passing violations, illegally passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights carries the most severe penalties in Connecticut. Under General Statutes § 14-279, drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red signal lights, regardless of which direction they’re traveling. The only exception is for drivers on the opposite side of divided highways with physical barriers.
Connecticut takes this violation extremely seriously, imposing first-offense fines of $450-$500. The penalties escalate dramatically for subsequent offenses, reaching up to $1,000 with potential license suspension. Additionally, this violation adds points to your driving record and often results in substantial insurance premium increases.
Connecticut has also implemented a school bus camera program that allows video evidence to be used for issuing citations, making enforcement more consistent even when police officers aren’t present to witness violations.
Get Help Throughout Connecticut
For any of these passing violations in the state of Connecticut, having legal representation such as a Mr. Speeding Ticket lawyer can make a difference in your case, potentially reducing fines, preventing points, or maintaining your driving privileges when they might otherwise be suspended.