OLR Bill Analysis
AN ACT CONCERNING THE IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES USED FOR ILLEGAL STREET RACING.
This bill requires law enforcement officials to impound, for 30 days, any motor vehicle, except a rental motor vehicle, being raced illegally on a public highway. It requires the owner of an impounded vehicle pay all fees or costs resulting from the impoundment.
By law, no one may operate a motor vehicle on a pubic highway for a wager, a race, or for the purpose of making a speed record. Violators are already subject to a fine of $ 75 to $ 600, and up to one year imprisonment, or both for a first offense and a $ 100 to $ 1,000 fine, up to one year imprisonment, or both for any subsequent offense. The bill requires vehicle impoundment in addition to these penalties.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009
BACKGROUND
Rental Motor Vehicle
The law defines a “rental motor vehicle” as a private passenger motor vehicle as defined under the motor vehicle insurance law (CGS § 38a-363(e)) that is not the subject of a lease with the option to purchase where the lessee has the right to possession. A private passenger motor vehicle under that law includes a:
1. private passenger-type automobile,
2. station-wagon-type automobile,
3. camper-type motor vehicle,
4. high-mileage-type motor vehicle,
5. truck-type motor vehicle with a load capacity of 1,500 pounds or less that is registered as a passenger or passenger and commercial (combination) vehicle, or
6. vehicle with a commercial registration.
The definition does not include a motorcycle or a vehicle used as a pubic or livery conveyance.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Transportation Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea |
36 |
Nay |
0 |
(03/16/2009) |