Chapter 246 - Motor Vehicles

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) an ambulance;

(6) “Autocycle” means a motor vehicle that meets the requirements of a motorcycle under 49 CFR Part 571, and (A) does not have more than three wheels in contact with the ground, (B) is designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and foot pedals for acceleration, braking or shifting, (C) has a seat or seats that are fully or partially enclosed and in which the occupants sit with their legs forward, and (D) is equipped with safety belts, in accordance with section 14-100a, for all occupants;

(7) “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;

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

(9) “Camp trailer” includes any trailer designed for living or sleeping purposes and used exclusively for camping or recreational purposes;

(10) “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;

(11) “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;

(12) “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;

(13) “Class 1 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that engages only when the rider operates the electric bicycle's foot pedals, and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour;

(14) “Class 2 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle, and disengages when the brakes are applied or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour;

(15) “Class 3 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that engages only when the rider operates the electric bicycle's foot pedals, and disengages when the rider stops pedaling or such electric bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour;

(16) “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;

(17) “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;

(18) “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;

(19) “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;

(20) “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;

(21) “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;

(22) “Commercial trailer registration” means the type of registration issued to any commercial trailer;

(23) “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;

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

(25) “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;

(26) “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;

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

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

(29) “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;

(30) “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;

(31) “Electric bicycle” means a bicycle equipped with operable foot pedals and an electric motor of fewer than seven hundred fifty watts of power that is either a class 1, class 2 or class 3 bicycle. “Electric bicycle” does not include a dirt bike or an all-terrain vehicle;

(32) “Electric foot scooter” means a device (A) that weighs not more than seventy-five pounds, (B) that has two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, (C) that is powered by an electric motor and human power, and (D) whose maximum speed, with or without human propulsion on a paved level surface, is not more than twenty miles per hour;

(33) “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;

(34) “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;

(35) “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;

(36) “Felony” means any offense, as defined in section 53a-25 and includes any offense designated as a felony under federal law;

(37) “Fatality” means the death of a person as a result of a motor vehicle accident;

(38) Foreign jurisdiction” means any jurisdiction other than a state of the United States;

(39) “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” does 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;

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

(41) “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;

(42) “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;

(43) “Hazardous materials” has the same meaning as provided in 49 CFR 383.5;

(44) “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;

(45) “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;

(46) “Highway” includes any state or other public highway, road, street, avenue, alley, driveway, parkway, place or dedicated roadway for bus rapid transit service, under the control of the state or any political subdivision of the state, dedicated, appropriated or opened to public travel or other use;

(47) “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;

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

(49) “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;

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

(51) “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;

(52) “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;

(53) “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;

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

(55) “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;

(56) “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;

(57) “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;

(58) “Motor-driven cycle” means any of the following vehicles that have a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a motor having a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement: (A) A motorcycle, other than an autocycle; (B) a motor scooter; or (C) a bicycle with attached motor, except an electric bicycle;

(59) “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 persons with physical disabilities 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, motor-driven cycles, as defined in section 14-286, special mobile equipment, as defined in section 14-165, mini-motorcycles, as defined in section 14-289j, electric bicycles, electric foot scooters and any other vehicle not suitable for operation on a highway;

(60) “Motorcycle” means (A) an autocycle, as defined in this section, or (B) a motor vehicle, with or without a side car, that has (i) not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, (ii) a saddle or seat which the rider straddles or a platform on which the rider stands, and (iii) handlebars with which the rider controls the movement of the vehicle. “Motorcycle” does not include a motor-driven cycle, an electric bicycle or an electric foot scooter;

(61) “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;

(62) “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;

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

(64) “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;

(65) “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;

(66) “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;

(67) “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;

(68) “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;

(69) “Out-of-service order” means an order (A) issued by a person having inspection authority, as defined in regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 14-163c, or by an authorized official of the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit any motor vehicle specified in subsection (a) of section 14-163c from being operated on any highway, or to prohibit a driver from operating any such motor vehicle, or (B) issued by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit any motor carrier, as defined in Section 386.2 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, from engaging in commercial motor vehicle operations;

(70) “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;

