CHAPTER 246*
MOTOR VEHICLES

PART I
DEFINITIONS

      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) a public service company or municipal department ambulance or emergency vehicle designated or authorized for use as an authorized emergency vehicle by the commissioner;

      (6) "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;

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

      (8) "Camp trailer" includes any trailer designed for living or sleeping purposes and used exclusively for camping or recreational purposes;

      (9) "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;

      (10) "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;

      (11) "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;

      (12) "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;

      (13) "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;

      (14) "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;

      (15) "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;

      (16) "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;

      (17) "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;

      (18) "Commercial trailer registration" means the type of registration issued to any commercial trailer;

      (19) "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;

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

      (21) "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;

      (22) "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;

      (23) "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, that a person is no longer qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle under the standards of 49 CFR 391, as amended; or (C) the loss of qualification which follows any of the convictions or administrative actions specified in section 14-44k;

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

      (25) "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;

      (26) "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;

      (27) "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;

      (28) "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;

      (29) "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;

      (30) "Felony" means any offense as defined in section 53a-25 and includes any offense designated as a felony under federal law;

      (31) "Fatality" means the death of a person as a result of a motor vehicle accident;

      (32) "Foreign jurisdiction" means any jurisdiction other than a state of the United States;

      (33) "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" shall 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;

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

      (35) "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;

      (36) "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;

      (37) "Hazardous materials" has the same meaning as in 49 CFR 383.5;

      (38) "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;

      (39) "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;

      (40) "Highway" includes any state or other public highway, road, street, avenue, alley, driveway, parkway or place, under the control of the state or any political subdivision of the state, dedicated, appropriated or opened to public travel or other use;

      (41) "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;

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

      (43) "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;

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

      (45) "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;

      (46) "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;

      (47) "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;

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

      (49) "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;

      (50) "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;

      (51) "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;

      (52) "Motor-driven cycle" means any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with attached motor with a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a motor that produces five brake horsepower or less;

      (53) "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle propelled or drawn by any nonmuscular power, except aircraft, motor boats, road rollers, baggage trucks used about railroad stations or other mass transit facilities, electric battery-operated wheel chairs when operated by physically handicapped persons 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, bicycles with helper motors as defined in section 14-286, special mobile equipment as defined in subsection (i) of section 14-165, mini-motorcycles, as defined in section 14-289j, and any other vehicle not suitable for operation on a highway;

      (54) "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle, with or without a side car, having not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and a saddle or seat on which the rider sits or a platform on which the rider stands, but does not include a motor-driven cycle, as defined in this section, or a vehicle having or designed to have a completely enclosed driver's seat and a motor which is not in the enclosed area;

      (55) "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;

      (56) "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;

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

      (58) "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;

      (59) "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;

      (60) "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;

      (61) "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;

      (62) "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 as defined in subdivision (25) of this section;

      (63) "Out-of-service order" means a temporary prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle or any other vehicle subject to the federal motor carrier safety regulations enforced by the commissioner pursuant to the commissioner's authority under section 14-8;

      (64) "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;

      (65) "Parked vehicle" means a motor vehicle in a stationary position within the limits of a public highway;

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

      (67) "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;

      (68) "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;

      (69) "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;

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

      (71) "Pneumatic tires" means tires inflated or inflatable with air;

      (72) "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;

      (73) "Recreational vehicle" includes the camper, camp trailer and motor home classes of vehicles;

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

      (75) "Registration number" means the identifying number or letters, or both, assigned by the commissioner to a motor vehicle;

      (76) "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;

      (77) "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;

      (78) "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 or 14-224 or subsection (a) of section 14-227a, "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;

      (79) "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;

      (80) "Serious traffic violation" means a conviction of any of the following offenses: (A) Speeding in excess of fifteen miles per hour or more over 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) driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-36a or 14-44a; (F) failure to carry a commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-44a; (G) failure to have the proper class of license or endorsement, or violation of a license restriction in violation of section 14-44a; or (H) arising in connection with an accident related to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle and which resulted in a fatality;

      (81) "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;

      (82) "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;

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

      (84) "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;

      (85) "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;

      (86) "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;

      (87) "Stop" means complete cessation of movement;

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

      (89) "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;

      (90) "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 shall include, but not be limited to, a cargo tank and portable tank, as defined in 49 CFR 383.5, as amended, provided it shall not include a portable tank with a rated capacity not to exceed one thousand gallons;

      (91) "Tractor" or "truck tractor" means a motor vehicle designed and used for drawing a semitrailer;

      (92) "Tractor-trailer unit" means a combination of a tractor and a trailer or a combination of a tractor and a semitrailer;

      (93) "Trailer" means any rubber-tired vehicle without motive power drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle;

      (94) "Truck" means a motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property;

      (95) "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;

      (96) "United States" means the fifty states and the District of Columbia;

      (97) "Used motor vehicle" includes any motor vehicle which has been previously separately registered by an ultimate consumer;

      (98) "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, with a manufacturer's GVWR of ten thousand pounds or less;

      (99) "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;

      (100) "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;

      (101) "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;

      (102) "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.

      (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, 3, 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.)

      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 Subsecs. (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" ten passengers and used to transport students under twenty-one 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 five 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 eight 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.

      See Sec. 14-51 for definitions applicable with respect to dealers' and repairers' licenses.

      See Sec. 14-68 for definitions applicable with respect to drivers' schools.

      See Sec. 14-100(b) for definition of "safety glass".

      "Guest" defined. 108 C. 630. Cited. 124 C. 552. Cited. 131 C. 714. Cited. 139 C. 707. Definition of "intersection" (former Subsec. (18)) includes area embraced within prolongation of the lateral curb lines of two or more highways which join one another at an angle whether or not one such highway crosses the other. 152 C. 219. Cited. 165 C. 422. Operation of a motor vehicle relates to the driving or movement of the vehicle itself or a circumstance resulting from movement of the vehicle. 180 C. 469. Cited. 189 C. 354; Id., 550. Cited. 221 C. 356. Cited. 239 C. 1.

      Cited. 2 CA 523. Cited. 7 CA 575. Cited. 9 CA 686. Cited. 10 CA 18. Cited. 25 CA 492; judgment reversed, see 222 C. 744. Cited. 30 CA 263. Cited. 41 CA 664.

      Cited. 36 CS 101. Cited. 41 CS 326.

      Definition of "used" car not restricted to former Subsec. (55). 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 90. State is not limited to proving a vehicle a registered school bus by a certified copy of the registration prepared by the commissioner of motor vehicles. It could prove this element by such other evidence as it sees fit. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 5, 6.

      Subsec. (9) (Formerly Subsec. (7)):

      Cited. 203 C. 45.

      Subsec. (10) (Formerly Subsec. (8)):

      Cited. 168 C. 587.

      Cited. 36 CS 586.

      Subsec. (12):

      Analysis of vehicle eligibility for commercial registration. 69 CA 482.

      Subsec. (18) (Formerly Subsec. (16)):

      Cited. 163 C. 369.

      Cited. 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 662. Road maintained by the town qualifies as public highway within statutory definition of a "highway". 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 513.

      Subsec. (19) (Formerly Subsec. (17)):

      "Intersecting highway" defined. 101 C. 443.

      Subsec. (29) (Formerly Subsec. (25)):

      Cited. 171 C. 255. Cited. 203 C. 45, 56.

      A motorcycle is included in the overall definition of a motor vehicle for general application of the motor vehicle statutes. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 219. Cited. Id., 221.

      Subsec. (30) (Formerly Subsec. (26)):

      Cited. 171 C. 255. An hydraulic hoist on a truck was not suitable for operation on a highway and was not a motor vehicle. 180 C. 469. Cited. 215 C. 55.

      Cited. 8 CA 125.

      Policy of motor vehicle department to register fork lifts indicates they are "suitable for operation on a highway". 36 CS 101. Cited. 40 CS 156.

      A standing machine affixed to and operated by the motor of a highway truck held a motor vehicle. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 116.

      Subsec. (31) (Formerly part of Subsec. (55)):

      Where court rendered judgment on a stipulation of facts that the portion of this subsection defining the phrase "ultimate consumer" is unconstitutional, held that judgment did not include any determination of validity of statute as it remained after the definition was held invalid and the judgment was clearly inadequate in that it did not conform to the pleadings, issues and prayers for relief. 152 C. 648.

      Subsec. (32) (Formerly Subsec. (28)):

      "Nonresident" defined. 107 C. 140.

      Subsec. (34) (Formerly Subsec. (18)):

      Cited. 30 CA 108.

      Subsec. (35) (Formerly Subsec. (31)):

      Cited. 1 CA 517, 518.

      Subsec. (36) (Formerly Subsec. (32)):

      "Operation" defined. 90 C. 414; 96 C. 391. Defendant, who had seized wheel while instructing another, was "operator". 119 C. 563. Cited. 141 C. 539. The use of any mechanical or electrical device not an integral part of a motor vehicle not considered "operation of a motor vehicle". 180 C. 469.

      Cited. 3 CA 246.

      Subsec. (37) (Formerly Subsec. (33)):

      "Owner" defined. 92 C. 252; 100 C. 120; 104 C. 169. See 44 C. 298. Cited. 194 C. 129.

      Cited. 9 CA 221. Cited. 10 CA 22.

      Subsec. (38) (Formerly Subsec. (34)):

      Definition of "parked vehicle" is not applicable to Sec. 14-119. 142 C. 592. Subsection must be construed and interpreted together with Sec. 14-251. Id. No distinction made between cars that are occupied and those that are not. 145 C. 141.

      Subsec. (39) (Formerly Subsec. (36)):

      Cited. 40 CS 156, 157.

      Subsec. (40) (Formerly Subsec. (35)):

      Cited. 203 C. 45. Motorcycles are not passenger motor vehicles within meaning of section. 239 C. 1.

      Subsec. (41) (Formerly Subsec. (37)):

      Cited. 40 CS 156.

      Subsec. (44) (Formerly Subsec. (40)):

      As to "public service motor vehicles" as defined in an earlier act, see 92 C. 585; 97 C. 241. Cited. 114 C. 408.

      Subsec. (45):

      "Mobile home" as commonly understood does not encompass "motor homes". 70 CA 86.

      Subsec. (47) (Formerly Subsec. (30)):

      All-terrain vehicle qualifies for uninsured motorist coverage under the policy definition. 45 CS 144. Only purpose of golf cart exception is to allow the vehicle to be operated on highway for very limited purposes. 46 CS 24.

      Subsec. (48) (Formerly Subsec. (44)):

      Cited. 24 CS 365.

      Subsec. (56) (Formerly Subsec. (52)):

      Cited. 223 C. 127.

      Subsec. (62) (Formerly part of Subsec. (55)):

      Where court rendered judgment on a stipulation of facts that the portion of this subsection defining the phrase "ultimate consumer" is unconstitutional, held that judgment did not include any determination of validity of statute as it remained after the definition was held invalid and the judgment was clearly inadequate in that it did not conform to the pleadings, issues and prayers for relief. 152 C. 648.

      Sec. 14-1a. "Authorized emergency vehicle" defined. Section 14-1a is repealed.

      (1967, P.A. 832, S. 1; P.A. 84-429, S. 78.)

      See Sec. 14-1(4) for definition of "authorized emergency vehicle".

PART II
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

      Sec. 14-2. Appointment of Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. There shall be a Commissioner of Motor Vehicles appointed in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2351.)

      See Sec. 4-12 re removal of officers and commissioners for misconduct, incompetence or neglect of duty.

      Annotations to former statute:

      Failure of senate to act on nomination did not create vacancy which governor was authorized to fill; incumbent held over de jure. 132 C. 518. Cited. 133 C. 43. Cited. 136 C. 317.

      Cited. 13 CS 343.

      Sec. 14-3. Powers and duties of commissioner. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall enforce the provisions of the statutes concerning motor vehicles and the operators of such vehicles. He shall administer, coordinate and control the operations of the department and shall be responsible for the overall supervision and direction of all facilities and activities of the department. He shall have the authority to contract for such services, programs and facilities other than the purchase or lease of real property as may be necessary to carry out his responsibilities under and for the orderly administration of this chapter and chapters 247 to 255, inclusive. He may retain and employ consultants and assistants on a contract or other basis for rendering professional, fiscal, engineering, technical or other assistance and advice. He shall submit to the Governor an annual report of his official acts, as provided in section 4-60. Said commissioner shall keep a record of proceedings and orders pertaining to the matters under his jurisdiction and of all licenses and certificates granted, refused, suspended or revoked by him and of all reports sent to his office. The commissioner shall furnish without charge, for official use only, certified copies of certificates and licenses and documents relating thereto to officials of the state or any municipality therein, to officials of any other state or to any court in this state. Any certified copy of any document or record of the commissioner, attested as a true copy by the commissioner, any deputy commissioner or chief of a division, shall be competent evidence in any court of this state of the facts therein contained.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2352; September, 1957, P.A. 11, S. 13; P.A. 73-661, S. 1; P.A. 88-245, S. 2, 7; P.A. 96-180, S. 36, 166.)

      History: P.A. 73-661 expanded duties of commissioner re administration of department, contracts and employment of personnel; P.A. 88-245 made minor change in wording; P.A. 96-180 substituted "The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for "Said commissioner", effective June 3, 1996.

      Statute will not provide alternative method of proving prior motor vehicle conviction. 151 C. 213. See annotations to section 54-62. Commissioner was required to keep a record of previous warnings and violations as related to the plaintiff and may act upon facts known to him even though they are not produced at the hearing. 165 C. 559. Cited. 225 C. 499.

      Cited. 24 CS 364. Cited. 36 CS 586. Dissent: Before copy of a motor vehicle record may be competent evidence, statute requires witnessing of its accuracy by named officials and certification of accuracy by personal signature of official. Id. Cited. 38 CS 384. Cited. 39 CS 381.

      Cited. 2 Conn. Cir. Ct. 693 (footnote 2). Cited. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 112; Id., 586.

      Sec. 14-4. Findings and rulings of commissioner. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, upon his initiative and after notice and hearing, make a finding of fact and issue a ruling thereon concerning any misfeasance or nonfeasance on the part of any officer for failure to enforce or for improperly enforcing any provision of this chapter relating to motor vehicles. Upon the presentation of such finding to him, the state's attorney of the judicial district wherein lies the jurisdiction of the accused shall apply to the superior court for said judicial district for a bench warrant for such accused. Such finding shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of official duty by the person named therein, and, upon conviction thereof, such officer shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2353; P.A. 78-280, S. 2, 127; P.A. 96-180, S. 37, 166.)

      History: P.A. 78-280 substituted "judicial district" for "county"; P.A. 96-180 substituted "The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for "Said commissioner", effective June 3, 1996.

      Sec. 14-4a. Conduct of hearings and rendering of decisions. In any case where a hearing is required or authorized under the provisions of any statute dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles such hearing may be conducted by and the decision rendered therein by the commissioner or by any person or persons designated by him.

      (1971, P.A. 755, S. 4.)

      History: (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).

      Cited. 168 C. 587.

      Cited. 39 CS 285. Cited. 40 CS 505. Cited. 42 CS 602.

      Sec. 14-5. Branch offices. The commissioner shall have exclusive charge of the control and maintenance of the branch offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the expense of leasing and maintaining the same shall be paid out of the appropriation for said department.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2354.)

      History: (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).

      Sec. 14-5a. Ansonia branch office. Section 14-5a is repealed.

      (P.A. 80-444, S. 4, 6; P.A. 81-460, S. 3, 4.)

      Sec. 14-5b. Discontinuation of branch offices. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall take steps to discontinue the operation and use of Department of Motor Vehicles branch offices to operate within the department's budget.

      (P.A. 81-460, S. 2, 4.)

      History: (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).

      Sec. 14-5c. Department closed or unable to perform transactions due to emergency or other reason. Extension of expiration date or period of validity of credentials issued by commissioner. In the case of any emergency situation described by the provisions of section 3-6a or 28-1 or any other reason for which the Department of Motor Vehicles is closed or is unable to perform transactions with the public in an effective or secure manner, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, with the approval of the Governor, may extend the expiration date or the period of validity of any registration, license, permit, certificate or other form or credential issued by said commissioner in accordance with any provision of the general statutes. In any such case in which the commissioner exercises the authority granted by this section, the commissioner shall take such actions, as said commissioner deems necessary or appropriate, to inform the public and all law enforcement agencies of the extension of such expiration date or period of validity.

      (P.A. 08-150, S. 18.)

      Sec. 14-6. Coordination of enforcement activities. The commissioner shall endeavor to coordinate motor vehicle enforcement throughout the state by calling conferences of officials and officers connected with enforcement, as may appear to him advantageous or desirable. He shall, whenever deemed advisable, bring to the attention of such officials and officers statistics in connection with enforcement and shall urge the desirability and necessity of uniformity. He shall endeavor to coordinate and unify volunteer effort for highway traffic safety and may, if he is so requested, initiate a program for uniform effort and may call upon such organizations as are working in the field of traffic safety to carry out the same.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2355; P.A. 84-546, S. 38, 173.)

      History: P.A. 84-546 made technical change, amending section to restore language inadvertently deleted.

      Sec. 14-7. Deputy commissioners. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, as provided in section 4-8, appoint not more than three deputy commissioners of motor vehicles, who shall, under the direction of the commissioner, assist in the administration of the business of the department, and, when so directed by said commissioner, shall hear and determine questions that may come before the department.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2356; P.A. 88-245, S. 3, 7; P.A. 96-180, S. 38, 166.)

      History: P.A. 88-245 authorized commissioner to appoint not more than three deputy commissioners, where previously limited to one; P.A. 96-180 substituted "The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles" for "Said commissioner", effective June 3, 1996.

      This section does not authorize the delegation of the authority of the deputy commissioner to any other assistant. 151 C. 679.

      Sec. 14-8. Police authority of commissioner and inspectors. (a) The commissioner, each deputy commissioner and any salaried inspector of motor vehicles designated by the commissioner, when engaged in the discharge of the duties of his office, shall have, in any part of the state, the same authority to make arrests or issue citations for violation of any statute or regulation relating to motor vehicles and to enforce said statutes and regulations as policemen or state policemen have in their respective jurisdictions.

      (b) The commissioner, each deputy commissioner and any salaried inspector of motor vehicles designated by the commissioner, when engaged in the discharge of the duties of his office, may issue a summons to any person to appear at any hearing before the commissioner which may result in the imposition of administrative sanctions. Any salaried inspector of motor vehicles designated by the commissioner, when engaged in the discharge of the duties of his office, shall have the same authority to declare a commercial motor vehicle and its driver out of service in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Sections 392.5 and 396.9, as from time to time amended, as policemen and state policemen have.

      (c) Said commissioner shall issue to each such deputy commissioner or inspector credentials showing his authority of arrest, which credentials shall be carried upon the person of such deputy commissioner or inspector while in the discharge of his duties.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2357; June, 1955, S. 1282d; P.A. 88-245, S. 4, 7; P.A. 89-199; P.A. 90-263, S. 57, 74; P.A. 93-341, S. 30, 38.)

      History: P.A. 88-245 made a technical change; P.A. 89-199 divided the section into Subsecs., authorizing commissioner, deputy commissioner and inspector to issue citations for violations of any motor vehicle statute or regulation, and to issue a summons to compel attendance at administrative hearings, also authorized inspectors to declare a commercial motor vehicle out of service and required commissioner to issue credentials showing arrest authority to each deputy commissioner; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (b) to delete reference to "commercial" motor vehicle; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (b) to limit inspectors' authority to declare motor vehicles out of service to "commercial" vehicles and extended authority to the drivers of such vehicles, effective July 1, 1993.

      Sec. 14-9. Oath of office. The commissioner and each deputy commissioner shall take the oath provided by law for public officers.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2358; June, 1955, S. 1283d; P.A. 88-245, S. 5, 7.)

      History: P.A. 88-245 made a technical change.

      See Sec. 1-25 re forms of oaths.

      Cited. 240 C. 10.

      Sec. 14-9a. Criminal background checks for employment with department. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall, subject to the provisions of section 31-51i, require each external applicant for a position of employment with the department (1) to state whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime, to state whether criminal charges are pending against the applicant at the time of the application and, if so, to identify the charges and court in which they are pending, and (2) if offered employment with the department, to be fingerprinted and to submit to state and national criminal history records checks. The criminal history records checks required by this section shall be in accordance with section 29-17a.

      (P.A. 07-167, S. 13.)

      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, learner's permit, identity card, registration, certificate of title or any other document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles;

      (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, 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 two forms of acceptable identification. 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 member of a municipal police department or a member of the Division of State Police within the Department of Public Safety, (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, or (9) a state referee under section 52-434, 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-279a;

      (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.

      (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.

      (1) 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. 07-5, S. 30; P.A. 08-135, S. 1; 08-150, S. 3.)

      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).

      Cited. 240 C. 10.

      Statute does not prohibit municipal tax assessor from disclosing information contained in records received from Department of Motor Vehicles or the motor vehicle grand lists compiled from such records; Freedom of Information Commission correctly concluded that assessor violated Sec. 1-210(a) by failing to provide complainant with access to requested motor vehicle grand lists. 47 CS 309.

      Sec. 14-11. Employment of legal assistance. The commissioner may employ any attorney-at-law for assistance in the prosecution of cases and fix compensation for such services.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2360.)

