You asked whether the law barring the use of radio telephones in vehicles is still in effect, and if not when and why it was repealed.

Up until 1977, § 14-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes barred drivers of motor vehicles from using hand held radio telephones while the vehicle was in motion. Instead, the driver had to pull over to the curb to use the telephone, which was a precursor to cellular telephones. Violators were subject to a fine of up to $ 100. The prohibition did not apply to public safety officers and utility employees.

The statute was repealed by PA 77-19 (sSB 119). At the bill's pubic hearing before the Transportation Committee, several speakers stated that the law could be interpreted to bar the use of citizens' band (CB) radios and could delay the transmission of information in an emergency. One speaker also argued that the repeal of the law could save energy, since it required vehicles to idle while transmitting messages over the telephones. Senator Schneller spoke in favor of the bill, noting that in practice many CB operators used their radios while their vehicles were in motion. He believed that this practice did not result in additional accidents. Rep. Hansalik also spoke in favor of the bill, noting that several state agencies thought that the law was not clear as to whether it applied to CB radios.

The debate on the bill was quite limited. Senator Owens noted that the law had been adopted before CB radios had become popular. He also stated that the state police commissioner supported the bill, which passed on consent. The bill also passed the House on consent, with no discussion.

KM: ts