(71) “Parked vehicle” means a motor vehicle in a stationary position within the limits of a public highway;

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

(73) “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;

(74) “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;

(75) “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;

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

(77) “Pneumatic tires” means tires inflated or inflatable with air;

(78) “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;

(79) “Public passenger endorsement” means an endorsement issued to an individual, which authorizes such individual to transport passengers, including, but not limited to, passengers who are students in accordance with subsection (b) or (c) of section 14-36a;

(80) “Recreational vehicle” includes the camper, camp trailer and motor home classes of vehicles;

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

(82) “Registration number” means the identifying number or letters, or both, assigned by the commissioner to a motor vehicle;

(83) “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;

(84) “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;

(85) “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, 14-224, 14-227a or 14-227m, “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;

(86) “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;

(87) “Serious traffic violation” means a conviction of any of the following offenses: (A) Excessive speeding, involving a single offense in which the speed is fifteen miles per hour or more above 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) using a hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device or typing, reading or sending text or a text message with or from a mobile telephone or mobile electronic device in violation of subsection (e) of section 14-296aa while operating a commercial motor vehicle; (F) driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-36a or 14-44a; (G) failure to carry a commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-44a; (H) failure to have the proper class of license or endorsement, or violation of a license restriction in violation of section 14-44a; or (I) a violation of any provision of chapter 248, by an operator who holds a commercial driver's license or instruction permit that results in the death of another person;

(88) “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;

(89) “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;

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

(91) “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;

(92) “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;

(93) “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;

(94) “Stop” means complete cessation of movement;

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

(96) “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;

(97) “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 includes, but is not limited to, a cargo tank and portable tank, as defined in 49 CFR 383.5, as amended, provided it does not include a portable tank with a rated capacity not to exceed one thousand gallons;

(98) “Tractor” or “truck tractor” means a motor vehicle designed and used for drawing a semitrailer;

(99) “Tractor-trailer unit” means a combination of a tractor and a trailer or a combination of a tractor and a semitrailer;

(100) “Trailer” means any rubber-tired vehicle without motive power drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle;

(101) “Truck” means a motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property;

(102) “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;

(103) “United States” means the fifty states and the District of Columbia;

(104) “Used motor vehicle” includes any motor vehicle which has been previously separately registered by an ultimate consumer;

(105) “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;

(106) “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;

(107) “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;

(108) “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;

(109) “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; P.A. 09-187, S. 34, 41, 49, 54; P.A. 10-32, S. 46; 10-110, S. 37; P.A. 11-213, S. 51, 52, 61; P.A. 12-81, S. 26; P.A. 13-271, S. 3–5; 13-277, S. 8; P.A. 14-130, S. 2; P.A. 15-46, S. 1; P.A. 16-55, S. 13; 16-126, S. 6; P.A. 17-202, S. 42; P.A. 18-165, S. 3; P.A. 19-119, S. 21; 19-162, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 35.)