      Sec. 14-11a. Exceptional issuance of certificates and licenses for law enforcement activities. Verification by Chief State's Attorney of statements on application for such certificates and licenses. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a registration certificate in a name other than that of the owner of the vehicle or issue an operator's license in a name other than that of the applicant for such license, except when the statements made on the application for such certificate or license have been verified by the office of the Chief State's Attorney and such certificate or license is issued for the purposes of law enforcement activities in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to chapter 54. The office of the Chief State's Attorney shall establish and transmit to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to judiciary the proposed criteria to be used by the office of the Chief State's Attorney in such verification. Before such criteria shall be employed by the office of the Chief State's Attorney, said committee shall approve the same in writing. The commissioner is authorized to waive the fee for any registration certificate or operator's license issued in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      (P.A. 74-117; P.A. 80-444, S. 2, 6; P.A. 08-150, S. 40.)

      History: P.A. 80-444 required verification of statements on certificate or license application to be issued in name other than applicants by office of chief state's attorney and required approval of criteria for verification by judiciary committee; P.A. 08-150 added provision authorizing commissioner to waive fee.

      Sec. 14-11b. Handicapped driver training program. (a) There shall be within the Department of Motor Vehicles a unit for the purpose of evaluating and training handicapped persons in the operation of motor vehicles. There shall be assigned to such unit a handicapped driver consultant who shall be under the direction of the commissioner and who shall be responsible for overseeing the handicapped driver training program. In addition to such consultant there shall be assigned to the handicapped driver training unit such staff as is necessary for the orderly administration of the handicapped driver training program. The handicapped driver consultant and such other personnel as are assigned to the handicapped driver training unit shall, while engaged in the evaluation, instruction or examination of a handicapped person, have the authority and immunities with respect to such activities as are granted under the general statutes to motor vehicle inspectors.

      (b) Any resident of this state who has a serious physical or mental handicap which does not render him 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 handicapped driver training program.

      (P.A. 76-283, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-93.)

      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.

      Sec. 14-11c. Motor Carrier Advisory Council. Members. Duties. (a) There is established a Motor Carrier Advisory Council, which shall serve as a forum for representatives of the motor carrier industry to meet with representatives of various state agencies responsible for the oversight, enforcement and regulation of the commercial transportation industry. The council shall: (1) Make recommendations to eliminate the duplication of work among various state agencies; (2) make recommendations to promote uniformity of enforcement policies; (3) encourage the consolidation of the state's efforts to regulate and oversee the operation of commercial motor vehicles in the state by reviewing the feasibility of consolidating the issuing of the forms, decals, permits, registrations, licenses and approvals required for the operation of commercial motor vehicles in the state from a central location; (4) consider the intrastate and interstate effects of state policies on the ability of Connecticut motor carriers to compete with motor carriers based in other states; and (5) consider and make recommendations concerning any other matter deemed relevant by the council.

      (b) The Motor Carrier Advisory Council shall consist of the following voting members: The Commissioners of Transportation, Motor Vehicles, Public Safety, Revenue Services, Economic and Community Development and Environmental Protection, or their designees, and any other commissioner of a state agency, or such commissioner's designee, invited to participate. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or the commissioner's designee shall organize and serve as chairperson of the council. The council shall only make recommendations or take actions by a unanimous vote of all members present and voting. The council may make recommendations as the council deems appropriate to the United States Congress, the Governor or the General Assembly.

      (c) The chairperson of the council shall convene a regular meeting semiannually, for the following purposes: (1) Prior to the commencement of each regular session of the General Assembly, the council shall meet concerning legislative proposals of the various state agencies and the representatives of the motor carrier industry; and (2) after the close of each regular session of the General Assembly, the council shall meet concerning the impacts and implementation of any legislation affecting the motor carrier industry. Additional meetings may be convened at the call of the chairperson.

      (d) The council shall solicit input from representatives of motor-carrier-related industries. Such representatives shall include, but not be limited to, the Connecticut Motor Transport Association, the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, the Connecticut Bus Association, the Connecticut Food Store Association and the Connecticut School Transportation Association.

      (P.A. 92-136, S. 1; P.A. 08-150, S. 41.)

      History: (Revisor's note: In 2003 the reference in Subsec. (b) to Commissioner of "Economic Development" was changed editorially by the Revisors to refer to Commissioner of "Economic and Community Development" for accuracy; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes and amended Subsec. (c) to revise provisions re required semiannual meeting and purposes and re additional meetings at the call of the chairperson, and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2008.

      Sec. 14-11d. Annual safety inspection program for fire department apparatus. (a) The Department of Motor Vehicles, within available appropriations, shall establish an annual safety inspection program for fire department apparatus.

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

      (P.A. 00-202.)

      Secs. 14-11e to 14-11h. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 14-11i. Payment of fees by credit card. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may allow the payment of any fee specified in this chapter or chapter 247 by means of a credit card and may charge each payor a service fee for any payment made by credit card. The fee shall not exceed any charge by the credit card issuer or by its authorized agent, including any discount rate. Payments by credit card shall be made under such conditions as the commissioner may prescribe. If any charge with respect to payment of a fee by credit card is not authorized by such issuer or its authorized agent, the commissioner shall assess the payor the fee specified in subsection (f) of section 14-50.

      (P.A. 97-236, S. 20, 27.)

      History: P.A. 97-236 effective June 24, 1997.

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. Temporary registration. (a) No motor vehicle shall be operated or towed 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 markers 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 sixty 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 he registers a motor vehicle he does not own or if he operates, or allows the operation of, an unregistered motor vehicle on a public highway or (2) a resident of this state who operates a motor vehicle he owns with marker plates issued by another state shall be fined not less than one hundred fifty dollars nor more than three hundred dollars. If the owner of a motor vehicle previously registered on an annual or biennial basis, the registration of which expired not more than thirty days previously, operates or allows the operation of such a motor vehicle, he shall be fined the amount designated for the infraction of failure to renew a registration, but his right to retain his operator's license shall not be affected. No operator other than the owner shall be subject to penalty for the operation 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 file in the office of the commissioner an application signed by him and containing such information and proof of ownership as the commissioner may require. The application shall be made on blanks furnished by the commissioner. The blanks shall be in such form and contain such provisions and information as the commissioner may determine.

      (c) 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 issue new registrations for passenger motor vehicles and motorcycles, campers, camp trailers or trucks with a gross vehicle weight up to and including twenty-six thousand pounds when they are sold. The commissioner shall charge such dealer a fee of ten dollars for each new dealer issue form furnished for the purposes of this subsection. A person purchasing a motor vehicle or motorcycle from a dealer so appointed and registering the motor vehicle or motorcycle pursuant to this section shall file an application with the dealer and pay, to the dealer, a fee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of section 14-49. The commissioner shall prescribe the time and manner in which the application and fee shall be transmitted to the commissioner.

      (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 he determines that the characteristics of the motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles make it unsafe for highway operation.

      (2) The commissioner shall not register a motor vehicle if he 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 or from issuing a temporary registration for a motor vehicle under a trade name without a certified copy of the notice required by section 35-1.

      (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 his 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 which exceeds the limits specified in section 14-267a.

      (5) On or after October 1, 1984, 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.

      (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 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 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 he 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.

      (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.)

      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".

      See Sec. 12-430 re required proof of paid-up taxes as condition for registration of vehicles.

      See Secs. 14-12b, 14-12c re insurance requirements for registration of vehicle.

      See Sec. 14-16a re required inspection of older vehicles, antique, rare or special interest vehicles on transfer of ownership.

      See Sec. 14-43 re voiding of license for misrepresentation.

      See Sec. 14-45 re required notice of change of address.

      See Sec. 14-111(h) re licensing and registration penalties imposed against out-of-state violators.

      See Sec. 14-215 re penalty for operation of vehicle when registration or license is refused, suspended or revoked.

      See Sec. 14-289f re insurance requirements for operation of motorcycles.

      See chapter 368d re emergency medical services.

      See Sec. 20-427a re commissioner's duty to deny registration for commercial motor vehicle of contractor who is in violation of provisions of Sec. 20-420 or 20-432.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Registration certificate is for the purpose of identification and revenue. 90 C. 414; 97 C. 145; 104 C. 168; 107 C. 141; 114 C. 264. Conditional vendee or chattel mortgagee may register a car as owner. 92 C. 254; 104 C. 169. Certificate is prima facie evidence that the statutory requirements were fulfilled. 106 C. 257. Whether registration is invalidated by failure of owner to register trade name, quaere. Id., 258. Purpose of direction to refuse registration to improperly equipped vehicle is to assure protection to other users of highway. 114 C. 265. Mere operation of unregistered vehicle is not negligence nor nuisance. Id., 266.

      Cited. 30 CA 263.

      1939 amendment unconstitutional. 7 CS 332. Legislature did not intend to make commissioner liable for failure to comply with the regulations of this and similar statutes. 19 CS 171. Cited. 29 CS 155.

      Cited. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 390. Cited. 5 Conn. Cir. Ct. 73.

      Subsec. (a):

      Does not govern registration of commercial vehicles. 177 C. 588.

      Cited. 23 CA 50. Cited. 30 CA 742.

      Cited. 37 CS 693.

      Sec. 14-12a. Registration of certain motor vehicles garaged or operated in Connecticut. (a) Any motor vehicle eligible for commercial registration as defined in section 14-1, unless exempted under the provisions of section 14-34, shall be registered in this state if: (1) It is most frequently garaged in this state, or, if not garaged at any fixed location, most frequently leaves from and returns to one or more points within this state in the normal course of operations. In the case of an owner-operator of the vehicle in question, registration hereunder shall be required only if the owner-operator has, within this state, one or more employees, agents or representatives engaged in activities directly related to the physical movement of the vehicle, or if the owner-operator is himself engaged in such activities; or (2) it receives and discharges the same cargo or passengers within this state; provided, for the purposes of this section, the transfer of items of cargo or passengers from one vehicle engaged in an interstate journey to another vehicle engaged in an interstate journey shall not be considered receipt and discharge within this state if the cargo or passengers involved are being transported on a through bill or ticket.

      (b) (1) For the purposes of this section, a declaration of the person registering a motor vehicle, made in such form as the Department of Motor Vehicles may prescribe, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts relevant to the application of subsection (a). (2) Consistent with the provisions of this section, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall have power to enter into agreements with the appropriate authorities of other states pursuant to which uncertainties as to the proper state of registration for motor vehicles may be determined and allocations of vehicles for purposes of registration made.

      (c) Residence or domicile of the owner, lessor or lessee of the motor vehicle, or the place where the owner, lessor or lessee is incorporated or organized, shall not be a factor in determining the necessity for registration of the vehicle in this state.

      (d) A vehicle registered in this state pursuant to this section shall be registered in the name of the owner; provided, if the vehicle is being operated, or is to be operated, pursuant to a lease or other arrangement by a person other than the owner or his employees, the name of the owner shall appear on the registration followed by the term "lessor". A copy of any current lease pursuant to which the vehicle is being operated shall be carried in the vehicle at all times. The absence of a current lease in the vehicle shall be considered prima facie evidence that the vehicle is being operated by the owner.

      (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the registration of any motor vehicle in this state, if such vehicle is eligible for registration pursuant to any law of this state, and the person registering the vehicle desires such registration.

      (f) A person failing to register a motor vehicle in accordance with this section shall be fined not less than one hundred fifty dollars nor more than three hundred dollars.

      (1967, P.A. 684, S. 1-5; 1971, P.A. 612, S. 1; P.A. 75-577, S. 12, 126; P.A. 90-263, S. 2, 74; P.A. 98-33, S. 2.)

      History: 1971 act substituted "commercial" for "self-propelled" motor vehicle in requirement for registration in Subsec. (a) and deleted references to repealed Secs. 14-30 and 14-32; P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (f); P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute motor vehicle eligible for commercial registration for commercial motor vehicle, other than a private passenger vehicle; (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. 98-33 amended Subsec. (f) by replacing the penalty of an infraction with a penalty of a fine not less than $150 nor more than $300.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Registration of commercial vehicles governed by this statute, not Sec. 14-12(a). 177 C. 588. Cited. 200 C. 102.

      Cited. 20 CA 336. Enforcement not prohibited by federal law. 69 CA 482.

      Sec. 14-12b. Presentation of insurance identification card or policy and statement that minimum security will be continuously maintained required for issuance of registration. Investigation of violations. (a) No motor vehicle registration shall be issued by the commissioner for any private passenger motor vehicle, as defined in subsection (e) of section 38a-363, or a vehicle with a commercial registration, as defined in section 14-1, unless (1) the application for registration is accompanied by a current automobile insurance identification card or a copy of a current insurance policy or endorsement issued by a company licensed to issue such insurance in this state or an approved self-insurer or issued pursuant to the plan established under section 38a-329, verifying that the applicant has the required security coverage, and (2) the applicant signs and files with the commissioner, under penalty of false statement as provided for in section 53a-157b, a statement on a form approved by the commissioner that the owner of the vehicle has provided and will continuously maintain throughout the registration period the minimum security required by section 38a-371. In the case of an owner with a vehicle located outside of the United States or Canada, the commissioner may accept in lieu of the insurance identification card required to be presented for issuance of the registration, an affidavit, in such form as the commissioner shall require, executed by the owner and stating that the vehicle will not be operated in the United States or Canada. In the case of a special use registration issued pursuant to subsection (j) of section 14-12, the commissioner may, in lieu of proof of insurance as otherwise required by this section, accept proof, satisfactory to the commissioner, of substantially equivalent or similar insurance issued by an insurer licensed to transact business in the state in which the motor vehicle is to be registered. The commissioner may require an applicant for renewal of a motor vehicle registration for any private passenger motor vehicle or vehicle with a commercial registration to sign and file with the commissioner, under penalty of false statement as provided for in section 53a-157b, a statement on a form approved by the commissioner that the owner of the vehicle will continuously maintain throughout the registration period the minimum security required by said section 38a-371. Such form shall call for and contain the name of the applicant's insurance company and policy number.

      (b) For the purposes of this section and sections 14-12c, 14-213b, 14-217 and 38a-364, a false statement includes presentation of a false or fraudulent insurance identification card to the commissioner or to a law enforcement officer. For purposes of this section, the term "current automobile insurance identification card" includes a permanent card with a future effective date provided the word "renewal" appears in close proximity to the effective date on the card.

      (c) A person presenting an insurance identification card to the commissioner or to a law enforcement officer is deemed to have full knowledge and understanding that presentation of the card means the owner of the vehicle so registered has provided and will continuously maintain throughout the registration period the minimum security required by section 38a-371.

      (d) The commissioner shall, upon receiving prima facie evidence of a violation of this section, immediately forward the information to an appropriate prosecuting official of the state of Connecticut.

      (P.A. 75-545, S. 1; P.A. 79-577, S. 2, 8; P.A. 80-483, S. 62, 186; P.A. 81-217, S. 2; 81-394, S. 2; P.A. 84-429, S. 4; P.A. 85-76; P.A. 88-73, S. 1; P.A. 90-143, S. 4; P.A. 93-297, S. 5, 29; P.A. 94-243, S. 1; P.A. 96-167, S. 45, 49; P.A. 00-196, S. 9; P.A. 04-217, S. 23; P.A. 05-218, S. 19.)

      History: P.A. 79-577 added provisions re requirement for no-fault automobile insurance identification cards, effective January 1, 1980, including new Subsecs. (b) and (c); P.A. 80-483 deleted reference to Sec. 38-327 in Subsec. (c); P.A. 81-217 provided that owners of vehicles located outside of United States or Canada may execute an affidavit in lieu of presenting the insurance identification card and defined "current no-fault automobile insurance identification card"; P.A. 81-394 made no substantive change; P.A. 84-429 deleted obsolete provision, subdivided Subsec. (a) into Subdivs. and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-76 amended Subsec. (a) to allow copy of current insurance policy or endorsement verifying coverage as proof of insurance for registration process; P.A. 88-73 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to require that the card, policy or endorsement be issued by a licensed insurer, self-insurer or pursuant to the plan under Sec. 38-185l; P.A. 90-143 amended Subsec. (a) to prohibit renewal of registration of private passenger motor vehicle unless applicant files statement that owner will maintain minimum security required by Sec. 38-327 (now 38a-371) and to delete requirement of presentation of no-fault identification card or policy at time of renewal; P.A. 93-297 deleted term "no-fault" where appearing in description of insurance identification card, amended Subsec. (a) to make technical change and replace "the minimum security required by section 38a-371 for payment of basic reparations benefits and the liabilities covered under residual liability insurance required by sections 38a-19 and 38a-363 to 38a-388, inclusive" with "the minimum security required by section 38a-371" and amended Subsec. (c) to replace "the minimum security required by sections 38a-19 and 38a-363 to 38a-388, inclusive" with "the minimum security required by section 38a-371", effective January 1, 1994, and applicable to acts or omissions occurring on or after said date (Revisor's note: A reference in Subsec. (b) to Sec. "14-21d", was deleted editorially by the Revisors to reflect the repeal of that section by P.A. 93-298, S. 10); P.A. 94-243 amended Subsec. (a) to apply to vehicles with commercial registrations; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that commissioner may require applicant for renewal of registration of private passenger motor vehicle to file statement that owner will maintain minimum security required by Sec. 38a-371 and to delete prohibition re renewal of registration unless applicant files such statement, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 00-196 made technical changes in Subsec. (a); P.A. 04-217 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate reference to Subdiv. (12) of Sec. 14-1, effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re special use registration where the commissioner may, in lieu of proof of insurance required by section, accept proof of substantially equivalent or similar insurance.

      See Sec. 14-12f re exempt vehicles.

      Cited. 223 C. 31.

      Cited. 45 CA 630.

      Cited. 36 CS 561.

      Subsec. (a):

      Subdiv. (1) cited. 225 C. 257.

      Sec. 14-12c. Verification of security coverages. Surrender of plates, when. Penalties for failure to insure or maintain insurance and for presentation of fraudulent identification card. The commissioner may at any time require any owner of a private passenger motor vehicle or a vehicle with a commercial registration, as defined in section 14-1, to submit further information to verify the required security coverage within the time specified by the commissioner. If the commissioner is unable to verify the insurance information furnished, the commissioner shall, unless such registrant has been reported as cancelled in accordance with sections 38a-343, 38a-343a, 14-12c and 14-12f to 14-12i, inclusive, afford such owner an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with chapter 54 to determine whether such owner's application for registration contains a material false statement or whether he has failed to continuously maintain the security required under section 38a-371. If the commissioner finds that the owner did not have the required security in effect on the date of registration, or that such owner presented a false or fraudulent insurance identification card to the commissioner, the application for registration shall be deemed to contain a material false statement. Any registration issued as a result of such application shall be void from the date of issue and the registration number plates shall be surrendered to the commissioner or the commissioner shall issue a notice of suspension of the registration in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12g. If the commissioner finds that the owner had the required security in effect at the time such application was submitted but failed to maintain it continuously during the registration period, the commissioner shall issue a notice of the suspension of the registration in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12g.

      (P.A. 75-545, S. 2; P.A. 79-577, S. 3, 8; P.A. 81-217, S. 3; P.A. 93-298, S. 6, 11; P.A. 94-243, S. 2; P.A. 04-217, S. 24; P.A. 05-282, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 79-577 included presentation of false or fraudulent no-fault insurance card as false statement, added penalty option of fine from $100 to $1,000 and added same penalty options for failure to maintain required security continuously as for false statement; P.A. 81-217 eliminated fines imposed by the commissioner for failure to have or maintain continuously required security; P.A. 93-298 replaced provisions which had authorized commissioner to suspend driver's license and vehicle registration for up to one year with new provisions re the cancellation of a registration and the surrender of the registration number plates to the commissioner, effective January 1, 1994; P.A. 94-243 applied provisions of section to vehicles with commercial registrations; P.A. 04-217 eliminated reference to Subdiv. (12) of Sec. 14-1, effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 05-282 eliminated provisions re confiscation and cancellation of registration and number plates in accordance with Sec. 14-12h, added provision requiring commissioner to issue a notice of suspension of registration in accordance with Sec. 14-12g and made a technical change.

      See Sec. 14-12f re exempt vehicles.

      Secs. 14-12d and 14-12e. Notice of voiding or suspension of registration or operator's license; reregistration or reinvestment; proof of financial responsibility. Presumption of failure to file insurer name and policy number; offset of suspension periods. Sections 14-12d and 14-12e are repealed, effective January 1, 1994.

      (P.A. 75-545, S. 3, 4; P.A. 79-577, S. 4, 8; P.A. 81-172, S. 1; 81-217, S. 4; P.A. 90-143, S. 2; P.A. 93-298, S. 10, 11.)

      Sec. 14-12f. Provisions inapplicable to certain vehicles. The provisions of sections 14-12b, 14-12c, 14-213b and 38a-364 shall not apply to any private passenger motor vehicle registered to the federal government or any state or municipality or any such vehicle bearing dealer, repairer, manufacturer, transporter, experimental or junk number plates.

      (P.A. 81-217, S. 6; P.A. 93-298, S. 7, 11.)

      History: P.A. 93-298 deleted the obsolete reference to Sec. 14-12d, repealed elsewhere in the same act, effective January 1, 1994.

      Sec. 14-12g. Suspension of motor vehicle registration for violation of mandatory security requirements. Suspension of motor vehicle operator's license. Consent agreements. (a) When a private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance policy has been cancelled and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that the owner of a registered motor vehicle is in violation of the mandatory security requirements of sections 14-12c and 38a-371, the commissioner shall issue to such owner a notice of suspension of the registration involved, provided the commissioner may decline to issue such notice if the registration of the motor vehicle is cancelled or if the commissioner cannot establish that such violation occurred for a period of more than fourteen days.

      (b) If a registered owner to whom notice of suspension was issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section does not contest the determination that he or she has failed to maintain mandatory security, the commissioner may enter into a consent agreement with the owner, provided the owner presents satisfactory evidence of mandatory security and pays a civil penalty of two hundred dollars. The consent agreement shall provide that the registration of the motor vehicle shall not be suspended, or that any suspension imposed previously, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall be rescinded, unless (1) the commissioner determines that on or after the effective date of the consent agreement the owner failed to continuously maintain the required security, and (2) the owner cannot establish to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the owner continuously maintained the required security after said effective date. Such consent agreement shall not operate to prevent the commissioner from cancelling, suspending or revoking a registration pursuant to any other provision of the general statutes.

      (c) The commissioner may suspend the motor vehicle operator's license of any person whose registration has been suspended in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, or section 14-12c and who, not later than thirty days after the date of such suspension, has not entered into a consent agreement, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, cancelled the registration or transferred ownership of the motor vehicle. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the commissioner to suspend his license under this subsection shall, prior to the effective date of such suspension, be afforded an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.

      (P.A. 93-298, S. 3, 11; P.A. 95-260, S. 14, 24; P.A. 98-215, S. 1; P.A. 05-282, S. 2; P.A. 08-150, S. 42.)

      History: P.A. 93-298 effective January 1, 1994; P.A. 95-260 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), inserting as Subsec. (b) language authorizing commissioner to suspend operator's license of person whose registration has been cancelled under Subsec. (a) and who has not returned number plates and registration certificate or obtained a new registration for or transferred ownership of vehicle and affording an opportunity for a hearing for any person aggrieved by decision to suspend his license, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 98-215 amended Subsec. (a) to require notice to include statement re seizure, impoundment, forfeiture and option for owner to return registration plates and certificate, and made technical changes, inserted new Subsec. (b) re consent agreements and redesignated former Subsec. (b) as (c); P.A. 05-282 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing "cancellation" with "suspension" and deleting provisions re notice, return of number plates and registration to avoid suspension of operator's license and hearing re cancellation and mandatory security requirement, amended Subsec. (b) by replacing "cancellation" with "suspension", making technical changes and increasing civil penalty from $100 to $200, and amended Subsec. (c) by replacing references to "canceled" and "cancellation" with "suspended" and "suspension", making technical changes, deleting provision re return of number plates and registration or obtaining new registration and adding provision re consent agreement in accordance with Subsec. (b); P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that commissioner may decline to issue notice of suspension if registration of motor vehicle is cancelled or commissioner cannot establish that violation occurred for a period of more than fourteen days, effective July 1, 2008.

      See Sec. 14-12h re record and list of registrations cancelled by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in connection with the cancellation of private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance and removal of plates by law enforcement officials.

      See Sec. 38a-343a re requirement that insurance companies notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of the cancellation of private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance policies.

      Sec. 14-12h. Maintenance and compilation of record of all suspended registrations. Availability. Stop and detain procedures. Removal of plates. Seizure, impoundment and forfeiture of vehicle. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall compile and maintain a record of all registrations suspended in accordance with the provisions of sections 14-12c and 14-12g. The commissioner shall update the information contained in such record not less than once per week and shall make available to all law enforcement agencies in this state a list of all registration number plates for vehicles whose registration has been suspended. Such list shall contain the number plate numbers, letters or number and letter combinations and the address at which the vehicle was registered. The commissioner may make available the entire list or a portion thereof and may utilize one or more formats for presenting the information contained therein to facilitate its use.

      (b) (1) If any police officer observes a motor vehicle being operated upon the public highway, and such motor vehicle is displaying registration number plates identified as suspended on the list made available by the commissioner, such police officer may (A) stop or detain such vehicle and its occupants, (B) issue to the operator a complaint for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, or expired registration if the vehicle is not being operated, in violation of section 14-12, and (C) remove the registration number plates from the vehicle and return them to any branch office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If any police officer, motor vehicle inspector or constable observes a motor vehicle parked in any parking area, as defined in section 14-212, and such motor vehicle is displaying registration number plates identified as suspended on the list made available by the commissioner, such police officer, motor vehicle inspector or constable is authorized to remove the registration number plates from the vehicle and to return them to any branch office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If a number plate is identified as suspended on the list provided by the commissioner and such identification is in error, the state shall indemnify any police officer, motor vehicle inspector or constable for any claim for damages made against that individual as a result of such individual's good faith reliance on the accuracy of the list provided by the commissioner regarding the confiscation of number plates.

      (2) If any police officer observes a motor vehicle being operated upon the public highway or parked in any parking area, as defined in section 14-212, displaying registration number plates identified on the list made available by the commissioner as being suspended, such police officer may seize and impound the vehicle. If a police officer seizes and impounds a vehicle pursuant to this subdivision, such officer shall give notice to the commissioner in such form as the commissioner may require. The police officer shall give such notice not later than three days after seizing and impounding the vehicle.

      (c) Any motor vehicle which has been impounded in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section that is not reclaimed by the owner of such motor vehicle within forty-five days after impounding, shall be subject to forfeiture to the state.

      (P.A. 93-298, S. 4, 11; P.A. 97-226, S. 1; P.A. 98-215, S. 2; P.A. 99-232, S. 2; P.A. 00-99, S. 45, 154; P.A. 01-195, S. 18, 181; P.A. 05-282, S. 3; P.A. 06-196, S. 280; P.A. 07-167, S. 15.)

      History: P.A. 93-298 effective January 1, 1994; P.A. 97-226 amended Subsec. (c) to require confiscation fee remitted to governmental entity to be deposited in Asset Forfeiture Fund and if there is no such fund, in the general fund of such entity; P.A. 98-215 amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes, insert Subdiv. and Subpara. designators and add new language as Subdiv. (b)(2) re seizure, impoundment and notice to commissioner, amended Subdiv. (c)(4) to increase restoration fee from $100 to $250 for first 31 days of cancellation, and $5 per additional day up to 90 days or $545, and to allow commissioner to reduce fee to $100 if he finds that vehicle was not operated, and added new Subsec. (d) re owner's ability to regain possession and re forfeiture for vehicle impounded more than 45 days (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (c) the phrase "... if the number plates of the vehicle whose registration was cancelled has been confiscated, ..." was changed editorially by the Revisors to "... if the number plates of the vehicle whose registration was cancelled have been confiscated, ..."); P.A. 99-232 deleted Subsec. (c)(3) re requirement that owner furnish proof of financial responsibility for not less than one year, in accordance with Sec. 14-112, redesignating former Subdiv. (4) as (3), and substituted "the owner's name" for "his name" and "the owner" for "such owner"; P.A. 00-99 deleted references to sheriff and deputy sheriff in Subsecs. (b) and (c), effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 01-195 made technical changes in Subsec. (b) for the purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 11, 2001; P.A. 05-282 changed "cancelled" to "suspended" throughout, amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to Secs. 14-12f to 14-12k, 38a-343 and 38a-343a with reference to Sec. 14-12g, amended Subsec. (b)(1)(B) by deleting "an infractions" and amended Subsec. (c) by deleting provisions re procedure for acquiring new or renewal registration after cancellation; P.A. 06-196 made technical changes in Subsec. (c), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-167 deleted former Subsec. (c) re confiscation fee, redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as new Subsec. (c) and amended same by replacing provisions re compliance with former Subsec. (c) with provision re reclamation of vehicle within 45 days after impounding and making conforming changes.

      See Sec. 14-12g re cancellation of registration in connection with cancellation of private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance.

      See Sec. 38a-343a re requirement that insurance companies notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of the cancellation of private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance policies.

      Sec. 14-12i. Restoration fees. Reimbursement to entities returning confiscated registration number plates to the department. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of section 14-50b, all restoration fees imposed due to the suspension of the registration for violation of the mandatory security requirements of sections 14-12c and 38a-371 or suspension of a motor vehicle operator's license pursuant to subsection (c) of section 14-12g or section 14-213b shall be deposited into the Special Transportation Fund.

      (b) In addition to other purposes authorized for the expenditure of moneys in the Special Transportation Fund to administer the program established by sections 14-12c and 14-12f to 14-12k, inclusive, 14-112, 14-213b, 38a-343 and 38a-343a, the Insurance Commissioner, in consultation with the Office of Policy and Management and the Treasurer, may establish a plan or develop a procedure to provide for the reimbursement of municipalities for the necessary expenses incurred in enforcing the provisions of section 14-12h regarding the confiscation and return to the Department of Motor Vehicles of registration number plates.

      (P.A. 93-298, S. 5; P.A. 95-260, S. 3, 24; P.A. 97-236, S. 2, 27; P.A. 98-215, S. 7; P.A. 99-181, S. 9; P.A. 00-99, S. 46, 154; P.A. 05-282, S. 4.)

      History: P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute Automobile Insurance Enforcement Fund for account, to provide that fund may be used by commissioner to administer provisions of sections 14-112 and 14-213b and to eliminate provisions requiring moneys to be invested by State Treasurer in accordance with established investment practices and interest earned by investments to be returned to account, amended Subsec. (b) to add Secs. 14-112 and 14-213b to the listing of other statutory sections, amended Subsec. (c) to require the deposit into the fund of restoration fees imposed due to suspension of a motor vehicle operator's license pursuant to Subsec. (b) of Sec. 14-12g, and amended Subsec. (d) to make technical changes and to add Secs. 14-112 and 14-213b to the listing of other statutory sections, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (c) to require the deposit into the fund of restoration fees imposed due to suspension of a motor vehicle operator's license pursuant to Sec. 14-213b, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 98-215 substituted reference to Subsec. (c) of Sec. 14-12g for reference to Subsec. (b) of said section; P.A. 99-181 deleted former Subsecs. (a) and (b) re establishment of the Automobile Insurance Enforcement Fund and authority of the Insurance Commissioner to assess a special fee to be paid by private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance companies, relettered the remaining Subsecs. and replaced references to the Automobile Insurance Enforcement Fund with references to the Special Transportation Fund; P.A. 00-99 deleted reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff in Subsec. (b), effective December 1, 2000; P.A. 05-282 amended Subsec. (a) by adding "Except as provided in subsection (c) of section 14-50b" and changing "cancellation" to "suspension".

      Sec. 14-12j. Agreements with qualified independent contractors to provide consulting and other services. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may enter into a negotiated agreement or agreements, notwithstanding chapter 58, with one or more qualified independent contractors to provide consulting and such other services as may be necessary for the implementation of the provisions of sections 14-12c and 14-12f to 14-12k, inclusive, 38a-343 and 38a-343a.

      (P.A. 93-298, S. 8.)

      Sec. 14-12k. Regulations. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of sections 14-12c and 14-12f to 14-12j, inclusive, 38a-343 and 38a-343a.

      (P.A. 93-298, S. 9.)

      Sec. 14-12l. Collection of Social Security numbers and federal employer identification numbers. List of persons to whom motor vehicle registrations issued to be provided to Commissioner of Revenue Services. Section 14-12l is repealed, effective August 20, 2003, and applicable as of July 1, 2003.

      (P.A. 97-309, S. 19, 23; 97-322, S. 7, 9; P.A. 99-268, S. 20; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 54, 131; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 95.)

      Secs. 14-12m and 14-12n. Forfeiture of impounded motor vehicle; proceedings; proceeds from sale. Uninsured motor vehicle forfeiture revolving account. Sections 14-12m and 14-12n are repealed, effective June 3, 2004.

      (P.A. 98-215, S. 5, 6; P.A. 99-181, S. 10; P.A. 00-99, S. 47, 154; 04-199, S. 41.)

      Secs. 14-12o and 14-12p. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 14-12q. Vehicle identification card. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue to each registered owner of a motor vehicle an identification card which contains electronically encrypted information concerning the vehicle description and identification number and registration and title history of such motor vehicle. Each such vehicle identification card issued shall be carried in the motor vehicle. When any motor vehicle is sold or transferred, the seller or transferor shall deliver possession of the vehicle identification card to the buyer or transferee. If any vehicle identification card is lost, stolen or destroyed, the commissioner shall, upon request and application made by the registered owner, issue a replacement identification card. The commissioner may charge a fee to cover the cost of issuance and replacement of such identification card.

      (P.A. 96-167, S. 2.)

      Sec. 14-12r. Inspection of vehicle identification number. Before issuing registration for any motor vehicle that has not been previously registered in this state, except a new motor vehicle, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require an inspection of the manufacturer's vehicle identification number. Such an inspection may be performed at any designated official emissions inspection station or by any other business or firm authorized by the commissioner to perform safety inspections in accordance with sections 14-12 and 14-16a or by any motor vehicle dealer or repairer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner. If the inspection is performed by a licensed dealer or repairer, and is not performed in connection with an official emissions inspection, such dealer or repairer may charge a fee to the owner in an amount not to exceed twenty dollars, provided an affidavit relating to such inspection is furnished to the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section 14-99h.

      (P.A. 99-287, S. 3, 9; P.A. 04-199, S. 37; P.A. 07-212, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 99-287 effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 04-199 changed reference to Sec. 14-99h(c) to Sec. 14-99h(d), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 07-212 added provisions re fee not to exceed $20 for inspection by licensed dealer or repairer not performed in connection with official emissions inspection and re affidavit relating to such inspection.

      Sec. 14-12s. Administrative fees. For the registration of each motor vehicle that has passed an inspection in accordance with the requirements of subsection (g) of section 14-12 or section 14-16a or that has passed an inspection of its manufacturer's vehicle identification number, the commissioner shall charge an administrative fee of ten dollars, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for such registration.

      (P.A. 99-287, S. 4, 9.)

      History: P.A. 99-287 effective July 1, 1999.

      Sec. 14-12t. Regulations. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of subsection (g) of section 13b-59, subsection (g) of section 14-12, sections 14-12r, 14-12s and 14-16a and subsection (a) of section 14-41. The regulations shall include the qualifications to be met by any dealer or repairer authorized by the commissioner to conduct inspections in accordance with subsection (g) of section 14-12 and sections 14-12r and 14-16a.

      (P.A. 99-287, S. 6, 9.)

      History: P.A. 99-287 effective July 1, 1999.

      Sec. 14-13. Registration certificate and insurance identification card to be carried in vehicle. (a) The certificate of registration and any automobile insurance identification card for the vehicle issued pursuant to section 38a-364 shall be carried in the motor vehicle at all times when it is being operated on a public highway, except as otherwise provided by statute. If a vehicle is registered in the name of a lessor licensed under section 14-15, a legible photostatic copy of the certificate of registration or a rental or lease contract which shall include the vehicle identification number of such vehicle registered in this state may be carried in lieu of the original certificate, provided the original certificate shall be available at all times for inspection at the lessor's usual place of business in the state if the motor vehicle is registered in this state. If a vehicle is registered as a school bus as defined in section 14-275, such copy may be carried in lieu of the original certificate, provided such certificate shall be available at all times for inspection at the school bus owner's usual place of business in the state.

      (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 thirty-five dollars, and, for each subsequent offense, shall be fined not more than fifty dollars.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2362; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 2; P.A. 76-124; P.A. 79-577, S. 6, 8; P.A. 80-466, S. 3, 25; P.A. 82-223, S. 5; 82-460, S. 4; P.A. 83-577, S. 11; P.A. 84-429, S. 5; P.A. 86-47, S. 1, 2; 86-85, S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-297, S. 6, 29.)

      History: 1961 act removed provision for payment of one-half registration fee when registration applied for after September thirtieth, but see Sec. 14-49a; P.A. 76-124 allowed maintenance of photocopy of registration in car registered to lessor in Subsec. (b); P.A. 79-577 included no-fault insurance identification card in Subsec. (b); P.A. 80-466 deleted reference to "yearly" registration and included reference to single license plate in Subsec. (c) reflecting switch to biennial registration and single plate; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (d) to specify that a first offense constituted the commission of an infraction and increased the fine therefor from maximum of $3 to $25; P.A. 82-460 amended Subsec. (b) by clarifying that the certificate and identification card only need be carried in a motor vehicle while it is being operated; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (d) to increase the fine for a first offense from $25 to $35; P.A. 84-429 transferred provisions in Subsec. (a) re registration certificates to Sec. 14-12(e), transferred provisions in Subsec. (c) re temporary registrations to Sec. 14-12(i), relettered the remaining Subsecs. and made other technical changes; P.A. 86-47 permitted the carrying of a rental or lease contract in lieu of original registration certificate in vehicles registered by lessors; P.A. 86-85 permitted the carrying of a copy of a registration certificate in lieu of original in vehicles registered as school buses; P.A. 93-297 amended Subsec. (a) to delete term "no-fault" in description of insurance identification card, effective January 1, 1994, and applicable to acts or omissions occurring on or after said date.

      Subsec. (b):

      See Sec. 14-107 re liability of owner, operator or lessee in prosecutions for violation of this section.

      As to the effect of failure to carry the certificate in the car, see the analogous ruling as to operator's license. 93 C. 457. Cited. 110 C. 148.

      Cited. 11 CA 644.

      Subsec. (a):

      Cited. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 390.

      Subsec. (b):

      Cited. 4 Conn. Cir. Ct. 385.

      Sec. 14-14. Registration of motor vehicles owned by minors. Proof of financial responsibility. The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person under sixteen years of age and shall not register any motor vehicle owned by any person between sixteen and eighteen years of age unless such person files proof of financial responsibility in accordance with the provisions of section 14-112, together with a certificate signed by the spouse, being eighteen years of age, of a married minor applicant, or by either or both of the parents, as the commissioner may require, or the legal guardian of such person, approving or requesting the registration of such vehicle, except that no proof of financial responsibility shall be required for the registration of a private passenger motor vehicle, as defined in subsection (e) of section 38a-363, owned by any such person.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2363; 1963, P.A. 171; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 12; P.A. 80-466, S. 4, 25; P.A. 81-394, S. 3; P.A. 93-297, S. 7, 29.)

      History: 1963 act permitted signing of certificate by spouse of married applicant as well as parent or guardian; 1972 act changed age of majority from 21 to 18 years; P.A. 80-466 added exception to requirement for proof of financial responsibility in cases where vehicle to be registered is private passenger vehicle; P.A. 81-394 made no substantive changes; P.A. 93-297 made technical change in section reference, effective January 1, 1994, and applicable to acts or omissions occurring on or after said date.

      Where a minor's vehicle is registered in the name of the father for the purpose of evading financial responsibility, the registered owner of the vehicle is estopped to deny not only ownership of the vehicle but also that the minor-owner was acting in furtherance of the business of the father when the tort occurred. 3 Conn. Cir. Ct. 591, 598.

      Sec. 14-15. Leasing or renting of motor vehicles. Issuance of temporary transfers. (a) Any person, firm or corporation before engaging in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles without drivers in this state and any person, firm or corporation which is the lessor of or rents any vehicle required to be registered under the provisions of section 14-15a shall make a sworn application to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a license to engage in such leasing or renting. Each such application and each application for renewal shall be accompanied by a fee of three hundred dollars. Each such license shall be renewed biennially according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner so as to effect staggered renewal of all such licenses. If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any license more or less than one year 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 mail to each licensee an application for renewal. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars provided the commissioner shall not renew any license under this subsection that has expired for more than forty-five days. No such license shall be transferred. Such licensee shall furnish proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner, as provided by section 14-112 or 14-129, provided such licensee may furnish such proof separately with respect to each vehicle or each group of vehicles leased to any single lessee. Each application for such license shall contain the name and address of the owner and shall be accompanied by a surety bond as required pursuant to section 14-52. Each application for registration of a motor vehicle to be leased for a period of more than thirty days shall contain the name and address of the owner and the lessee of such vehicle. The owner of such vehicle shall disclose the name and address of any subsequent lessee of such vehicle to the commissioner in such manner as the commissioner may require. The commissioner shall ensure that such information relative to the lessee is available to the Connecticut on-line law enforcement communications teleprocessing system. Each person, firm or corporation licensed under the provisions of this subsection shall keep such books, records and accounts as the commissioner may require provided each licensee shall retain a copy of each rental or lease contract for a period of three years, which shall be subject to inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee at all reasonable times. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation which, incidental to the conduct of its principal business, leases or rents any motor vehicle without a driver to other persons, firms or corporations whose principal business is the same as that of the lessor. Violation of any provision of this subsection shall be an infraction.

      (b) Each person, firm or corporation licensed under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section that in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified and holds a current registration certificate for a motor vehicle used in connection with its business may issue a sixty-day temporary transfer of such registration to any other vehicle used in connection with its business with an official stamp issued by the commissioner to such licensee. The licensee, within five days from the issuance of such temporary registration, shall submit to the commissioner an application together with all necessary documents for a permanent registration for the vehicle transferred. The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14-22, the commissioner may authorize any person, firm or corporation licensed under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section who in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified and who holds a current registration certificate for a motor vehicle used in connection with its business to renew such registration by means of an electronic data processing system connected to the system of registration records maintained by the commissioner. The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (1955, S. 1286d; 1957, P.A. 413; 1967, P.A. 822; 1969, P.A. 747, S. 1; P.A. 75-577, S. 13, 126; P.A. 84-254, S. 23, 62; P.A. 87-329, S. 1; P.A. 88-340, S. 1; P.A. 90-285, S. 1, 3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13, S. 5, 21; P.A. 93-164, S. 1; P.A. 95-260, S. 4, 24; P.A. 96-167, S. 3; P.A. 00-169, S. 3; P.A. 02-70, S. 18, 56.)