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” 10 passengers and used to transport students under 21 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 5 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 8 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; P.A. 09-187 amended Subdiv. (53) to replace “bicycles with helper motors” with “motor-driven cycles” in definition of “motor vehicle”, Subdiv. (63) to redefine “out-of-service order”, Subdiv. (80)(A) to replace “Speeding in excess of fifteen miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit” with “Excessive speeding, involving a single offense in which the speed is fifteen miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit” in definition of “serious traffic violation”, and Subdiv. (98) to delete “with a manufacturer's GVWR of ten thousand pounds or less” in definition of “utility trailer”; P.A. 10-32 made a technical change in Subdiv. (53), effective May 10, 2010; P.A. 10-110 deleted former Subdiv. (1) re definition of “activity vehicle” and redesignated existing Subdivs. (2) to (102) as Subdivs. (1) to (101), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 changed effective date of P.A. 10-110, S. 37, from July 1, 2011, to July 1, 2012, and redefined “serious traffic violation” in Subdiv. (79) of section as amended by P.A. 10-110, effective July 1, 2011, and redefined “serious traffic violation” in Subdiv. (80) of present section, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 12-81 added new Subdiv. (1) restoring definition of “activity vehicle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (1) to (101) as Subdivs. (2) to (102) and made a technical change in Subdiv. (62), effective July 1, 2012 (Revisor's note: In Subdiv. (53), a reference to “subsection (i) of section 14-165” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “section 14-165” to conform with a change made to the prior version of section by P.A. 10-32, S. 46); P.A. 13-271 amended Subdiv. (52) to redefine “motor-driven cycle” by replacing reference to motor horsepower with reference to motor capacity, amended Subdiv. (63) to redefine “out-of-service order” by replacing provision re orders issued by police or motor vehicle inspector with provision re orders issued by persons having inspection authority, replacing reference to commercial motor vehicle with reference to motor vehicle specified in Sec. 14-163c(a) and making technical changes, and amended Subdiv. (80) to redefine “serious traffic violation” by adding provision re use of hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device in Subpara. (E) and replacing “while operating a commercial motor vehicle” with “by an operator who holds a commercial driver's license or instruction permit” in Subpara. (I), effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 13-277 amended Subdiv. (40) to redefine “highway” by adding reference to dedicated roadway for bus rapid transit service, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 added Subdiv. (103) defining “public passenger endorsement”, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 15-46 added new Subdiv. (6) defining “autocycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (6) to (103) as Subdivs. (7) to (104), amended redesignated Subdiv. (53) to redefine “motor-driven cycle”, and amended redesignated Subdiv. (55) to redefine “motorcycle”, effective July 1, 2015; P.A. 16-55 redesignated existing Subdiv. (104) re public passenger endorsement as Subdiv. (74) and redesignated existing Subdivs. (74) to (103) as Subdivs. (75) to (104), effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 16-126 amended Subdiv. (79) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-227a(a) with reference to Sec. 14-227a and by adding reference to Sec. 14-227m; P.A. 17-202 amended Subdiv. (54) to replace “physically handicapped persons” with “persons with physical disabilities”; P.A. 18-165 added “sections 14-289k and 14-289l and this section” to introductory language, added new Subdiv. (13) defining “class 1 electric bicycle”, new Subdiv. (14) defining “class 2 electric bicycle” and new Subdiv. (15) defining “class 3 electric bicycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (13) to (27) as Subdivs. (16) to (30), added new Subdiv. (31) defining “electric bicycle”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (28) to (104) as (32) to (108), amended redesignated Subdiv. (57) redefining “motor-driven cycle”, redesignated Subdiv. (58) redefining “motor vehicle” and redesignated Subdiv. (59) redefining “motorcycle”, and made a conforming change; P.A. 19-119 amended Subdiv. (27) to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2019; P.A. 19-162 deleted “, sections 14-289k and 14-289l and this section” in introductory language, added new Subdiv. (32) defining “electric foot scooter”, redesignated existing Subdivs. (32) to (108) as Subdivs. (33) to (109), amended redesignated Subdiv. (39) to replace “shall not include” with “does not include”, amended redesignated Subdiv. (59) to add reference to electric foot scooters, amended redesignated Subdiv. (60) to add reference to electric foot scooter and made technical changes; P.A. 21-106 amended Subdiv. (5)(C) to replace reference to public service company or municipal department ambulance or emergency vehicle authorized by commissioner with reference to ambulance, effective June 30, 2021.

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PART II

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

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, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Revenue Services, Economic and Community Development and Energy 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) After 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; P.A. 10-110, S. 42; P.A. 21-106, S. 3.)

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; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (c)(1) to replace “Prior to” with “After” re commencement of regular session, effective June 5, 2010; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to replace “Public Safety” with “Emergency Services and Public Protection” and change “Environmental Protection” to “Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-11e. Annual report re appointments scheduled and transactions available and conducted on department's Internet web site. On or before February 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation. Such annual report shall include the following information from the preceding year: (1) The average number of days between the date a person scheduled an appointment on the Internet web site of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the date of the scheduled appointment, (2) a list of the transactions that were available to be conducted by scheduling an appointment on the department's Internet web site, (3) a list of the transactions that were available to be conducted on the department's Internet web site, (4) the number of transactions conducted on the department's Internet web site, and (5) a summary of the department's efforts to increase the types of transactions available to be conducted on the department's Internet web site.