      History: 1967 act clarified applicability of provisions and required that books, records and accounts be kept as required by commissioner and that they be open to inspection by commissioner or designee; 1969 act restated applicability provision to specify persons, firms and corporations leasing or renting cars without drivers and lessors of vehicles required to be registered under Sec. 14-15a and increased application fee from $25 to $50; P.A. 75-577 excluded leasing of cars by one corporation to another having the same principal business and added provision re violation of provisions; P.A. 84-254 periodically increased the existing $50 fee to $100 as of July 1, 1992; P.A. 87-329 maintained the fee at the level existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreased the fee effective July 1, 1992, to the level formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988; P.A. 88-340 required licensee to retain copy of rental or lease contract for three years; P.A. 90-285 added Subsec. (b), authorizing licensees to issue 20-day temporary transfers of registration; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13 increased fee from $78 to $150 and removed increase scheduled for July 1, 1992; P.A. 93-164 added a requirement in Subsec. (a) that applications be accompanied by a surety bond; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to make technical changes and to require that each application for registration of a motor vehicle to be leased for a period of more than 30 days contain the name and address of the owner and lessee of the vehicle, that the owner of such vehicle disclose name and address of any subsequent lessee of such vehicle to commissioner in such manner as he may require and that commissioner ensure that information re lessee is available to COLLECT system; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (b) to make a technical change, to authorize issuance of 45-day temporary transfers in lieu of 20-day transfers and to require submission of application for permanent registration within 7 days from issuance of temporary registration instead of 5 days and added Subsec. (c), allowing commissioner to authorize licensees to renew registration by means of an electronic data processing system; P.A. 00-169 amended Subsec. (b) to replace a 45-day with a 60-day temporary transfer of a registration, and changed the period of time within which a licensee shall submit an application to the commissioner for a permanent registration from 7 to 5 days; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a) to require biennial in lieu of annual license renewal, to provide for a license fee of $300 in lieu of $150, to require renewal according to schedules established by the commissioner to effect staggered renewal of licenses, to impose a late fee of $100 for an application for renewal filed after the date of expiration, to provide that no license that has expired for more than forty-5 days shall be renewed, and to make technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, and, effective July 1, 2002, amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes.

      See Secs. 14-153 and 14-153a for similar provisions re renting of vehicles.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Cited. 203 C. 667.

      Sec. 14-15a. Registration of vehicles leased or rented for use in Connecticut. (a) Each passenger motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, which is leased or rented for a period of more than thirty days in a calendar year primarily for use in this state shall be registered in this state in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12. For the purpose of this section, such period shall include all times during which such vehicle may be absent from the state while being used on a daily round-trip basis.

      (b) (1) If the commissioner finds, upon investigation, that any motor vehicle available for lease or rental in this state has been registered in another state for the purpose of evading, or the effect of which is the avoidance of, the motor vehicle laws of this state, for the purposes of paying a lower registration fee or evading the payment of any tax levied by this state or any Connecticut municipality, said commissioner may, in said commissioner's discretion, (A) prohibit the lease or rental of any such motor vehicle in this state, (B) require that such motor vehicle be registered in this state in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12, (C) suspend or revoke a license to engage in such leasing or renting issued under the provisions of section 14-15, or (D) require a licensee to furnish a bond in the amount of one thousand dollars for each vehicle registered in another state. (2) If the commissioner finds, upon investigation, that any licensee has failed to satisfy its obligations for payment of municipal property taxes, the commissioner may, thirty days after the issuance of notice to such licensee, and after notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, suspend such license until all such obligations are satisfied.

      (c) On and after January 1, 1996, the commissioner may transfer any special registration issued pursuant to the provisions of section 14-19a, 14-20, 14-20a, 14-21, 14-21c, 14-21d, 14-21e, subsection (s) of section 14-49, section 14-160, 14-253a or 14-254 to any motor vehicle leased for a period of at least one year by a person to whom such special registration was issued. Any such motor vehicle may display the special number plates issued pursuant to the provisions of any of said sections. The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (d) Any person who fails to register any motor vehicle under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be fined one thousand dollars for each such vehicle.

      (1967, P.A. 820, S. 1, 2; P.A. 75-577, S. 15, 126; P.A. 88-340, S. 2; P.A. 95-260, S. 5, 24; P.A. 02-70, S. 19; P.A. 04-217, S. 25.)

      History: P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (c); P.A. 88-340 amended Subsec. (a) to require the registration of each "passenger" motor vehicle, as defined in Sec. 14-1, leased for more than 30 days in a calendar year for use in this state, added Subsec. (b)(3) and (4), authorizing commissioner to suspend or revoke licenses and require licensees to furnish a bond for each vehicle registered in another state, and amended Subsec. (c) to increase fine from an infraction to $1,000 for each unregistered vehicle; P.A. 95-260 inserted new Subsec. (c) allowing commissioner, on and after January 1, 1996, to transfer special registrations to any motor vehicle leased for a period of at least one year by a person to whom such special registration was issued, permitting such motor vehicle to display special number plates and requiring commissioner to adopt regulations to implement provisions of subsection, and relettered former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d), making a technical change within, effective June 13, 1995; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b) by designating existing provisions as Subdiv. (1), changing internal designators and making technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality therein, and by adding Subdiv. (2) authorizing suspension of license if the commissioner finds that any licensee has failed to satisfy its obligations for payment of municipal property taxes; P.A. 04-217 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate reference to Sec. 14-1(40), effective January 1, 2005.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Sec. 14-15b. Motor vehicle rental contracts. Required notice re collision damage waiver. Prohibited sales and advertising practice. (a) "Collision damage waiver" means any contractual provision whereby a lessor of rental motor vehicles agrees for a charge to waive any claims against a lessee for any damages to a rental motor vehicle during the term of the rental agreement.

      (b) "Rental motor vehicle" means a private passenger motor vehicle as defined in subsection (e) of section 38a-363, which is not the subject of a lease with the option to purchase where the lessee has the right to possession.

      (c) Any motor vehicle rental contract incorporating a provision for collision damage waiver shall comply with chapter 742 and shall provide conspicuous notice that the lessee's personal automobile insurance policy may cover collision damage, fire and theft damage and personal injury incurred while using a rental motor vehicle, and of the annualized rate for the collision damage waiver and any liability provisions. Any such contract shall detail the full extent of its coverage.

      (d) No person, firm or corporation leasing or renting to another any motor vehicle shall: Make any false or misleading statements either orally or in writing, in connection with the sale, offer to sell, or advertisement of a collision damage waiver; omit any material statement in connection with the sale, offer to sell or advertisement of such waiver; or make any statement that the purchase of a collision damage waiver is mandatory.

      (e) A violation of any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed an unfair deceptive trade practice under chapter 735a.

      (P.A. 88-157, S. 2; P.A. 99-145, S. 1, 23.)

      History: P.A. 99-145 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "subsection (e) of section 38a-363" for "subsection (g) of section 38a-363", effective June 8, 1999.

      Sec. 14-15c. Repossession of rented motor vehicles by rental companies. (a) Upon expiration of a motor vehicle rental contract between a lessee and a rental company, the rental company has the right to take possession of the rental motor vehicle pursuant to this section if: (1) The term of the expired rental contract was for thirty days or less; and (2) not less than seventy-two hours have elapsed from the time the vehicle should have been returned in accordance with the provisions of the rental contract, during which time the lessee and the rental company did not agree to extend the rental contract. For the purposes of this section, "lessee" and "rental company" have the same meaning as provided in section 12-692 and "rental motor vehicle" has the same meaning as provided in section 14-15b.

      (b) In taking possession of the rental motor vehicle pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the rental company may proceed (1) pursuant to judicial process, or (2) without judicial process, if it proceeds without breach of the peace.

      (P.A. 01-200, S. 1; P.A. 03-19, S. 26.)

      History: P.A. 03-19 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective May 12, 2003.

      Sec. 14-16. Transfer of ownership. Designation of beneficiary. Fees. Penalties. (a) A motor vehicle registration expires upon transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle. The person in whose name the motor vehicle is registered shall return to the commissioner, within twenty-four hours of the motor vehicle's transfer, the certificate of registration, the number plate or plates issued for the vehicle together with a written notice, subject to the penalties of false statement, containing the date that ownership of the vehicle was transferred and the name, residence and post-office address of the owner. The following statement shall appear directly above the space provided for the signature of the person filing the form: "I declare under the penalties of false statement that this notice has been examined by me and to the best of my knowledge and belief is complete, and the statements made herein are true and correct."

      (b) If a motor vehicle is owned by one owner who is a natural person, such owner may designate, in writing in a space provided on the certificate of registration for such motor vehicle, a beneficiary who shall assume ownership of such motor vehicle after the death of the owner and upon the making of an application pursuant to this subsection. The owner making such designation shall have all rights of ownership of such motor vehicle during the owner's life and the beneficiary shall have no rights in such motor vehicle until such time as the owner dies and an application is made pursuant to this subsection. Not later than sixty days after the death of the owner, the beneficiary may make application to the commissioner for the issuance of a certificate of title and a certificate of registration for such motor vehicle in the beneficiary's name. Such application shall be accompanied by: (1) The original certificate of registration in which the beneficiary is designated pursuant to this subsection; (2) a death certificate for the deceased owner; (3) such proof of the beneficiary's identity as the commissioner may require; (4) the transfer fee required by subsection (c) of this section; and (5) any applicable fees for registration, title and number plates as required under this chapter and chapter 247. If the beneficiary fails to make such application within the time period specified in this subsection, the beneficiary shall have no right to obtain ownership of and title to such motor vehicle under this subsection after the expiration of such time period. The right of the beneficiary to obtain ownership of and title to such motor vehicle under this subsection shall be subordinate to the rights of each lienholder whose security interest in such motor vehicle is duly recorded pursuant to chapter 247. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (c) If the owner of a registered motor vehicle dies, the registration for the vehicle shall, unless the vehicle is destroyed, continue in force as a valid registration until the end of the registration period unless: (1) Ownership of the vehicle is transferred pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or by the deceased owner's executor, administrator, legatee or distributee prior to the end of the registration period, in which case the registration shall continue in force until the time of the transfer; or (2) ownership of the vehicle is transferred to the brother, sister, father, mother, child or spouse of the owner, in which case the registration shall, upon the payment of a fee of twenty dollars, continue in force until the end of the registration period or until the ownership is sooner transferred to a person other than such a relative. If at the end of the registration period the relative has not transferred ownership of the vehicle and the relative applies for registration of the vehicle, the registration shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of section 12-71b.

      (d) If a motor vehicle is transferred in connection with the organization, reorganization or dissolution, or because of the partial liquidation, of an incorporated or unincorporated business in which gain or loss to the transferor is not recognized for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations and rulings issued thereunder, the registration of the vehicle shall, upon the payment of a fee of twenty dollars, continue in force until the end of the registration period or until the registration is sooner transferred to anyone outside the original business organization. If the transferee of the motor vehicle has not transferred ownership of the motor vehicle to anyone outside the original business organization at the end of the registration period and the transferee applies for a registration for the vehicle, the registration shall not be subject to the provisions of subsection (a) of section 12-71b.

      (e) A person who transfers ownership of a registered motor vehicle to another may have registered in his name, upon the filing of a new application and the payment of the fee required by subsection (i) of section 14-49, another motor vehicle for the remainder of the registration period if the gross weight of the other motor vehicle is the same or less than that of the transferred motor vehicle and the registration of the transferred motor vehicle has been surrendered. If the gross weight of the other motor vehicle is greater than the gross weight of the motor vehicle the registration of which has been surrendered, the applicant shall pay, in addition to such fee, the difference between the fee paid by him for the surrendered registration and the fee for the registration of the motor vehicle of greater gross weight. The minimum fee for any such transfer shall be twenty dollars.

      (f) Any person may transfer an unexpired registration of a motor vehicle such person owns or leases for a period of one year or more, to another motor vehicle owned or so leased by such person upon payment of the fee required by subsection (i) of section 14-49. Any person transferring such a leased motor vehicle shall provide the commissioner with evidence that the lessor has granted permission for such transfer. If a transfer is made to a motor vehicle of greater gross weight or from one class of registration to another, credit shall be given toward the new registration in accordance with schedules established by the commissioner. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (g) Any person who sells any motor vehicle, other than a new motor vehicle, for which a certificate of title has not been issued and which is not registered under the provisions of subsections (e) or (g) of section 14-12, shall, within forty-eight hours of the sale, certify under oath to the commissioner, on blanks provided by him, such information as the commissioner may require. Until the commissioner receives the certification under oath required by this subsection, he shall not issue a registration other than for a new motor vehicle and shall not renew a registration other than for the same owner.

      (h) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to the penalty provided for false statement. Any person who violates any provision of subsection (g) of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction, and, for a subsequent offense, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2364; 1951, 1953, S. 1287d; 1957, P.A. 301; 1959, P.A. 181, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 3; 581, S. 2, 3; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 84; P.A. 75-213, S. 3, 53; P.A. 76-338, S. 6, 8; P.A. 80-466, S. 5, 25; P.A. 82-223, S. 6; P.A. 83-577, S. 12; P.A. 84-429, S. 6; P.A. 85-525, S. 1, 6; P.A. 86-271, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-268, S. 14, 46; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 02-105, S. 1; P.A. 04-182, S. 1-3.)

      History: 1959 act included proviso in Subsec. (a) re organization, reorganization, dissolution etc. of business; 1961 acts increased fees in Subsec. (a) from $1, increased minimum fee in Subsec. (b) from $1, removed references in Subsec. (b) to light weight and removed provision for proration of the additional fee payable under Subsec. (b) where transfer was made on or after October first; 1969 act increased minimum fees in Subsecs. (a) and (b) from $2 to $3; 1971 act substituted "false statement" for "perjury" and replaced $25 fine for violation of Subsec. (a) with reference to penalty for false statement in Subsec. (e); P.A. 75-213 increased minimum fees in Subsecs. (a) and (b) to $5; P.A. 76-338 amended Subsec. (a) to exclude recipients of transferred motor vehicle from payment of property tax when initially registering car; P.A. 80-466 included reference to single license plate; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (e) to specify that the commission of a first offense constituted an infraction and established a minimum fine of $25 and lowered the maximum fine from $100 to $90 for such first offense; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting the provision specifying minimum and maximum fines for an infraction; P.A. 84-429 added provisions re oath requirements to Subsec. (f) from Sec. 14-12, relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-525 amended Subsec. (d) by adding provision increasing transfer fee periodically from $7.50 as of July 1, 1985, to $12 as of July 1, 1992; P.A. 86-271 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c), increasing fees for continuation of registration, scheduling increases to take effect as of July first of 1986, 1988 and 1992; P.A. 99-268 amended Subsec. (e) to include a motor vehicle leased for a period of one year or more, to require evidence of lessor approval for the transfer of a leased motor vehicle and to allow the commissioner to adopt regulations implementing the provisions of the Subsec., effective January 1, 2000; P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 02-105 added new Subsec. (b) re designation of beneficiary, redesignated existing Subsecs. (b) to (g) as Subsecs. (c) to (h) and revised internal references accordingly, effective January 1, 2003; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to increase fee to $20 for continuation of registration after death of owner and pending transfer of ownership of vehicle to designated relative, amended Subsec. (d) to increase fee to $20 to continue registration of vehicle upon transfer of vehicle after organization, reorganization, dissolution or partial dissolution of business and amended Subsec. (e) to increase minimum fee for transfer to $20, effective July 1, 2004.

      A partnership car, taken by one of the partners on dissolution, must be reregistered. 100 C. 119. Cited. 110 C. 281.

      The leaving of a license plate belonging to the defendant in or on the car which facilitates its use by another who causes injury could constitute negligence on the part of the defendant. 40 CS 149.

      Subsec. (a):

      Cited. 9 CA 686.

      Subsec. (g):

      Cited. 9 CA 686.

      Sec. 14-16a. Inspection of older vehicles before or upon transfer of ownership. Historical or special interest fire apparatus. Antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles and modified antique motor vehicles. (a) The commissioner may require that each motor vehicle registered in this state which is ten model years old or older shall, within thirty days before transfer of ownership or upon such transfer, be presented for inspection, as directed by the commissioner, at any Department of Motor Vehicles office or any official emissions inspection station or other facility authorized by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to conduct such inspection. The vehicle shall be inspected to determine whether it is properly equipped and in good mechanical condition before registration is issued to the new owner of the vehicle. 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.

      (b) The following vehicles, upon transfer of ownership, shall be presented for inspection, as directed by the commissioner, at any Department of Motor Vehicles office or any official emissions inspection station authorized by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to conduct such inspection: (1) All motor vehicles ten model years old or older which are registered in this state and which were originally used or designed as fire apparatus and which are of historical or special interest as determined by the commissioner, (2) all antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles, and (3) all modified antique motor vehicles. Any such vehicle shall be inspected to determine whether it is in good mechanical condition before registration can be issued to the new owner of such vehicle. The determination of the mechanical condition of a vehicle described in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be made by inspecting only the vehicle's original equipment and parts or the functional reproductions of the original equipment and parts. The mechanical condition of modified antique motor vehicles shall be determined by inspecting the original equipment and any functioning replacements of such equipment. The model year designation for the purpose of registration of a modified antique motor vehicle shall be the model year that the body of such vehicle most closely resembles. If the commissioner authorizes the contractor that operates the system of official emissions inspection stations or other business or firm, except a licensee of the department, 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 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.

      (1963, P.A. 506; P.A. 77-150; P.A. 79-25, S. 2; P.A. 84-254, S. 24, 62; 84-429, S. 7; 84-462; P.A. 91-355, S. 1; P.A. 94-189, S. 3; P.A. 95-260, S. 17, 24; P.A. 97-236, S. 3, 27; P.A. 99-287, S. 2, 9; P.A. 00-169, S. 24; P.A. 01-24, S. 3, 5; P.A. 03-278, S. 36; P.A. 08-150, S. 5.)

      History: P.A. 77-150 added Subsec. (b) re motor vehicles more than 10 years old used or designed as fire apparatus; P.A. 79-25 included all antique, rare or special interest vehicles and all modified antique motor vehicles in Subsec. (b); P.A. 84-254 increased the fees in Subsecs. (a) and (b), scheduling the increases to take effect on July 1 of 1984, 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993 respectively; P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 84-462 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b), increasing the inspection fees from $2 to $7, the same increase as incorporated in P.A. 84-254; P.A. 91-355 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to provide for conduct of inspections at authorized official emissions inspection stations, to require inspection fees collected at such inspection stations to be deposited in separate safety inspection account within emissions inspection fund and to delete obsolete provisions re fees; P.A. 94-189 amended section by deleting obsolete language re inspection fee increases; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for conduct of inspections at other facilities authorized by commissioner, effective June 13, 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. 97-236 amended Subsec. (a) to allow motor vehicles 10 model years old or older to be inspected within 30 days before transfer of ownership and amended Subsec. (b) to substitute "model years" for "years", effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-287 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) by providing for inspection "as directed by the commissioner", by deleting provisions requiring a $25 fee to be charged for a safety inspection and deposited into a safety inspection account within the Emissions Inspection Fund and by adding provisions re authorization of entities to conduct safety inspections, inspection fees and repair of vehicles failing such inspections, and amended Subsec. (b) by deleting regulation-making authority, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 00-169 amended Subsec. (b) by making a technical correction; P.A. 01-24 amended Subsec. (a) by changing authority provision from "Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section" to "The commissioner may require that", allowing certain motor vehicle dealers or repairers to perform inspections required by section and adding provision re the requirement of such dealers or repairers to provide written certification as to compliance of any motor vehicle in their inventory with safety and equipment standards, effective May 15, 2001; P.A. 03-278 made a technical change in Subsecs. (a) and (b), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re model year designation of a modified antique motor vehicle is model year that the body of vehicle most closely resembles.

      Sec. 14-16b. Inspection of damaged vehicles. Section 14-16b is repealed.

      (P.A. 75-338; P.A. 77-376, S. 2, 3; P.A. 80-292, S. 15.)

      See Sec. 14-103a re inspection of reassembled, altered or rebuilt vehicles.

      Sec. 14-16c. Insurance companies', persons', firms' or corporations' duties re totalled vehicles and certificates of title. Operation and inspection of totalled vehicles. Regulations. (a)(1)(A) Any insurance company which takes possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by such insurance company or its agent as a result of the settlement of a claim for damage or theft, shall stamp the word "SALVAGE" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the vehicle's certificate of title and shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle, except that if the insurance company determines that such motor vehicle has ten or more major component parts which are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the insurance company shall stamp the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the vehicle's certificate of title. A copy of such certificate shall be sent by the insurance company to the Department of Motor Vehicles. (B) Any insurance company which takes possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in any state other than this state that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by such insurance company or its agent as a result of the settlement of a claim for damage or theft, shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle.

      (2) (A) Any person, firm or corporation which is a self-insurer and owns a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by such self-insurer or its agent, shall stamp the word "SALVAGE" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the vehicle's certificate of title and shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle, except that if such self-insurer determines that such motor vehicle has ten or more major component parts which are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the self-insurer shall stamp the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the motor vehicle's certificate of title. Any person, firm or corporation which is insured other than by means of self-insurance and owns such a motor vehicle, shall forward the vehicle's certificate of title to the company insuring such vehicle or the company paying the totalled claim. Such insurer shall stamp the word "SALVAGE" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the certificate of title except that if the insurance company determines that such motor vehicle has ten or more major component parts which are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the insurer taking possession of such motor vehicle shall stamp the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the motor vehicle's certificate of title and shall return such certificate to such person, firm or corporation. A copy of such certificate shall be sent by the person, firm or corporation to the Department of Motor Vehicles. (B) Any person, firm or corporation which is a self-insurer and owns a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in any state other than this state that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by such self-insurer or its agent, shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle.

      (3) For purposes of this subsection, "major component part" shall have the same meaning as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-149a.

      (b) Any insurance company or its agent taking possession of a motor vehicle in accordance with subsection (a) of this section or any person, firm or corporation which owns such motor vehicle shall copy the certificate and give the original of such certificate, with a copy of the appraiser's damage report attached thereto, to any subsequent purchaser of the motor vehicle that has been declared a total loss. The name and address of any such purchaser shall be recorded on the original and the copy, as provided on the certificate. The copy shall serve only as a record of transfers of the total loss motor vehicle.

      (c) The person, firm, company or corporation required to stamp "SALVAGE" on the certificate of title shall stamp the following statement on the face of any original or copy of such certificate issued in accordance with this section: "WARNING: ALL PURCHASERS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE DESCRIBED HEREIN MUST RECORD THEIR NAME AND ADDRESS ON THE REVERSE SIDE. THIS VEHICLE CANNOT BE REGISTERED OR RETITLED WITHOUT PASSING INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 14-103a. THIS DOCUMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION."

      (d) No motor vehicle for which a copy has been made in accordance with this section may be operated upon any highway in this state, except that an owner of any such motor vehicle who is a motor vehicle dealer or repairer licensed under the provisions of section 14-52 may operate such vehicle for the purpose of presenting the vehicle for inspection pursuant to section 14-103a. If such vehicle fails to comply with the minimum standards, it shall be transported from the site of such inspection. If any such motor vehicle is rebuilt for sale or use, the owner shall apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for an original certificate of title and present the vehicle for inspection pursuant to section 14-103a. The certificate of title issued in accordance with this section must be presented at the time of inspection, unless waived by the commissioner for good cause.

      (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, that has been declared a total loss in settlement of a claim for theft, having no damage to a major component part or having damage not exceeding (1) fifteen per cent of the retail value of such motor vehicle, as determined in accordance with the provisions of section 38a-353, or (2) one thousand dollars as evidenced by an insurance adjuster's damage appraisal report, shall not be required to have its certificate of title stamped in accordance with the provisions of this section provided proof of such damage or lack of damage to a major component part, is attached to such certificate.

      (f) No insurance company and no firm or corporation which is a self-insurer may sell or transfer any totalled or salvaged motor vehicle, major component parts or any other parts of a motor vehicle to any person, firm or corporation which is not licensed under the provisions of subparts (D) or (H) of part III of this chapter. No person, firm or corporation licensed as a new or used car dealer who holds a permit pursuant to the provisions of section 14-65 may sell or transfer any totalled or salvaged motor vehicle with a certificate of title stamped "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" or any motor vehicle which has ten or more major component parts damaged beyond repair and in need of replacement to any person, firm or corporation which is not licensed under the provisions of subpart (H) of this part or under a similar provision of law of any other state. Any sale or transfer in violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute an unfair method of competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice, as defined by section 42-110b.

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

      (P.A. 80-292, S. 11; P.A. 81-172, S. 2; 81-174, S. 1, 5; P.A. 83-290; P.A. 84-359, S. 1; P.A. 85-237; P.A. 89-244, S. 3; P.A. 93-272, S. 1; P.A. 94-188, S. 26; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1, S. 70, 130; P.A. 95-260, S. 6, 24; P.A. 99-268, S. 15; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 03-265, S. 8; P.A. 04-143, S. 18.)

      History: P.A. 81-172 reduced the required height of the word "salvage" required to be stamped on certificates of title under Subsec. (a) from two inches to one inch and imposed length restriction; P.A. 81-174 provided that the original of the stamped certificate be given to the subsequent purchaser of the totalled motor vehicle and that the copy of the certificate be sent to the department of motor vehicles and changed required wording of title in Subsec. (c); P.A. 83-290 required that self-insured persons, firms or corporations which own totalled motor vehicles stamp "SALVAGE" on the title certificate, that persons, firms or corporations insured other than by means of self-insurance send the vehicle's title certificate to its insurer, which shall stamp "SALVAGE" on the certificate and return it to such owner, and that the person or entity responsible for stamping "SALVAGE" stamp a warning on the title certificate; P.A. 84-359 amended Subsec. (a) to require forwarding of title to company paying totalled claim, amended Subsec. (d), requiring the original certificate of title, rather than a copy, to be presented at time of inspection and inserted new language as Subsec. (e), prohibiting insurance companies and firms or corporations which are self-insurers from selling totalled or salvaged motor vehicles or parts to anyone not licensed as a dealer, repairer or junk yard or junk business, relettering former Subsec. (e) as (f); P.A. 85-237 inserted new Subsec. (e) exempting certain vehicles declared a total loss in settlement for a theft claim from stamping of title certificate and relettered former Subsecs. (e) and (f) accordingly; P.A. 89-244 amended Subsec. (d) to permit licensed motor vehicle dealers or repairers to operate totalled and subsequently rebuilt motor vehicles they own on any highway for purpose of presenting vehicles for inspection under Sec. 14-103a; P.A. 93-272 amended Subsec. (a)(1) by providing that if the insurance company determines that the motor vehicle has ten or more major component parts that are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the certificate of title must be stamped with the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY", amended Subsec. (a)(2) by providing that self-insurers and any other person, firm or corporation which is insured other than by means of self-insurance must stamp the certificate of title with the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" if the motor vehicle has ten or more major component parts which are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, added a new Subsec. (a)(3) listing what parts constitute "major component parts", amended Subsec. (e) by providing that the value of motor vehicle shall be "determined in accordance with the provisions of section 38a-353" rather than as "stated in the National Automobile Dealers Association Used Car Guide, Eastern Edition" and amended Subsec. (f) to prohibit new or used car dealers who hold auction permits pursuant to Sec. 14-65 from selling totalled or salvaged motor vehicles with certificates of title stamped "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" to anyone other than a motor vehicle junk yard, motor vehicle junk business or intermediate processor; P.A. 94-188 amended Subsec. (e) to include vehicles having no damage to a major component part; May 25 Sp. Sess. P.A. 94-1 amended Subsec. (a) by making technical change, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (f) to prohibit a new or used car dealer who holds an auction permit from selling any motor vehicle with ten or more major component parts damaged beyond repair and in need of replacement to any person, firm or corporation not licensed under subpart. (H) of part III of this chapter or under a similar provision of law of another state; P.A. 99-268 redefined "major component parts" in Subsec. (a)(3) to have the same meaning as provided in Sec. 14-149a(a)(2); 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 Subsec. (f) to "subdivisions (D) or (H)" and "subdivision (H)" were changed editorially by the Revisors to "subparts (D) or (H)" and "subpart (H)", respectively, for clarity of reference); P.A. 03-265 amended Subsecs. (a)(1) and (a)(2) by, in both cases, designating existing provisions as Subpara. (A), adding requirement that motor vehicle be offered for sale in this state for provisions of subparagraph to apply, adding requirement that copy of appraiser's damage report be attached to certificate of title and adding Subpara. (B) re requirements where certificate of title issued in another state, amended Subsec. (b) to include insurance company "or its agent", to require that copy of appraiser's damage report be attached to certificate of title given to subsequent purchaser of motor vehicle declared a total loss from insurance company or agent, to change "must" to "shall" re recording of purchaser's name and address on original and copy of certificate, and to require that name and address be recorded on certificate "as provided on the certificate", and amended Subsec. (f) to make subsection applicable to sale "or transfer" and to make a technical change, effective January 1, 2004; P.A. 04-143 made a technical change in Subsec. (g), effective May 21, 2004.

      See Sec. 38a-356 re insurance companies' duty to release information relative to investigations concerning a motor vehicle's loss or potential loss.

      Cited. 231 C. 707.

      Sec. 14-17. Notice of change in appearance or equipment. (a) A person holding a certificate of registration for a motor vehicle who substantially changes the appearance or mechanical equipment of the motor vehicle so that the motor vehicle no longer conforms to the description contained in the application for, or certificate of, registration shall notify the commissioner of the change within forty-eight hours of the change. Notice is unnecessary if (1) the intent to make the change is specified in the original registration, or (2) in the case of a motor vehicle registered as a motor bus and having a seating capacity in excess of sixteen passengers, or in the case of a truck having a carrying capacity of two thousand pounds or more, and if the change is solely in regard to the motor, and, in case of the substitution of a motor, the motor so substituted has been registered with the commissioner. The commissioner may register such motor upon written application by the owner thereof setting forth such information as the commissioner may require. The fee for such registration shall be ten dollars.

      (b) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined thirty-five dollars for each offense.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2365; P.A. 82-223, S. 7; P.A. 83-577, S. 13; P.A. 84-429, S. 8; P.A. 90-263, S. 44, 74.)

      History: P.A. 82-223 specified that violation of the section constituted an infraction and increased the fine from maximum of $10 to $25; P.A. 83-577 increased the fine from $25 to $35; P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions, divided section into Subsecs. and made other technical changes; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to delete reference to public service motor vehicle and to substitute truck for commercial motor vehicle.

      Cited. 177 C. 93.

      Sec. 14-17a. Notice of change in registrant's address. (a) A person holding a certificate of registration for a motor vehicle issued by the commissioner shall notify the commissioner within forty-eight hours of any change of his address. The notification shall include his old address and his new address.

      (b) Failure to give the notice required by this section shall be an infraction.

      (P.A. 84-429, S. 9.)

      Cited. 22 CA 207.

      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. Each such motor vehicle shall also display a sticker on the number plate or elsewhere on the vehicle, as the commissioner may direct, denoting the expiration date of the registration. Such sticker may contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the registration and number plate, as assigned 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 in a conspicuous place at the front and the rear of such vehicle the number plates. Each such motor vehicle shall also display a sticker on the rear number plate or elsewhere on the vehicle, as the commissioner may direct, denoting the expiration date of the registration, which may contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the number plate, as assigned by the commissioner.

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

      (c) Such number plates when displayed upon motor vehicles shall be entirely unobscured and the numerals and letters thereon shall be plainly legible at all times. Such number plates shall be horizontal, and shall be fastened so as not to swing and, during the time when a motor vehicle is required to display lights, the rear number plate shall be so illuminated as to be legible at a distance of fifty feet. No plates, devices or attachments may be affixed to or covering the official 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 thereon 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 herein provided 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.

      (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, return the number plates thereof 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.)

      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 Sub. (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.

      See Sec. 14-107 re liability of owner, operator or lessee of vehicle in prosecutions for violation of this section.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Cited. 181 C. 299.

      Sec. 14-19. Registration of fire apparatus. The commissioner shall, at the request of the chief of any regular or volunteer fire department or the person in charge of any organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company, register, without charge, any motor vehicle used as fire apparatus by such department or company and shall issue a certificate of registration and number plates bearing the words "fire apparatus" therefor.

      (1955, S. 1290d; 1963, P.A. 410; P.A. 73-544, S. 22.)

      History: 1963 act added provision that plates bear words "fire apparatus"; P.A. 73-544 substituted "civil preparedness" for "civil defense".

      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. (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 Governors of the Department of 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 to individuals who meet the requirements established by the regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection. The regulations shall: (1) Establish the criteria necessary for a Connecticut institution of higher education to be eligible to have a special number plate issued with the logo or emblem of the institution; (2) provide for the issuance or renewal of such a plate upon the receipt of a form certified by the institution that a contribution of at least fifty dollars was made to a scholarship fund or scholarship account at such an institution prior to each such issuance and renewal. Each such renewal shall occur at the time of each renewal of the motor vehicle's registration; (3) the fee established in subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section; (4) any registration fee required by the commissioner pursuant to section 14-12; and (5) any additional information or fees required by the commissioner. All contributions to the scholarship fund or scholarship account of a participating institution of higher education shall be distributed on the basis of financial need.

      (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 he 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 14-21f 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.

      (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.)

      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.

      Sec. 14-20. Number plates for antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles. Issuance of number plates corresponding to year of manufacture. Registration. Regulations. (a) The commissioner may issue special number plates for antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles, such special number plates to be issued on a permanent basis. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates which shall cover the entire cost of making the same. An owner of an antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle may use such owner's own porcelain number plate in place of the plates issued by the commissioner provided (1) such plate was originally issued by the department, and (2) such owner files with the commissioner a description and the number of such plate and any additional information the commissioner may require.

      (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, section 14-18 and section 14-21b, the owner of an antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle may be authorized by the commissioner to display a number plate originally issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles corresponding to the year of manufacture of such antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle. The commissioner shall issue a certificate of registration, as provided in section 14-12. Such registration shall be valid, subject to renewal, as long as the commissioner permits. Thereafter, the registration number and number plates, if any, which were assigned to such motor vehicle before such registration and number plates were issued under this section, shall be in effect. Each such number plate authorized for use by the commissioner shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the rear of such motor vehicle at all times while the vehicle is in use or operation upon any public highway. A sticker shall be affixed to each such number plate to denote the expiration date of the registration, unless the commissioner authorizes the sticker, or other evidence of the period of the registration, to be placed elsewhere or carried in such motor vehicle. Such sticker may contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the registration and number plate. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

      (1951, 1955, S. 1288d; 1957, P.A. 533; P.A. 79-25, S. 3; P.A. 80-42; P.A. 83-515, S. 1; P.A. 84-429, S. 53; P.A. 00-169, S. 21; P.A. 01-191, S. 2; P.A. 02-70, S. 50.)

      History: P.A. 79-25 replaced "automobiles manufactured at least twenty-five years prior to the date such number plates are issued" with reference to antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles and deleted requirement that special plates be issued only to vehicles to be used in exhibitions, parades etc. and not for general transportation; P.A. 80-42 deleted requirement that plates conform as much as possible to plates used at time of vehicles manufacture and made technical correction; P.A. 83-515 eliminated the requirement of issuing number plates in addition to special number plates and permitted an owner of an antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle to substitute a porcelain number plate for the special number plates; P.A. 84-429 made technical change for statutory consistency; P.A. 00-169 designated existing section as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) authorizing the display on antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles of a number plate originally issued by the commissioner corresponding to the year of manufacture of such antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle, provided for the registration of such vehicles, authorized the adoption of regulations, and made a technical change for the purpose of gender neutrality; P.A. 01-191 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision allowing the sticker denoting the expiration date of registration to contain the corresponding letters and numbers of the registration and number plate; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b) to make a technical change, effective July 1, 2002.

      Sec. 14-20a. Number plates for volunteer firefighters. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any chief executive officer of a volunteer fire department or company, shall register any passenger motor vehicle, motor vehicle used for commercial purposes or passenger and commercial motor vehicle owned by a volunteer firefighter in such department or company and shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates which shall bear the international fire department symbol. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates which shall cover the entire cost of making the same. The plates shall be returned to the commissioner upon termination of the firefighter's membership in the volunteer fire department or company.

      (P.A. 87-304, S. 5; P.A. 90-263, S. 58, 74.)

      History: P.A. 90-263 substituted motor vehicle used for commercial purposes for commercial motor vehicle.

      Sec. 14-20b. Number plates for veterans. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any veteran, as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, or the surviving spouse of such veteran, 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 for each such vehicle. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates which shall cover the entire cost of making the same and which shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle.

      (P.A. 97-236, S. 1; P.A. 98-182, S. 7, 22.)

      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.

      Sec. 14-20c. Number plates for immediate family of residents killed in action with armed forces. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any immediate family member, shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates memorializing residents of this state who were killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103. Such registration and number plates shall be available for any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period of at least one year. Such number plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. No fee shall be charged for such plates. Such plates shall bear the words "Gold Star Family", and the design of such plates shall be approved by a committee established by the commissioner. For the purposes of this section, "immediate family member" includes a spouse, mother, father, brother, sister, child, grandmother or grandfather of a resident of this state who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103.

      (P.A. 07-167, S. 24; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5, S. 32; P.A. 08-104, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 07-167 effective June 25, 2007; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5 made technical changes, deleted provision re Connecticut service members and added provisions re state residents killed in action while performing active military duty with armed forces, effective October 6, 2007; P.A. 08-104 eliminated fee for Gold Star Family number plates, effective May 27, 2008.

      Sec. 14-21. Number plates for amateur radio licensees. The commissioner shall, upon request, upon the registration of a passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, camper, motor vehicle used for commercial purposes or passenger and commercial motor vehicle owned by any holder of an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, issue special number plates bearing the official call letters of such radio station as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. Each application for such special number plates shall be accompanied by proof satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant currently holds such a license.

      (1955, S. 1289d; P.A. 80-38; P.A. 90-263, S. 59, 74.)

      History: P.A. 80-38 included plates for motorcycles, campers, commercial or passenger and commercial vehicles in provisions; P.A. 90-263 substituted motor vehicle used for commercial purposes for commercial motor vehicle.

      Sec. 14-21a. "Foreign consul" registration and number plates. Section 14-21a is repealed.

      (1967, P.A. 501, S. 1; P.A. 85-81.)

      Sec. 14-21b. Issuance of reflectorized number plates. Display. Infraction. (a) The commissioner shall issue fully reflectorized safety number plates for new registrations and renewal registrations issued on and after January 1, 2000, for passenger, combination and commercial registrations and other registrations as the commissioner deems feasible within funds and personnel available. Each plate shall bear the words "Constitution State" and "Connecticut". The commissioner shall issue two fully reflectorized safety number plates in accordance with a schedule established by the commissioner in such quantities as the commissioner deems feasible within the funds and personnel available. No safety fee shall be charged for the issuance of the replacement number plates for such renewals.

      (b) No additional charge shall be made for the issuance of such new or replacement fully reflectorized plates, except for the safety fee provided for in subsection (w) of section 14-49.

      (c) The owner or lessee of each registered motor vehicle who is issued two fully reflectorized safety number plates by the commissioner shall display such plates on such motor vehicle as provided in section 14-18. A violation of this subsection shall be an infraction.

      (P.A. 73-454, S. 1, 3, 4; P.A. 75-294, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-88; P.A. 80-466, S. 7, 25; P.A. 83-489, S. 2, 17; P.A. 84-429, S. 10; P.A. 86-383, S. 5, 6; 86-388, S. 24, 31; P.A. 87-362, S. 1; P.A. 90-106, S. 2, 3; P.A. 93-341, S. 32, 38; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1, S. 25, 51; P.A. 01-24, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 75-294 revised statement re reflectorized plates in Subsec. (a); P.A. 77-88 deleted reference to January 1, 1974, as beginning date for issuance of reflectorized plates in Subsec. (a), replaced former Subsec. (b) with new provisions re replacement plates and required that all new plates be reflectorized and removed from Subsec. (c) requirement that all nonreflectorized plates be replaced by January 1, 1979; P.A. 80-466 amended Subsec. (b) to reflect change to single license plate; P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (c) to change reference to safety fee of $1 to $2, reflecting increase in safety fee in Sec. 14-49(w); P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions, relettered Subsecs. and made other technical changes; P.A. 86-383 amended Subsec. (a) (as amended by substitute senate bill 428 of the 1986 regular session, i.e. P.A. 86-388) to delete provisions of that Subsec., as amended, re reflectorized and nonreflectorized portions of license plates; P.A. 86-388 required the commissioner to issue two reflectorized number plates for new registrations issued on and after July 1, 1987 and for renewals occurring on and after July 1, 1991, specified that plate display reflectorized white borders and letters or numerals with nonreflectorized blue background and words "Constitution State" and "Connecticut", and required plates to be displayed in a conspicuous place; P.A. 87-362 amended Subsec. (a) to prohibit the assessment of the safety fee for issuance of replacement plates for renewals occurring on and after July 1, 1991; P.A. 90-106 amended Subsec. (a) to require commissioner to issue two number plates for registrations issued during the five-year period ending June 30, 1995, in quantities as he deems feasible within funds and personnel available; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting the cutoff date of June 30, 1995, for the issuance of two reflectorized safety number plates by the commissioner and by deleting provision re display of plates at the front and the rear of vehicles, effective July 1, 1993; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 99-1 amended Subsec. (a) to require the issuance of fully reflectorized number plates for certain new and renewal registrations issued on and after January 1, 2000, and to make technical changes, and amended Subsec. (b) to prohibit any additional charge for the issuance of fully reflectorized number plates, effective July 1, 1999; P.A. 01-24 added Subsec. (c) re requirement to display two fully reflectorized safety number plates issued by the commissioner.

      Sec. 14-21c. Number plates for manufacturers of automotive equipment. Proof of financial responsibility. (a) Upon the application of a person engaged in the manufacturing of automotive equipment, the commissioner may issue interchangeable special number plates for motor vehicles used by the manufacturer in the experimental testing of automotive equipment, provided the application shall contain (1) information on the motor vehicle parts manufactured, (2) a statement on the need for highway testing, (3) an affidavit stating that the special plates shall be used only in experimental testing, and (4) any other information the commissioner deems pertinent.

      (b) The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of twenty dollars for the issuance of registration and plates for any such experimental test motor vehicle. On and after July 1, 1985, the fee shall be thirty dollars, on and after July 1, 1989, forty-five dollars, on and after July 1, 1991, fifty-six dollars, and on and after July 1, 1993, seventy dollars. Such registration shall expire on the last day of March each year.

      (c) No registration and marker plate shall be issued pursuant to this section unless the applicant has furnished financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner as defined in section 14-112.

      (P.A. 75-386, S. 1, 2; P.A. 83-494; P.A. 84-254, S. 25, 62; 84-429, S. 11.)

      History: P.A. 83-494 increased the registration fee for experimental test motor vehicles from $15 to $20 and required manufacturers to furnish proof of financial responsibility prior to being issued a registration and plates; P.A. 84-254 periodically increased the existing $20 fee to $70 as of July 1, 1993; P.A. 84-429 divided section into Subsecs., rephrased provisions and made other technical changes.