(P.A. 16-55, S. 23; P.A. 21-106, S. 48.)

History: P.A. 16-55 effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to delete Subsec. designator, replace reference to January 15, 2017 with reference to February 1, 2022, replace “Department” with “Commissioner” and “the Department of Motor Vehicles” with “transportation”, replace former Subdivs. (1) to (3) re goals included in annual report with new Subdivs. (1) to (5) re information re appointments scheduled and transactions available and conducted on department's Internet web site included in annual report, and delete provision re hearing, and delete former Subsec. (b) re monthly reports, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-11i. *(See end of section for amended version and effective date.) 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.)

*Note: On and after July 1, 2022, this section, as amended by section 440 of public act 21-2 of the June special session, is to read as follows:

“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 shall charge each payor a service fee for any payment made by means of a 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, except that the commissioner shall determine the rate or amount of the service fee for any such credit card in accordance with subsection (c) of section 1-1j. Such service fee may be waived by the commissioner for a category of fee if such waiver has been approved by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management pursuant to subsection (b) of section 1-1j. If any charge with respect to payment of a fee by means of a 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; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2, S. 440.)

History: P.A. 97-236 effective June 24, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2 amended section to add provision re charging a service fee, add provision re rate or amount of service fee and waiver approval, and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 14-11j. Blue envelopes for persons with autism spectrum disorder. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and at least one organization that advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder, shall design and make available blue envelopes that (1) provide written information and guidance on the outside of the envelopes regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder, and (2) are capable of holding a person's motor vehicle operator's license, registration and insurance identification card. On and after January 1, 2020, upon request by a person with autism spectrum disorder or, if such person is a minor, such person's parent or guardian, the commissioner shall provide a blue envelope designed pursuant to this section to such person, parent or guardian.

(P.A. 19-161, S. 39; P.A. 21-40, S. 14.)

History: P.A. 19-161 effective July 12, 2019; P.A. 21-40 made a technical change.

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Sec. 14-11k. Waiver of fee for license or identity card renewal or duplication for veterans at certain event. (a) As used in this section, “veteran” means a veteran, as defined in section 14-36h, who has verification from the Department of Veteran Affairs that such person or member is a veteran.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1-1h, subsection (a) of section 14-41 and subsection (a) of section 14-50a concerning fees, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may waive the fee for a motor vehicle operator's license or an identity card renewal or duplication for any applicant who is a veteran while attending a one-day event that offers services, supplies or assistance to veterans and is hosted by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

(P.A. 21-106, S. 50.)

History: P.A. 21-106 effective June 30, 2021.

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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. Regulations. Temporary registration. Number of registered electric vehicles. (a) No motor vehicle shall be operated, towed or parked 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 number plates 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 ninety 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 such person (A) registers a motor vehicle he or she does not own, or (B) operates, allows the operation of, parks or allows the parking of an unregistered motor vehicle on any highway, or (2) a resident of this state who operates or parks a motor vehicle such resident owns with number plates issued by another state on any highway shall be fined two hundred fifty dollars, except that the fine shall be suspended for a first time violator who presents proof of registration for the motor vehicle subsequent to the violation but prior to the imposition of a fine. If the owner of a motor vehicle previously registered with the commissioner, the registration of which expired not more than thirty days previously, operates, allows the operation of, parks or allows that parking of such a motor vehicle, such owner shall be fined the amount designated for the infraction of failure to renew a registration, but the right to retain his or her operator's license shall not be affected. No operator other than the owner shall be subject to penalty for the operation or parking 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 submit to the commissioner an application signed by such owner and containing such information and proof of ownership as the commissioner may require. The application shall be made in such form and contain such provisions and information as the commissioner may determine.

(c) (1) 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 (A) issue new registrations for passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, campers, camp trailers, commercial trailers, service buses, school buses, trucks or other vehicle types as determined by the commissioner, and (B) renew such registrations for such vehicle types. A person registering or renewing the registration of a motor vehicle or other vehicle type as determined by the commissioner from a dealer so appointed shall file an application with the dealer and pay, to the dealer, the registration fee in accordance with the provisions of section 14-49 and any other applicable fees. The commissioner may authorize such dealer to retain a service fee paid by the person registering or renewing the registration of a motor vehicle under this subsection. The commissioner shall establish the maximum service fee that such dealer may charge and prescribe the time and manner in which the application and fees, other than the service fee, shall be transmitted to the commissioner.