      Sec. 14-21d. Prisoner of war and congressional medal of honor registration and number plate. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any member or former member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, who is a former prisoner of war, shall register, without charge, any passenger motor vehicle, camper or passenger and commercial motor vehicle owned or leased by such person, provided no more than two such registrations may be issued to any such person. The commissioner shall issue a special certificate of registration and a number plate or set of number plates in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-21b for each such vehicle. Each application for such special registration and number plate shall be accompanied by proof from the Veterans' Administration of the United States that such person is a former prisoner of war. The surviving spouse of a former prisoner of war issued such special registration may retain any such registration and number plates without charge for his or her lifetime or until such time as he or she remarries.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any recipient of the congressional medal of honor, shall register, without charge, any passenger motor vehicle, camper or passenger and commercial motor vehicle owned or leased by such person, provided no more than two such registrations may be issued to any such person. The commissioner shall issue a special certificate of registration and a number plate or set of number plates in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-21b for each such vehicle. The surviving spouse of a recipient of the congressional medal of honor issued such special registration may retain any such registration and number plates without charge for his or her lifetime or until such time as he or she remarries.

      (P.A. 82-405, S. 1-3; P.A. 83-303; P.A. 86-388, S. 25, 31; P.A. 89-313, S. 4, 5; P.A. 91-408, S. 9, 18; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-11, S. 1, 70; P.A. 97-236, S. 5, 27.)

      History: P.A. 83-303 permitted the commissioner to register, without charge, at the request of a former prisoner of war or a congressional medal of honor recipient, in addition to a passenger motor vehicle, a camper or passenger and commercial motor vehicle, provided a maximum of two free registrations may be issued; P.A. 86-388 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b), including reference to issuance of a set of number plates in accordance with provisions of Sec. 14-21b(a); P.A. 89-313 amended Subsec. (a) to permit the surviving spouse of a former prisoner of war to retain the prisoner of war registration without charge for lifetime or until remarriage; P.A. 91-408 amended Subsec. (b) to permit the surviving spouse of a recipient of the congressional medal of honor to retain the special registration without charge for lifetime or until remarriage; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-11 made technical changes by rephrasing language; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to extend provisions to leased vehicles, effective June 24, 1997.

      Sec. 14-21e. Number plates commemorating Long Island Sound. Voluntary lighthouse preservation donation. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 1993, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Long Island Sound commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the state's effort to restore and protect Long Island Sound. Said design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54, a fee to be charged for Long Island Sound commemorative number plates in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The fee shall be for such number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section; and (2) such number plates which are low number plates, in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, an additional voluntary lighthouse preservation donation which shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lighthouse Preservation account established under section 22a-27n. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Long Island Sound account established pursuant to section 22a-27k.

      (c) No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing Long Island Sound commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for Long Island Sound 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 Long Island Sound commemorative number plates.

      (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Long Island Sound commemorative number plates.

      (P.A. 92-133, S. 4, 9; P.A. 97-221, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 97-221 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re voluntary lighthouse preservation donation.

      Sec. 14-21f. Keep Kids Safe number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 1996, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Keep Kids Safe number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the state's effort to protect the safety of children. Said design may be determined by a contest coordinated by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54, a fee to be charged for Keep Kids Safe number plates in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The fee shall be for such number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section; and (2) such number plates which are low number plates, in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section. Each fee established pursuant to this subsection for Keep Kids Safe number plates shall not exceed the fee established for corresponding Long Island Sound commemorative number plates issued pursuant to section 14-21e. All fees established and collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Keep Kids Safe account established pursuant to section 14-21g.

      (c) No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing Keep Kids Safe number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for Keep Kids Safe number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

      (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of Keep Kids Safe number plates.

      (P.A. 95-275, S. 1, 3.)

      History: P.A. 95-275 effective July 6, 1995.

      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 within the General Fund. 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.

      (c) The secretary may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

      (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.)

      History: P.A. 95-275 effective July 6, 1995.

      Sec. 14-21h. Number plates for animal population control. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after the effective date of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of this section, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue animal population control program commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of pet overpopulation and the state's effort to provide for the low-cost spaying and neutering of unsterilized dogs and cats adopted from municipal pounds. Said design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use may be made of such plates except as official motor vehicle registration marker plates.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, which provide for a one-time fee of fifty dollars to be charged for animal population control program commemorative number plates in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such one-time fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for administrative costs of carrying out the provisions of this subsection. 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: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section; and (2) such number plates which are low number plates, in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section.

      (c) The biennial renewal fee for the registration certificate of a motor vehicle for which an animal population control program commemorative number plate has been issued shall include, in each renewal year subsequent to the year of issuance, an animal population control program commemorative number plate fee in the amount of fifteen dollars, of which five dollars shall be allocated for administrative costs to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which shall be in addition to the fee for the renewal of the registration certificate. No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing animal population control program commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for animal population control program commemorative number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No additional fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration to or from a registration with animal population control program commemorative number plates.

      (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of animal population control program commemorative number plates.

      (e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall notify eligible motorists of the opportunity to obtain animal population control program commemorative number plates by including a notice with all motor vehicle registration renewals and by posting appropriate posters or signs in all division facilities and offices. The notices, posters and signs shall be designed by the Commissioner of Agriculture in consultation with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

      (f) All fees established and collected pursuant to this section other than those moneys designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the animal population control program account established under section 22-380g.

      (P.A. 97-187, S. 3, 4; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)

      History: P.A. 97-187 effective July 1, 1997; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.

      Sec. 14-21i. Greenways commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 1998, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue greenways commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the state and local efforts to preserve, restore and protect greenways. The design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54, a fee to be charged for greenways commemorative number plates in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The fee shall be for such number plates with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher fee for: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section; and (2) such number plates which are low number plates, 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 shall be deposited in the greenways account of the Conservation Fund, established pursuant to section 22a-27o.

      (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) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, shall 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.)

      History: P.A. 97-236 effective July 1, 1997.

      Sec. 14-21j. Amistad commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 1999, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Amistad commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the 1839 uprising against the crew of the Spanish slave schooner, The Amistad. Said design shall be determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, which shall provide for a one-time fee of fifty dollars to be charged for Amistad commemorative number plates, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. Fifteen dollars of such one-time fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for administrative costs of carrying out the provisions of this subsection. 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: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49 in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section 14-49; and (2) such number plates which are low number plates, in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section 14-160. 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 Amistad commemorative account established pursuant to section 14-21k.

      (c) No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing Amistad commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for Amistad 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 Amistad commemorative number plates.

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

      (P.A. 98-182, S. 9, 22.)

      History: P.A. 98-182 effective July 1, 1998.

      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 within the General Fund. 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.)

      History: P.A. 98-182 effective July 1, 1998.

      Sec. 14-21l. Olympic Spirit commemorative number plates. Fees. (a) On and after January 1, 2000, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Olympic Spirit commemorative number plates. The design of the number plates shall be determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in consultation with the Connecticut membership of the United States Olympic Committee. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) A fee of seventy dollars shall be charged for Olympic Spirit 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 administrative costs of carrying out the provisions of this subsection. 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 Olympic Spirit 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: (1) Number plates 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 (2) number plates 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 moneys designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the Olympic Spirit commemorative account established pursuant to section 14-21m.

      (P.A. 99-268, S. 36; P.A. 00-169, S. 22.)

      History: (Revisor's note: In codifying section 36 of public act 99-268, the Revisors deemed a reference at the end of Subsec. (b) to "section 36 of this act." to be a reference to "section 37 of this act." since said section 37, codified as Sec. 14-21m, established the Olympic Spirit commemorative account); P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section.

      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 within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

      (b) The moneys in said account shall be distributed quarterly 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.)

      History: P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section.

      Sec. 14-21n. State and municipal police officers killed in the line of duty memorial number plates. Fees. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any person, shall issue a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates memorializing state and municipal police officers and other employees who are killed in the line of duty. Said registration and number plates shall be available for any motor vehicle (1) owned, or (2) leased for a period of at least one year. Said number plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates which shall cover the entire cost of making the same and which shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. The design of such plates shall be approved by a committee established by the commissioner. The committee shall include a representative of the Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc., the Connecticut State Police Union, the Connecticut Council of Police, and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. The first one thousand plates shall be reserved for spouses, parents, children of state troopers killed in the line of duty or municipal police officers.

      (P.A. 01-198.)

      Sec. 14-21o. United We Stand commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 2003, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue United We Stand commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public solidarity following the acts of terrorism committed on September 11, 2001. Such plates shall bear the words "United We Stand" and the image of the American flag. Said design may be determined by a contest coordinated by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) A fee of fifty dollars shall be charged for United We Stand 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 thirty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for purposes of section 14-21p. 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 United We Stand 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: (1) Number plates which contain the numbers and letters from a previously issued number plate; (2) number plates 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) number plates 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 moneys designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall be deposited in the United We Stand commemorative account established pursuant to section 14-21p.

      (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 United We Stand commemorative number plates.

      (P.A. 02-126, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 02-126 effective July 1, 2002.

      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 within the General Fund. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account.

      (b) Fifty per cent of the moneys in said account shall be distributed quarterly to the United States Department of State Rewards for Justice Fund and used solely to apprehend terrorists and bring them to justice and fifty per cent shall be transferred to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for the purposes of (1) reimbursing boards of trustees 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.)

      History: P.A. 02-126 effective July 1, 2002.

      Sec. 14-21q. Childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 2004, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of state efforts to treat and cure childhood 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 fifty dollars shall be charged for childhood cancer awareness 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 thirty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for purposes of section 14-21r. 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 section 14-40; 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 section 14-160. 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 childhood cancer awareness account established pursuant to section 14-21r.

      (c) A renewal fee of fifteen dollars shall be charged for renewal or registration of a motor vehicle bearing childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates, 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 designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles. No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for childhood cancer awareness 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 childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates.

      (d) 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 childhood cancer awareness commemorative number plates.

      (P.A. 03-265, S. 13.)

      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 within the General Fund. 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.

      (c) The secretary may receive private donations to said account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

      (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.)

      Sec. 14-21s. Wildlife conservation commemorative number plates. Fees. Regulations. (a) On and after January 1, 2004, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue wildlife conservation commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of state efforts to conserve wildlife species and their habitats in Connecticut. The design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

      (b) A fee of fifty dollars shall be charged for wildlife conservation 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 thirty-five dollars of such fee shall be deposited in an account controlled by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management for purposes of section 14-21t. 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.

      (c) A renewal fee of fifteen dollars shall be charged for renewal of registration of a motor vehicle bearing a wildlife conservation 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 designated for administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles. No additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing a wildlife conservation commemorative number plate which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for wildlife conservation 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 wildlife conservation commemorative number plates.

      (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance, renewal and replacement of wildlife conservation commemorative number plates.

      (e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may notify eligible motorists of the opportunity to obtain wildlife conservation program commemorative number plates by including a notice with motor vehicle registration renewals and by posting appropriate posters or signs in all division facilities and offices. The notices, posters and signs shall be designed by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection in consultation with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

      (P.A. 03-265, S. 15.)

      Sec. 14-21t. Wildlife conservation account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the "wildlife conservation account". The wildlife conservation account shall be an account of the Conservation Fund established under section 22a-27h. Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account shall be deposited in the Conservation Fund and credited to the wildlife conservation account. Any balance remaining in the account at the end of any fiscal year shall be carried forward in the account for the fiscal year next succeeding. The account shall be available to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection for: (1) Matching federal and private wildlife conservation funds; (2) providing grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for wildlife conservation purposes; (3) wildlife research and management, with an emphasis on those wildlife species in greatest need of conservation; (4) wildlife inventory and restoration; (5) wildlife habitat acquisition, restoration, enhancement and management, including, but not limited to, the conservation of grasslands and other early successional habitats; and (6) public outreach that promotes the preservation of the state's wildlife diversity.

      (b) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may receive private donations to the wildlife conservation account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

      (c) The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the wildlife conservation 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 wildlife conservation account. Any funds received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in the wildlife conservation account.

      (P.A. 03-265, S. 16.)

      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 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 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 quarterly by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to Connecticut Support Our Troops, Inc.

      (P.A. 08-150, S. 24.)

      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 within the General Fund. 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.

      (P.A. 08-150, S. 25.)

      Sec. 14-22. Expiration and renewal. (a) A motor vehicle registration issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire in accordance with schedules established by the commissioner. If the expiration date of the registration of the motor vehicle, except the registration of a motor vehicle used to transport passengers for hire, falls on any day when offices of the commissioner are closed for business, the registration shall be deemed valid for the operation of the motor vehicle until midnight of the next day on which offices of the commissioner are open for business. The commissioner shall prescribe the date and manner of renewing registrations. Not less than forty-five days prior to the expiration of any valid registration, the commissioner shall cause to be mailed to the registrant an application for renewal. Except for the processing of such application at an official emissions inspection station as provided in subsection (b) of this section or by telephone as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the commissioner may require that the application be returned by mail in order to be processed and approved, with only such exceptions, on a hardship basis, as shall be established by the commissioner in regulations, adopted pursuant to chapter 54.

      (b) The commissioner may provide for the renewal of passenger registrations at official emissions inspection stations established pursuant to chapter 246a in accordance with schedules established by him which shall provide that expirations of registrations and emissions stickers occur on the same date. The commissioner may employ the services of the independent contractor which operates the system of official emissions inspection stations to process such applications for renewal in accordance with standards and procedures established by the commissioner.

      (c) The commissioner may provide for the renewal of the registration of any motor vehicle by means of a telephone request and order by the registrant. The commissioner may charge a service fee of five dollars, in addition to the fee prescribed for the renewal of the registration, for each application for renewal processed by telephone. Such service fee shall be used to cover the costs incurred in processing such applications. Any funds in excess of those necessary for the processing of such applications shall be deposited in the General Fund. Each registrant who elects to renew by telephone shall sign the certificate of registration, attesting to the information contained therein under penalty of false statement, as provided in section 53a-157b, when the certificate is issued by the commissioner. Any such certificate which is not signed shall be void. The commissioner may employ the services of an independent contractor or contractors to process such applications for renewal and provide any equipment or system necessary for such purpose.

      (d) If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any registration more than two years from its issuance, a prorated amount of the registration fee paid shall be charged in addition to the biennial fee.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2367; 1955, S. 1292d; November, 1955, S. N163; 1957, P.A. 255; 1959, P.A. 657, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 4; 286; February, 1965, P.A. 561; 1971, P.A. 522; P.A. 73-101; P.A. 76-338, S. 2, 8; P.A. 77-343, S. 3, 5; P.A. 80-466, S. 8, 9, 25; P.A. 84-429, S. 12; P.A. 85-115; 85-613, S. 135, 154; P.A. 87-329, S. 22, 23; P.A. 90-263, S. 45, 74; P.A. 92-156, S. 1, 7; P.A. 93-341, S. 4, 38; P.A. 95-260, S. 7, 24.)

      History: 1959 act changed expiration of registrations from uniform date to staggered system; 1961 acts added Subsec. (b) and made technical changes in Subsec. (a); 1965 act added end-of-month requirement to expiration schedules; 1971 act added proviso in Subsec. (a) continuing registrations which expire on Saturday, Sunday or holiday to next open business day of state offices; P.A. 73-101 clarified proviso by replacing reference to weekends and holidays with "any day when offices of the commissioner are closed for business" and replacing reference to next open day of state offices with next open day of "offices of the commissioner", reflecting fact that motor vehicles offices maintain different operating schedule; P.A. 76-338 replaced "July" with "August" and "August" with "September" in Subsec. (b) and added Subsec. (c) re property tax validation; P.A. 77-343 deleted Subsec. (c); P.A. 80-466 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to single plate and to biennial rather than annual registrations; P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-115 amended Subsec. (b), providing that a service bus registration issued before September first is valid August fifteenth or the date of issue, whichever is later; P.A. 85-613 changed effective date of P.A. 85-115 from October 1, 1985, to July 1, 1985; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (a) to permit motor vehicle registrations to expire on the fifteenth day of the month indicated on the sticker, effective July 1, 1988; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute phrase motor vehicle used to transport passengers for hire for public service motor vehicle; P.A. 92-156 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate requirement that schedules established by the commissioner provide that expirations occur on fifteenth or last day of month indicated on sticker, to require renewal applications to be mailed not less than 45 days prior to expiration, to permit commissioner to require that applications be returned by mail, with exceptions based on hardship established in regulations, and to authorize commissioner to provide for registration renewal at emissions inspection stations; P.A. 93-341 deleted Subsec. (b) re expiration and issuance dates for service buses, amending Subsec. (a) to delete reference to Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-260 divided the section into Subsecs., amended Subsec. (a) to add an exception to return of renewal application by mail for processing of such application at an emissions inspection station or by telephone, amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes and to allow commissioner to employ the services of the independent contractor which operates emissions inspection stations to process applications for passenger registration renewal in accordance with established procedures and inserted new language as Subsec. (c) allowing commissioner to provide for renewal of registration of any motor vehicle by telephone request and order and to charge service fee of $5 for such renewal and specifying administrative procedures for such renewal, effective July 1, 1995.

      See note to Sec. 14-45.

      Secs. 14-22a to 14-22e. Reserved for future use.

      Sec. 14-22f. Cancellation of motor vehicle registration in error or failure to maintain accurate record of registration. Remedies. In the event the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles cancels any motor vehicle registration in error on or after January 1, 1996, or fails to maintain an accurate record of any such registration which has been issued or renewed on or after said date, and as a result of such error, a registrant has been issued a summons by a law enforcement officer for a violation of section 14-12, 14-12a or 14-13, the commissioner, upon confirmation of such error, shall (1) correct the registration records of the Department of Motor Vehicles, (2) notify the appropriate prosecuting authority of such error, (3) waive any fee provided in this part or in section 14-192 as may be necessary to evidence a valid registration or certificate of title, and (4) reimburse the registrant for any towing and storage charges and any other actual and reasonable expenses incurred by such registrant as a result of such error upon receipt of a written request for reimbursement.

      (P.A. 96-167, S. 47, 49.)

      History: P.A. 96-167 effective May 31, 1996.

      Sec. 14-23. Refunds on registrations to persons in armed forces. The commissioner may make application to the Comptroller for a refund when any person surrenders his or her registration or number plate or plates on any noncommercial motor vehicle and is inducted into the armed forces, as defined by section 27-103, during the then current registration period, such refund to be figured on a quarterly prorated basis but not to exceed three-quarters of the registration fee. The Comptroller, upon application of the commissioner and with the approval of the Attorney General, shall draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of any person who has been inducted into the armed forces for a refund of money paid for the registration of a motor vehicle.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2368; 1957, P.A. 163, S. 28; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 5; 1969, P.A. 768, S. 136; P.A. 80-466, S. 10, 25; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 9, 85.)

      History: 1961 act made technical changes in method of figuring refund to conform to new staggered system of registration; 1969 act replaced highway department with department of transportation; P.A. 80-466 included reference to single plate and deleted reference to annual fee; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 deleted former provision which charged any refund against funds credited to the Department of Transportation and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 14-24. Heavy duty trailers. Heavy construction equipment. Gross weight of tractor-trailer units. The commissioner may, if in his opinion it is equitable, grant a special registration and furnish a special set of number plates or markers, limited or unlimited as he deems advisable, for the operation of heavy duty trailers for the transportation of heavy construction equipment, of cranes or other heavy construction equipment upon the streets and highways of this state from the railroad station or the storage yard to the construction job, or from one construction job to another. Each movement of such trailer, when loaded, crane or other heavy construction equipment shall require a limited or unlimited written permit from the Commissioner of Transportation, unless it is operating with an oversize-overweight account code number, and a confirmation number furnished by said commissioner. The Commissioner of Transportation shall issue for each such vehicle operating with such an account code number a document which identifies the vehicle and states the date of issue and date of expiration. The original document, as furnished by the Commissioner of Transportation, shall be carried in the vehicle. The markers or number plates furnished by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall be displayed in a prominent place on the vehicle. Such registration may be revoked or suspended at the discretion of the commissioner. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the commissioner from issuing temporary registrations for vehicles of this class. The commissioner may, upon receipt of a certified copy of a permit granted under the provisions of section 13a-117, grant to the person named in the permit a special registration and furnish a special set of number plates or markers, limited or unlimited, as specified in the permit, which permit shall be a part of such registration. The registered gross weight of any tractor-trailer unit, where the trailer is registered as a heavy duty trailer, shall be the light weight of the tractor plus the gross weight of the heavy duty trailer.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2369; 1969, P.A. 768, S. 137; 1971, P.A. 355, S. 3; P.A. 73-98; P.A. 95-325, S. 4, 16.)

      History: 1969 act replaced highway commissioner with commissioner of transportation; 1971 act added provision for determining "registered gross weight" of tractor-trailer units; P.A. 73-98 deleted requirement that copy of permit be filed with motor vehicles commissioner; P.A. 95-325 deleted provision re temporary markers and required a written permit for movement of a trailer unless it is operating with an oversize-overweight account code number and a confirmation number furnished by commissioner and issuance of a document which identifies vehicle and states dates of issue and expiration for each vehicle operating with such an account code number, and that the original document to be carried in vehicle, and that markers or number plates be displayed in a prominent place on vehicle.

      Sec. 14-25. Registration not required for trailers used as parade floats. No trailer vehicle when used as a float in a parade shall be required to be registered under the provisions of this chapter.

      (1957, P.A. 233; February, 1965, P.A. 448, S. 5.)

      History: 1965 act deleted provision exempting floats from traffic regulations, and added the word "when."

      Sec. 14-25a. Identifying registration certificate and marker for certain construction equipment. (a) Registration under section 14-12 is unnecessary for equipment used on a construction project if: (1) The equipment is operated on that part of a highway closed by the Commissioner of Transportation under title 13a, or closed by any comparable authority of a municipality or public corporation, for the purpose of construction or reconstruction of a public highway, or appurtenances thereto, pursuant to a contract with the state, a municipality or a public corporation, or is operated within the area defined by such a construction contract; (2) an identifying registration certificate and number plate are obtained from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles; and (3) the state does not suffer any loss of revenues granted or to be granted from any agency or department of the federal government. An annual fee of ten dollars shall be charged for the identifying registration certificate and marker. On and after July 1, 1992, the fee shall be twelve dollars.

      (b) Each identifying registration certificate issued under subsection (a) of this section shall be valid for a period of not longer than one year, and shall expire on the last day of April following its issuance.

      (c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall direct how the number plate shall be affixed to the equipment.

      (1967, P.A. 432, S. 1, 2; 1969, P.A. 768, S. 138; P.A. 75-213, S. 6, 53; P.A. 84-254, S. 26, 62; 84-429, S. 13; P.A. 87-329, S. 2.)

      History: 1969 act replaced highway commissioner with commissioner of transportation; P.A. 75-213 raised fee from $5 to $6.50; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 1984, to periodically increase the fee from $6.50 to $13 as of July 1, 1992; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (a), 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.

      Sec. 14-25b. Registration of vehicle as special mobile equipment or special mobile agriculture vehicle. (a) The commissioner may register any vehicle operated upon any public highway as special mobile equipment as defined in subsection (i) of section 14-165 and may issue a special number plate which shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the rear of such vehicle. The commissioner may issue a registration containing any limitation on the operation of any such vehicle which he deems necessary for its safe operation, provided such vehicle's movement on a highway shall be restricted from its place of storage to the construction site or from one construction site to another. No such vehicle shall be operated upon or across any highway during the times when lights are required as specified in section 14-96a unless it displays the lighted lamps required by sections 14-96b and 14-96c. Such vehicle shall not be used for the transportation of passengers or a payload when operating upon a highway, except that while operating on a highway construction project or on a construction project of any kind which requires the crossing of a highway, it may carry passengers or a payload to the extent required by the project. A vehicle registered as special mobile equipment shall be exempt from the equipment requirements specified in sections 14-80 to 14-106, inclusive. The commissioner may require that a vehicle for which an application for special mobile equipment registration is submitted pass an inspection prior to the issuance of such registration and at such times as he deems necessary for the safe operation of such equipment. The commissioner shall charge an annual fee for such registration equal to one-half of the commercial registration fee for a vehicle having the same gross weight.

      (b) The commissioner may register any vehicle operated upon any public highway as a special mobile agriculture vehicle, as defined in section 14-165, and may issue a special number plate which shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the rear of such vehicle. The commissioner may issue a registration containing any limitation on the operation of any such vehicle which he deems necessary for its safe operation, provided such vehicle's operation upon or across a highway shall be restricted as follows: (1) To or from its place of storage, (2) to or from an agriculture location, or (3) from one agriculture location to another. No such vehicle shall be operated upon or across any highway during any time when lights are required pursuant to section 14-96a. Such vehicle shall not be used for the transportation of passengers when operating upon or across a highway. A vehicle registered as a special mobile agriculture vehicle shall be exempt from the equipment requirements set forth in sections 14-80 to 14-106, inclusive, and the provisions of section 14-262. The commissioner may require any vehicle, for which an application for registration as a special mobile agriculture vehicle is submitted, to pass an inspection prior to the issuance of such registration and at such times as he deems necessary for the safe operation of such vehicle. The commissioner shall charge an annual fee of four hundred dollars for the registration of such vehicle.

      (P.A. 83-431, S. 1; P.A. 84-546, S. 39, 173; P.A. 08-150, S. 27.)

      History: P.A. 84-546 made technical changes; P.A. 08-150 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) re registration of special mobile agriculture vehicles, effective June 12, 2008.

      Cited. 41 CS 326.

      Sec. 14-25c. Registration of motor vehicle used as a student transportation vehicle. Distinctive marker plates. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue distinctive registration marker plates to each motor vehicle, except a taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service, that is used as a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212. Each such registration of a student transportation vehicle shall be issued for a period of one year and, subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of section 14-103, may be renewed by the owner, in accordance with schedules established by the commissioner. The fee for such registration or for any renewal thereof shall be determined as follows: (1) In the case of any such motor vehicle designed as a service bus, the fee shall be one-half of the fee prescribed for the registration of a service bus, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (p) of section 14-49, and (2) in the case of any such motor vehicle designed as a passenger motor vehicle, the fee shall be one-half of the fee prescribed for the registration of a passenger motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-49.

      (P.A. 05-218, S. 13.)

      History: P.A. 05-218 effective July 1, 2005.

      Sec. 14-25d. Registration of DUKW or similar amphibious vehicle. Restrictions or prohibitions imposed by traffic authority. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may register a DUKW amphibious vehicle, manufactured by General Motors Corporation during the years 1942 to 1945, inclusive, or similar amphibious vehicle as an antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-20, unless such amphibious vehicle has been modified by the addition of seats to transport passengers for hire, in which case the commissioner may issue to the owner of such amphibious vehicle registration for a motor bus, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section 14-49. No such registration shall be issued until such amphibious vehicle has passed a safety inspection conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

      (b) Any traffic authority, as defined in subdivision (6) of section 14-297, may impose restrictions or prohibitions concerning the use and operation of any such amphibious vehicle registered as a motor bus, on any highway or bridge under its jurisdiction as such traffic authority determines to be necessary for the protection of the passengers of such amphibious vehicle and highway users.

      (P.A. 07-167, S. 39.)

      Sec. 14-26. Motor or service buses, taxicabs, school buses, motor vehicles in livery service and school buses used in part in livery service. (a) Each owner or lessee of a motor bus, service bus, taxicab, school bus or motor vehicle in livery service shall file in the office of the commissioner a special application, containing his name, residence and post-office address and a description of the motor vehicle owned or leased by him, which shall include the name of the maker and such other information as the commissioner may require. The commissioner may register such motor vehicle as a motor bus or as a service bus or as a taxicab or as a school bus or as a motor vehicle in livery service or as a school bus used in part in livery service; but no such registration shall be issued to the owner or lessee of any such motor vehicle unless it is in suitable condition for carrying passengers and is equipped as required by law. The registration number and certificate of registration of each such vehicle shall be special, and such certificate of registration shall contain such information as the commissioner may require. No registration shall be issued to the owner or lessee of a motor bus who has not obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Department of Transportation, in accordance with the provisions of section 13b-80. No registration shall be issued to the owner or lessee of a taxicab who has not obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Department of Transportation in accordance with the provisions of section 13b-97. No such vehicle shall be registered unless the owner thereof has complied with the provisions of section 14-29, and no such vehicle shall be operated upon any highway without first being registered in accordance with the provisions of section 14-49. The commissioner may issue, to an applicant for registration of more than one motor bus, a certificate or certificates of registration containing a general distinguishing number and mark assigned to such applicant upon application to him therefor, which application shall be made in such form and contain such information as the commissioner may determine. Each motor bus included in such registration shall be regarded as registered under and having assigned to it such general distinguishing number and mark. The commissioner may impose upon the issuance and use of each such general registration such conditions, limitations and restrictions as he may determine. Such motor bus owners shall not be required to carry such certificates upon the vehicles registered under the provisions of this section, but shall keep a record of each person operating any motor bus so registered in sufficient detail to promptly identify such person at any specified time, which record shall be subject to the inspection of any officer designated by the commissioner. If any such registrant fails to keep such record or to produce it for inspection as hereinbefore provided, such failure shall be sufficient cause for the commissioner to cancel or suspend such registration. The commissioner may require of such registrant a bond satisfactory to him in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars, conditioned upon compliance with the laws of the state and the regulations of the commissioner concerning the use of such registration, number and mark, or otherwise conditioned as he may direct, which bond shall be forfeited for any violation of the conditions thereof. The commissioner may issue to the holder of any such general motor bus or interstate registration one or more registrations and number plates for motor vehicles in livery service which may be used interchangeably with such motor bus or interstate registration in accordance with such conditions and regulations as he may impose, provided the number of interstate registrations and number plates issued shall not exceed the number of intrastate registrations and number plates authorized by the Department of Transportation.

      (b) The certificate of registration of a motor bus, service bus, taxicab, school bus and motor vehicle in livery service shall, at all times, be carried upon such motor vehicle and shall be subject to examination upon demand by any person authorized by law.

      (c) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall have committed an infraction. Any person who violates any provision of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined, for the first offense, thirty-five dollars and, for each subsequent offense, not less than thirty-five dollars nor more than fifty dollars.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2370; P.A. 75-486, S. 38, 69; 75-577, S. 17, 126; P.A. 77-614, S. 162, 610; P.A. 79-610, S. 5; P.A. 82-223, S. 8; P.A. 83-577, S. 14; P.A. 90-263, S. 3, 74; P.A. 93-341 S. 5, 38; P.A. 95-260, S. 15, 24; 95-325, S. 13, 16.)

      History: P.A. 75-486 replaced public utilities commission with public utilities control authority; P.A. 75-577 replaced provision re $50 fine for violation in Subsec. (c) with statement that violation is an infraction; P.A. 77-614 replaced public utilities control authority with division of public utility control within the department of business regulation, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 79-610 replaced division of public utility control with department of transportation and deleted reference to abolished department of business regulation; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (c) by increasing the fine for a first offense from not more than $3 to $25 and establishing a minimum fine of $25 for a subsequent offense; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (c) to increase the fine for the first offense from $25 to $35 and the minimum fine for a subsequent offense from $25 to $35; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to substitute motor bus, service bus, taxicab and motor vehicle in livery service for public service motor vehicle; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) to include school buses and school buses used in part in livery service in its provisions and amended Subsec. (b) to include school buses, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to allow commissioner to issue to holder of any interstate registration one or more registrations for motor vehicles in livery service which may be used interchangeably with such interstate registration, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 95-325 amended Subsec. (a) to limit the number of interstate registrations and number plates issued, effective July 1, 1995.

      See Sec. 13b-83 re registration of motor bus.

      See Sec. 13b-99 re registration of taxicab.

      See Sec. 13b-106 re registration of motor vehicles in livery service.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      This section interpreted and held valid. 97 C. 239.

      Sec. 14-27. Number plates for public service motor vehicles. (a) Each motor bus shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner, which number plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for motor bus service.

      (b) Each motor bus holding a permit for interstate operation under the provisions of section 13b-89, except those registered under section 14-365, shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner, which number plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for interstate motor bus service.

      (c) Each taxicab shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner, which number plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for taxicab service.

      (d) Each motor vehicle in livery service shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner, which number plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for livery service.

      (e) Each motor vehicle holding a permit for livery service, under sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, which service is for transportation between points within this state and points outside of this state shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner, which plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for interstate livery service.

      (f) Each school bus shall carry number plates furnished by the commissioner and the number plates shall indicate that the school bus is licensed to transport students. Each school bus bearing such number plates shall be used primarily for the transportation of students. Each school bus used in part in livery service shall carry number plates indicating such dual usage.

      (g) Failure to carry number plates as required by this section shall be an infraction.

      (1949 Rev., S. 5708, 5713, 5721, 5727; 1967, P.A. 98; P.A. 75-577, S. 18, 126; P.A. 89-222, S. 4; P.A. 93-341, S. 6, 38; P.A. 97-236, S. 6, 27.)

      History: 1967 act amended Subsec. (b) to add exception for buses registered under Sec. 14-365; P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (e); P.A. 89-222 inserted new Subsec. (e) re motor vehicle number plates for motor vehicles in livery service licensed for interstate service and relettered former Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f); P.A. 93-341 inserted new Subsec. (f) requiring school buses to carry number plates and requiring school buses used in part in livery service to carry number plates indicating such dual usage; moving provision formerly in Subsec. (f) to new Subsec. (g), effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (f) to require school buses bearing such number plates to be used primarily for transportation of students, effective June 24, 1997.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Sec. 14-27a. Number plates for vanpool vehicle. Minimum insurance requirements. Each vanpool vehicle shall carry number plates to be furnished by the commissioner which number plates shall indicate that such vehicle is licensed for vanpool service. The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle for vanpool service until the owner has submitted evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such vehicle is covered by a policy of insurance or bond which shall indemnify the insured against any legal liability for personal injury, the death of any person or property damage, which injury, death or damage may result from or have been caused by the use or operation of the vanpool vehicle described in the contract of insurance or such bond. The amount of such insurance or indemnity bond which each motor vehicle in vanpool service shall carry as insurance or indemnity against claims for property damage and personal injury or death shall be not less than three hundred fifty thousand dollars. Any person or company issuing any such insurance or indemnity bond shall file a certificate with the commissioner in such form as he prescribes. No such insurance or bond shall be subject to nonrenewal or cancellation while the registration is in force unless the commissioner has been given at least twenty days' written notice prior to the effective date of nonrenewal or cancellation. If within such twenty-day period the commissioner is not presented with satisfactory evidence that other insurance or another indemnity bond has been obtained, the registration shall be revoked. Liability under such insurance policy or bond shall continue beyond such twenty-day notification period until such time as the registration for such vanpool vehicle has been surrendered and its plates have been returned to the commissioner, but in no case shall such liability continue for more than ten days after such notification period has expired.

      (P.A. 79-244, S. 2; P.A. 84-175.)

      History: P.A. 84-175 included property damage insurance within the minimum coverage amount of $350,000.

      Sec. 14-28. Passenger motor vehicle plates for livery cars or taxicabs. For a fee of six dollars, the commissioner may furnish to each holder of a livery or taxicab registration an additional passenger motor vehicle number plate or set of number plates in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-21b to be used on such vehicle when not engaged in public service business. On and after July 1, 1992, the fee shall be seven dollars.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2390; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 4; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 2; P.A. 75-213, S. 7, 53; P.A. 80-466, S. 11, 25; P.A. 84-254, S. 27, 62; P.A. 86-388, S. 26, 31; P.A. 87-329, S. 3.)

      History: 1961 act increased fee from $1 to $2; 1969 act raised fee to $3; P.A. 75-213 raised fee to $4; P.A. 80-466 referred to single plate rather than set of plates; P.A. 84-254 increased periodically the existing $4 fee to $8 as of July 1, 1992; P.A. 86-388 included reference to issuance of a set of number plates in accordance with provisions of Sec. 14-21b(a); P.A. 87-329 maintained the fee at the level existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreased the fee effective July 1, 1992, to the level formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988.

      Sec. 14-29. Owners of motor or service buses, taxicabs, school buses, school transportation vehicles and motor vehicles in livery service to furnish insurance or bond. (a) The commissioner shall not register any motor bus, taxicab, school bus, motor vehicle in livery service, student transportation vehicle or service bus and no person may operate or cause to be operated upon any public highway any such motor vehicle until the owner or lessee thereof has procured insurance or a bond satisfactory to the commissioner, which insurance or bond shall indemnify the insured against any legal liability for personal injury, the death of any person or property damage, which injury, death or damage may result from or have been caused by the use or operation of such motor vehicle described in the contract of insurance or such bond. Such insurance or bond shall not be required from (1) a municipality which the commissioner finds has maintained sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal liability for personal injury, death or damage resulting from or caused by the use or operation of a service bus owned or operated by such municipality, or (2) the owner or lessee of such class of motor vehicle who holds a certificate of public necessity and convenience from the Department of Transportation if such owner or lessee has procured from the department a certificate that the department has found that such owner or lessee is of sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal liability for personal injury, death or property damage resulting from or caused by the use or operation of such motor vehicle. The Department of Transportation may issue such certificate upon presentation of evidence of financial responsibility that is satisfactory to it.

      (b) (1) The amount of insurance or of such bond which each such vehicle owner or lessee shall carry as insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death shall be not less than (A) fifty thousand dollars for one person subject to that limit per person; (B) for all persons in any one accident where the carrying capacity is seven passengers or less, one hundred thousand dollars; (C) eight to twelve passengers, inclusive, one hundred fifty thousand dollars; (D) thirteen to twenty passengers, inclusive, two hundred thousand dollars; (E) twenty-one to thirty passengers, inclusive, two hundred fifty thousand dollars; and (F) thirty-one passengers or more, three hundred thousand dollars; and such policy or such bond shall indemnify the insured against legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers or of others to the amount of ten thousand dollars.

      (2) In lieu of the foregoing, a single limit of liability shall be allowed as insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death and legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers or of others for any one accident (A) where the carrying capacity is seven passengers or less, not less than one hundred thousand dollars; (B) eight to twelve passengers, inclusive, not less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars; (C) thirteen to twenty passengers, inclusive, not less than two hundred thousand dollars; (D) twenty-one to thirty passengers, inclusive, not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars; and (E) thirty-one passengers or more, not less than three hundred thousand dollars. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to (i) a municipality which the commissioner has found to have sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal liability for damages as provided in subsection (a) of this section or (ii) the owner or lessees of any such motor vehicle holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Department of Transportation whom the department has found to be of sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal liability for damages as provided in subsection (a).

      (c) Any person or company issuing any such insurance or indemnity bond shall file with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a certificate in such form as he prescribes, and no such insurance or bond shall lapse, expire or be cancelled while the registration is in force until the commissioner has been given at least ten days' written notice of an intention to cancel and until he has accepted other insurance or another indemnity bond and has notified the person or company seeking to cancel such insurance or bond that such other insurance or bond has been accepted or until the registration of such motor vehicle described in such insurance policy or bond has been suspended or cancelled.

      (d) Any person injured in person or property by any such motor vehicle may apply to the commissioner for the name and description of the insurer of the vehicle causing such injury or the name of the surety upon any indemnity bond of any such owner or the name of the holder of a certificate of financial responsibility.

      (e) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

      (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any person, association or corporation operating a motor vehicle in livery service under the provisions of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, shall carry insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death and legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers or of others for any one accident in an amount not less than one million five hundred thousand dollars for vehicles with a seating capacity of fourteen passengers or less and five million dollars for vehicles with a seating capacity of fifteen passengers or more.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2371; 1955, S. 1293d; November, 1955, S. N164; 1971, P.A. 487, S. 1; P.A. 75-486, S. 39, 69; P.A. 77-614, S. 162, 610; P.A. 80-482, S. 32, 348; P.A. 81-90; P.A. 82-460, S. 5; P.A. 85-613, S. 122, 154; P.A. 89-222, S. 5; P.A. 90-263, S. 4, 74; P.A. 93-341, S. 7; P.A. 96-180, S. 39, 166; P.A. 99-181, S. 11; P.A. 06-130, S. 13.)

      History: 1971 act raised insurance or bond minimum from $25,000 to $50,000 for one person and raised insurance for property damage from $5,000 to $10,000; P.A. 75-486 replaced public utilities commission with public utilities control authority; P.A. 77-614 replaced public utilities control authority with division of public utility control within the department of business regulation, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 80-482 gave division departmental status and deleted reference to abolished department of business regulation; P.A. 81-90 amended Subsec. (a), exempting self-insured municipalities from the insurance or bond requirement for operation of public service motor vehicles or service buses; and amended Subsec. (b), allowing a single limit of liability in lieu of the double limit for each public service motor vehicle, and exempting self-insured municipalities from provisions; P.A. 82-460 amended Subsec. (c) to add reference to suspension of registration and to delete requirement that commissioner take number plates of vehicles with suspended or cancelled registrations; P.A. 85-613 made technical changes, substituting references to transportation department for references to department of public utility control in Subsecs. (a) and (b); P.A. 89-222 added new Subsec. (f) re increasing the insurance for motor vehicles in livery service; P.A. 90-263 substituted motor bus, taxicab and motor vehicle in livery service for public service motor vehicle; P.A. 93-341 applied Subsec. (a) provisions to school buses; P.A. 96-180 made technical changes in Subsec. (b) to conform Subdiv., Subpara. and clause designations with customary statutory usage, effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 99-181 amended Subsec. (f) by increasing the required insurance or indemnity from not less than $600,000 to $1,500,000 for vehicles with a seating capacity of fourteen passengers or less and $5,000,000 for vehicles with a seating capacity of fifteen passengers or more; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (a) to add student transportation vehicles and make a technical change, effective June 2, 2006.

      Cited. 9 CA 686.

      Sec. 14-30. Public service motor vehicles registered in another state. Section 14-30 is repealed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2372; 1971, P.A. 612, S. 5.)

      Sec. 14-31. Refund of registration fees for motor vehicles with commercial registration unfit for use. Any person may surrender to the commissioner the registration certificate and the number plates for any motor vehicle with a commercial registration in the name of such person, if such motor vehicle, prior to the expiration of the term of its registration, has become unfit for use, accompanied by a statement under oath attesting to the unfitness of such vehicle, and the commissioner shall thereupon make application to the Comptroller for the refund to such registrant of such portion of the registration fee for such motor vehicle as is applicable to the number of months between the date of such surrender and the date of the expiration of such registration. The Comptroller, upon such application, shall draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of such registrant for the amount of the refund provided for herein. The commissioner shall retain a record of each such application for a refund and of the action of the Comptroller thereon, and shall not reregister such motor vehicle.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2373; P.A. 90-263, S. 5, 74; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 10, 85.)

      History: P.A. 90-263 substituted motor vehicle with a commercial registration for commercial motor vehicle; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 deleted former provision which charged the amount of any refund against funds appropriated to the commissioner and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality, effective July 1, 2001.

      Sec. 14-32. Commercial motor vehicle in interstate business. Section 14-32 is repealed.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2374; 1971, P.A. 612, S. 5.)

      Sec. 14-33. Renewal of registration denied for failure to pay motor vehicle property tax or fines for parking violations. Collection of delinquent property tax by commissioner. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, if any property tax, or any installment thereof, laid by any city, town, borough or other taxing district upon a registered motor vehicle or snowmobile remains unpaid, the tax collector of such city, town, borough or other taxing district shall notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such delinquency in accordance with listings and schedules of dates established by the commissioner and on forms prescribed and furnished by the commissioner, specifying the name and address of the person against whom such tax has been assessed, the date when such tax was due and the registration number, if known to the collector. The commissioner shall not issue registration for such motor vehicle or snowmobile for the next registration period if, according to the commissioner's records, it is then owned by the person against whom such tax has been assessed or by any person to whom such vehicle has not been transferred by bona fide sale. Unless notice has been received by the commissioner under the provisions of section 14-33a, no such registration shall be issued until a receipt evidencing the payment of such tax or certificate of abatement of such tax or other satisfactory evidence that the tax obligation has been legally discharged has been presented to the commissioner; nor shall the commissioner register any other motor vehicle or snowmobile in the name of such person until a receipt evidencing the payment of such tax or a certificate of abatement of such tax or other satisfactory evidence that the tax obligation has been legally discharged has been presented to the commissioner, except that the commissioner may continue to register other vehicles owned by a leasing or rental firm licensed pursuant to section 14-15, if the commissioner is satisfied that arrangements have been made to discharge such tax obligation, and may issue such registration to any private owner of three or more paratransit vehicles in direct proportion to the percentage of total tax due on such vehicles which has been paid and notice of payment on which has been received. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may immediately suspend all motor vehicle or snowmobile registrations issued in the name of any person (1) who has been reported as delinquent and whose registration was renewed through an error or through the production of false evidence that the delinquent tax had been paid, or (2) who has been reported by a tax collector as having paid a property tax on a motor vehicle or snowmobile with a check which was dishonored by a bank and such tax remains unpaid. Any person aggrieved by any action of the commissioner under this section may appeal therefrom in the manner provided in section 14-134. For the purposes of this subsection, "paratransit vehicle" means a motor bus, taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service operated under a certificate of convenience and necessity issued by the Department of Transportation or by a transit district and which is on call or demand or used for the transportation of passengers for hire.

      (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Treasurer and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, may enter into an agreement with the tax collector of any city, town, borough or other taxing district whereby the commissioner shall collect any property tax or any installment thereof on a registered motor vehicle which remains unpaid from any person against whom such tax has been assessed who makes application for registration for such motor vehicle. Each such agreement shall include a procedure for the remission of taxes collected to the city, town, borough or other taxing district, on a regular basis, and may provide that a fee be paid by the city, town, borough or other taxing district to the commissioner to cover any costs associated with the administration of the agreement. In the event an agreement is in effect, the commissioner shall immediately issue a registration for a motor vehicle owned by a person against whom such tax has been assessed upon receipt of payment of such tax and a service fee of two dollars, in addition to the fee prescribed for the renewal of the registration.

      (c) On and after March 1, 1989, any municipality may participate in a program administered by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to facilitate the payment of fines for parking violations. If any such municipality elects to participate in such program, it shall provide for a notice of violation to be served personally upon the operator of a motor vehicle who is present at the time of service. If the operator is not present, the notice shall be served upon the owner of the motor vehicle by affixing notice to said vehicle in a conspicuous place. In the case of any motor vehicle that is leased or rented by the owner, not more than thirty days after the initial notice of a parking violation for which a fine remains unpaid at such time, a second notice of violation shall be mailed to the address of record of the owner leasing or renting the motor vehicle to such operator. No fines or penalties shall accrue to the owner of such rented or leased vehicle for the violation for a period of sixty days after the second notice is mailed. Upon receipt of such notification, the owner of such rented or leased vehicle may notify the municipality as to whom the lessee was at the time of such issuance of the notice of violation, the lessee's address, motor vehicle operator's license number and state of issuance, and the municipality shall issue such notice of violation to such lessee. A participating municipality shall notify the commissioner of every owner of a registered motor vehicle who has unpaid fines for more than five parking violations committed within such municipality on and after March 1, 1989. Upon receipt of such notification, the commissioner shall not issue or renew the motor vehicle registration of such person until he receives notification from such municipality that the delinquent fines have been paid.

      (d) The provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles without drivers in this state with respect to any motor vehicle which is leased or rented. The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of subsection (c) of this section.

      (e) On and after July 1, 2004, each city and town shall make an annual payment to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in an amount determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in order to participate in the program administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Such amount shall be each city or town's proportionate cost of the administration of said program, to be determined as follows: The number obtained by multiplying said program's administrative cost by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the city or town's population and the denominator of which shall be the population of the state. As used in this section, "population" means the number of persons in the city or town according to the most recent estimate made, pursuant to section 19a-2a, by the Department of Public Health. The commissioner shall, on or before July fifteenth, annually, certify to said secretary the commissioner's cost to administer said program. The secretary shall, on or before August first, annually, notify the chief executive officer of each city and town of the amount such city or town is required to pay to the commissioner and such amount shall be payable not later than September first following said notification date. All amounts received by the commissioner pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the General Fund. If a city or town fails to annually pay its proportionate share of said program's administrative cost, the commissioner shall not be required to deny the issuance of a registration, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, to the person against whom such tax has been assessed by said city or town, or by a borough or other taxing district located therein.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2375; 1959, P.A. 455; 1961, P.A. 233, S. 6; 1967, P.A. 48; 448, S. 2; 1969, P.A. 752, S. 15; P.A. 78-348, S. 1, 6; P.A. 79-566; 79-610, S. 9, 20; 79-631, S. 20, 111; P.A. 80-372, S. 2; P.A. 88-346, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-341, S. 8; P.A. 95-260, S. 8, 24; P.A. 96-167, S. 4; P.A. 03-264, S. 5; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-1, S. 102; P.A. 04-126, S. 2; P.A. 07-88, S. 1.)

      History: 1959 act added taxing districts to section; 1961 act authorized commissioner to establish listings and dates for notification rather than date set by statute; 1967 acts removed specifications of tax amount, year and model of vehicle and engine number from form contents and added reference to issuance of registration without receipt of tax payment if notice under provisions of Sec. 14-33a has been received; 1969 act included snowmobiles under provisions of section; P.A. 78-348 allowed commissioner to suspend registrations when registration renewed because of error or false statement that delinquent tax was paid or when check for payment of tax is not honored by bank; P.A. 79-566 included provisions re paratransit vehicles; P.A. 79-610 and 80-372 authorized substitution of department of transportation for division of public utility control in provision re paratransit vehicles; P.A. 79-631 made technical change; P.A. 88-346 added Subsec. (b) re establishment of a voluntary program to facilitate payment of fines for parking violations, requiring denial of registration for failure to pay such fines; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) by adding a provision that the commissioner may "continue to register other vehicles owned by a leasing or rental firm licensed pursuant to section 14-15, if he is satisfied that arrangements have been made to discharge" outstanding tax obligations; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (b) to allow any municipality, regardless of size of population, to participate in the voluntary program to facilitate payment of fines for parking violations; P.A. 96-167 inserted new Subsec. (b) authorizing commissioner to enter into agreement with tax collector whereby commissioner shall collect delinquent motor vehicle property tax and immediately issue registration upon receipt of payment of such tax and relettered former Subsec. (b) as (c); P.A. 03-264 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), divided provisions of Subsec. (c) into Subsecs. (c) and (d), added provisions in Subsec. (c) re notice of violation and period during which penalties will not accrue for violation, and made technical changes in Subsec. (d); June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-1 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for a fee to be paid by municipalities upon notice to commissioner of delinquent tax due and to make technical changes, effective August 16, 2003; P.A. 04-126 amended Subsec. (a) to delete fee for the reporting of delinquent property taxes to the commissioner and to make a conforming change, and added Subsec. (e) requiring municipalities to pay the costs of the delinquent tax reporting program, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 07-88 amended Subsec. (c) by adding provision re notification to municipality by owner of rented or leased vehicle providing information re the lessee of such vehicle at the time of issuance of the notice of violation, and issuance of notice of violation to lessee, effective July 1, 2007.

      See Sec. 14-379 for definitions applicable to snowmobiles.

      Sec. 14-33a. Notice to commissioner of tax payment. When a taxpayer who was reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as delinquent in taxes by a tax collector in accordance with section 14-33 is no longer delinquent, the tax collector shall immediately notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, on forms prescribed and furnished by him, specifying the name, address and registration number to be removed from the motor vehicle delinquent tax list.

      (1967, P.A. 448, S. 1.)

      Sec. 14-34. Reciprocity of registration. (a) A motor vehicle owned by a nonresident and registered for the current year in the state or district of which the owner is a resident may be operated upon the highways of this state without registration under this chapter to the extent, as to period of operation and otherwise, that the state or district of registration grants substantially similar privileges in the case of motor vehicles owned by residents of this state and registered under its laws. The commissioner shall determine whether privileges granted by such states or districts are substantially similar to those granted by this state, which determination shall be final, and may enter into reciprocal agreements with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or other like authority of any other state in accordance with which motor vehicles may be operated in this state and such other state. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit, amend, repeal or affect any of the powers and jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation or the provisions of sections 14-39, 13b-410a and 13b-410b.

      (b) The commissioner shall adopt such regulations in accordance with chapter 54 as he deems necessary to carry out the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

      (1949 Rev., S. 2376; 1971, P.A. 612, S. 2; P.A. 75-486, S. 40, 69; P.A. 77-614, S. 162, 610; P.A. 80-63; 80-482, S. 33, 348; P.A. 81-394, S. 4; P.A. 85-148, S. 1; P.A. 90-263, S. 6, 74; P.A. 93-307, S. 24, 34.)

      History: 1971 act added Subsec. (b) re regulation of public service motor vehicles and included reference to public service motor vehicles in previous provisions, now Subsec. (a); P.A. 75-486 replaced public utilities commission with public utilities control authority; P.A. 77-614 replaced authority with division of public utility control within the department of business regulation, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 80-63 included motor vehicles used exclusively for farming purposes in Subsec. (a) and substituted "commissioner of motor vehicles" for "motor vehicle commissioner"; P.A. 80-482 gave division of public utility control department status and deleted reference to abolished department of business regulation; P.A. 81-394 included "high-mileage vehicle" in the reciprocity of registration provisions; P.A. 85-148 deleted language in Subsec. (b) forbidding construction of section to allow public service motor vehicles registered elsewhere to conduct intrastate business and amended Subsec. (a) to specifically allow such vehicles to be used in intrastate commerce; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to passenger motor vehicle, high-mileage vehicle, public service motor vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes, trailer and semitrailer, and amended Subsec. (b) to delete all references to public service motor vehicles and provision concerning the jurisdiction of the department of public utility control and to require that regulations be adopted in accordance with chapter 54; P.A. 93-307 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting reference to Secs. 13b-410a and 13b-410b for reference to Sec. 13b-405 which was repealed by the same act, effective June 29, 1993.

      Sec. 14-34a. Reciprocal agreements apportioning the registration of commercial vehicles. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements or plans on behalf of the state of Connecticut with the appropriate authorities of any of the states of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any state or province of any country providing for the registration of commercial vehicles on an apportionment or allocation basis, and may, in the exercise of this authority, enter into and become a member of the International Registration Plan developed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Any such reciprocal agreement or plan may provide for but shall not be limited to the following: (1) Full reciprocity in accordance with such agreement or plan for commercial vehicles not based in Connecticut, operated solely in interstate commerce and of specified types or gross or unladen weights, in exchange for equivalent reciprocity for Connecticut based commercial vehicles; (2) reciprocal exchange of audits of records of the owners of such commercial vehicles by the states participating in any such agreement or plan; (3) any other matters which would facilitate the administration of such agreement or plan, including exchange of information for audits, enforcement activities and collection and disbursement of proportional registration fees for other jurisdictions in the case of Connecticut based commercial vehicles.

      (b) Any reciprocity agreement, arrangement or declaration relating to commercial vehicles in effect between this state and any jurisdiction not a party to such reciprocal agreement or plan, or which relates to any matters not covered in such reciprocal agreement or plan shall continue in force and effect until specifically amended or revoked as provided by law.

      (c) Notwithstanding any such agreement or plan, (1) any such commercial vehicle garaged at any fixed location or which leaves from and returns to one or more points within this state in the normal course of operations, shall be taxable in this state as personal property in the town where such vehicle is garaged; (2) registration shall be denied any such vehicle if any personal property taxes are unpaid with respect to such vehicle, as provided in section 14-33; (3) any such vehicle based in this state shall be subject to the provisions of sections 14-12, 14-15, 14-15a, 14-16a and chapter 247.

      (d) At such time as the state of Connecticut may enter into and become a member of the International Registration Plan pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the provisions of said plan, as it may be amended from time to time, which are concerned with the registration of any vehicle or the fees which relate to any such registration shall control whenever any special act or any provision of the general statutes, except subsection (c) of this section, conflicts with any provision of said plan. A copy of the plan, as it may be amended from time to time, shall be maintained on file by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles at the main office of the department, and shall be available for public inspection.

      (e) Any commercial vehicle registered in any other jurisdiction eligible for registration on an apportionment basis shall not be operated on any highway without such registration or a seventy-two-hour trip permit registration issued by the commissioner. Any person who owns any motor vehicle operated in violation of this subsection shall be fined five hundred dollars for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense, not less than one thousand dollars nor more than two thousand dollars, except if the motor vehicle has a gross weight of more than sixty thousand pounds, such owner shall be fined one thousand dollars for the first offense, and for each subsequent offense, not less than two thousand dollars nor more than four thousand dollars.

      (P.A. 76-107, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-222; P.A. 96-167, S. 5; P.A. 08-150, S. 6.)

      History: P.A. 78-222 added Subsec. (d) re effect of International Registration Plan on fees; P.A. 96-167 added Subsec. (e) re registration requirements for commercial vehicles registered in any other jurisdiction and eligible for registration on apportionment basis; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (d) to add reference to the plan "as it may be amended from time to time" and require a copy of the plan to be maintained on file by commissioner at the main office of department and be available for public inspection.

      See Sec. 20-427a re commissioner's duty to deny registration for commercial motor vehicle of contractor who is in violation of Sec. 20-420 or 20-432.

      Sec. 14-35. Transporter's registration. (a) Any person who in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified may apply for a transporter's registration and number plate. The applicant shall furnish such information as the commissioner requires on forms to be furnished by the commissioner. All transporter registrations issued pursuant to this section shall expire annually on the last day of March. Not later than January 1, 1989, the commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 specifically identifying (1) the types of vehicles which may be registered under a transporter's number plate and (2) limitations on the use of such plate, including the purposes for which such plate may be used.

      (b) The applicant shall, instead of registering each motor vehicle owned by such applicant or temporarily in the applicant's custody, have issued to such applicant by the commissioner a general distinguishing number. 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 the distinguishing number. The commissioner shall charge a fee at the rate of two hundred fifty dollars per annum for each general distinguishing number.

      (c) A registrant shall furnish proof of financial responsibility to the commissioner as provided by section 14-112.

      (d) Except as provided in this subsection, no registrant shall rent or allow or cause to be rented, operate or allow or cause to be operated for hire, use or cause to be used for the purpose of conveying passengers, merchandise or freight for hire, or operate as a commercial vehicle with a load, any motor vehicle registered under a transporter number plate. The number plate shall not be loaned to any person and shall not be used by its holder for personal purposes. The registrant who holds a transporter number plate may operate, or cause to be operated by a bona fide employee, motor vehicles for the purpose of transportation or repossession of motor vehicles owned by him or temporarily in his custody. Such number plate may be used for the movement on a contract or other basis of a storage or office trailer, house trailer, modular building or similar, nonpower trailing unit having unitized construction and to which a removable axle assembly is attached. Any dealer in boats may use, or allow or cause to be used, any trailer so registered for the purpose of transporting a boat or boats, together with any necessary equipment, between a demonstration site and his established place of business.

      (e) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (d) of this section shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.

      (1955, S. 1294d; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 5; 1967, P.A. 97; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 3; P.A. 74-26, S. 2; P.A. 75-213, S. 8, 53; 75-577, S. 19, 126; P.A. 84-254, S. 28, 63; 84-429, S. 14; P.A. 86-383, S. 4, 6; P.A. 87-43, S. 2, 4; 87-329, S. 4; P.A. 88-50, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-263, S. 60, 74; P.A. 02-70, S. 20, 67; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4, S. 29.)

      History: 1961 act increased fees in Subsec. (b) from $10 and $20, respectively; 1967 act amended Subsec. (c) to allow use of dealers' trailers to transport boats between demonstration site and dealership; 1969 act increased fees for plates on passenger vehicles and house trailers from $13 to $25 and for plates on commercial motor vehicles from $25 to $50 in Subsec. (b); P.A. 74-26 replaced "plates" with "plate"; P.A. 75-213 increased plate fee for passenger vehicles and house trailer to $33 and for commercial vehicles to $65 in Subsec. (b); P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (b) to increase the fees for registration and plates, scheduling the increases to take effect as of July 1 of 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1992, and to insert Subdiv. indicators; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 86-383 amended Subsec. (a) to restrict applicants for a transporter's registration to persons owning a motor vehicle that may not otherwise be registered; P.A. 87-43 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize persons who in the opinion of the commissioner are qualified to apply for a transporter's registration and to require all such registrations to expire on March 31, 1988; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (b), maintaining the fees at the levels existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreasing the fees effective July 1, 1992, to the levels formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988; P.A. 88-50 amended Subsec. (a) to require the expiration of registrations annually on the last day of March in lieu of March 31, 1988, and the adoption of regulations, and amended Subsec. (e) to require a fine of a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $500 for violation of Subsec. (d) in lieu of infraction penalty; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (b)(3) to substitute "trucks or other motor vehicles with a commercial registration" for "commercial motor vehicles"; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b) to make technical changes, to eliminate the issuance of two classes of transporter registrations with accompanying fees and to require commissioner to charge a fee of $114 per annum for each general distinguishing number, effective July 1, 2002, and amended Subsec. (d) to insert an exception with respect to provisions of subsection, to substitute "transporter" for "transportation" number plate, to make a technical change and to permit the use of transporter number plates to move a storage or office trailer, house trailer, modular building or similar, nonpower trailing unit with unitized construction and to which a removable axle assembly is attached, effective June 3, 2002; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4 amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for transporter's general distinguishing number from $114 to $250, effective January 1, 2004.

      See chapter 881b re infractions of the law.

      Sec. 14-35a. Restrictions on owner of motor vehicle with suspended registration. In any case where the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is authorized or required by any section of this title to suspend the registration of a motor vehicle, the commissioner may, for the period that is specified for such suspension, suspend the privilege of the owner to transfer such suspended registration, to register any other motor vehicle or, in the case of a nonresident, to operate any motor vehicle on the highways of this state.

      (P.A. 04-217, S. 21.)

      History: P.A. 04-217 effective July 1, 2004.

(B)

OPERATORS' LICENSES

      Sec. 14-36. Motor vehicle operator's license. Learner's permit. Limited license. Requirements. Driving history record check. Penalty. Regulations. (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 subsection (a) of section 14-218a until such person has obtained a motor vehicle operator's license.

      (b) Instruction of persons eighteen years of age or older. Out-of-state license holders. Minimum age. (1) A person eighteen years of age or older may operate a motor vehicle without a motor vehicle operator's license if (A) such person has not had a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license suspended or revoked, and (B) such person 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. (2) A person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license may operate a motor vehicle for a period of thirty 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) Learner's permit. (1) On or after January 1, 1997, 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 of Motor Vehicles for a learner's permit. The commissioner may issue a learner's permit to an applicant after the applicant has passed a vision screening and test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, has paid the fee required by subsection (v) of section 14-49 and has filed a certificate, in such form as the commissioner prescribes, requesting or consenting to the issuance of the learner's permit and the motor vehicle operator's license, signed by (A) one or both parents or foster parents of the applicant, as the commissioner requires, (B) the legal guardian of the applicant, (C) the applicant's spouse, if the spouse is eighteen years of age or older, or (D) if the applicant has no qualified spouse and such applicant's parent or foster parent or legal guardian is deceased, incapable, domiciled without the state or otherwise unavailable or unable to sign or file the certificate, the applicant's stepparent, 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 learner's permit, subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may prescribe in regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54. Each learner's permit shall expire on the date the holder of the permit is issued a motor vehicle operator's license or on the date the holder attains the age of eighteen years, whichever is earlier. (2) The learner's 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 learner's 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 en route to or from the location of the ambulance for purposes of responding to an emergency call. (5) The commissioner may revoke any learner's permit used in violation of the limitations imposed by subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection.

      (d) Operator's license application requirements for sixteen and seventeen-year olds. (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 learner's permit and has satisfied the requirements specified in this subsection. The applicant shall (A) present to the commissioner a certificate of the successful completion (i) in a public secondary school, a state vocational 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 twenty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for applicants to whom a learner's permit is issued before August 1, 2008; and not less than forty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for applicants to whom a learner's permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008; (B) present to the commissioner a certificate of the successful completion of 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 (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 learner's 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 learner's permit for not less than one hundred twenty days and an applicant who is undergoing training and instruction by the handicapped driver training unit 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 of Motor Vehicles shall approve the content of the safe driving instruction at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools. 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) of this subdivision shall not exceed an amount prescribed by the commissioner by regulation, adopted in accordance with chapter 54. 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 course required in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, shall complete the safe driving course, and any fee charged for the course shall not exceed an amount prescribed by the commissioner by regulation, adopted in accordance with chapter 54. The commissioner may waive any requirement in this subdivision, except for that in 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 signed by the spouse of a married minor applicant, or by a parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian of an applicant which states that the applicant has obtained a learner's 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 or, if the applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent or guardian so qualified and available to give the instruction, a statement signed by the applicant's stepp