(2) The commissioner shall permit a licensed dealer appointed pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection to electronically register a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty-six thousand pounds and is used or operated in intrastate commerce. Such dealer shall pay all applicable registration and title fees for each such registration.

(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 the commissioner determines that the characteristics of the motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles make it unsafe for highway operation. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection and the provisions of subsection (h) of this section.

(2) The commissioner shall not register a motor vehicle if the commissioner 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 the commissioner's 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 that exceeds the limits specified in section 14-267a.

(5) 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 or any city, town, borough or other taxing district authorized under subsection (f) of section 14-33 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 period of 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 the commissioner 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.

(l) Not later than January 1, 2018, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall record the number of electric vehicles, as defined in section 16-19eee, registered in the state. This data shall be publicly available on the department's Internet web site and shall include (1) the number of electric vehicles registered in the state each year, and (2) the total number of electric vehicles registered in the state. The department shall update this information every six months.

(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; P.A. 09-187, S. 12; P.A. 11-6, S. 112; 11-48, S. 25; 11-213, S. 6; P.A. 12-81, S. 1; P.A. 16-135, S. 2; P.A. 17-79, S. 22, 24; P.A. 19-165, S. 12; P.A. 21-106, S. 30.)

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”; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (f)(1) to authorize adoption of regulations for purposes of Subsecs. (f) and (h), effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (a) to make technical changes and, in Subdiv. (2), to increase fine from not less than $150 or more than $300 to $1,000, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (i) by adding provision re issuance of temporary registration by authorized city, town, borough or other taxing district, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (c) to include issuance of registration for commercial trailers, service buses and school buses, require vehicles to be sold by licensed dealer, delete gross vehicle weight limit of 26,000 pounds and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (c) to authorize licensed dealers to issue new registrations for “other vehicle types as determined by the commissioner” and make conforming changes, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 16-135 added Subsec. (l) re number of registered electric vehicles, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re parked motor vehicles, designate existing provisions re infraction as Subparas. (A) and (B) in Subdiv. (1), and make technical and conforming changes; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c) to make a technical change; P.A. 19-165 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “on an annual or biennial basis” with “with the commissioner”, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to replace 60 days with 90 days re period following establishment of residency, to decrease fine from $1,000 to $250, and to add provision re suspension of fine for first time violator in Subdiv. (2), amended Subsec. (c) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amended same to add Subpara. (A) designator and delete provision re $10 fee, to add Subpara. (B) re renewal of registrations, to add provision re service fee, and to add Subdiv. (2) re electronic registration of motor vehicle with gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 26,000 pounds, amended Subsec. (f)(5) to delete “On or after October 1, 1984, no” and made technical and conforming changes.

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Sec. 14-15d. Electronic issuance of registration or certificate of title. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any person, firm or corporation, who in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified and who is engaged in the business of filing applications for the issuance of a certificate of registration or a certificate of title for motor vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles, to file such applications electronically if the commissioner determines that such person, firm or corporation files, on average, seven or more such applications each month. A qualified person, firm or corporation shall, not later than ten days after the electronic issuance of such registration, submit to the commissioner an application together with all necessary documents required to register the vehicle with the department. Any such person, firm or corporation that fails or refuses to file such application electronically upon the request of the commissioner shall pay a twenty-five-dollar fee to the commissioner for each application submitted. The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 16-55, S. 12; P.A. 18-164, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 16-55 effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 18-164 increased period of time to submit registration application to commissioner from 5 days to 10 days, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 21-106 added provision re $25 fee for failure or refusal to electronically file application and made a technical change, effective July 1, 2021.

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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 that 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 that 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. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that salvage information required to be reported by an insurance company to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to 25.57, inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner may discontinue the requirement that an insurance company submit a copy of such certificate to the department. (B) Any insurance company that 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 that 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 that 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 that 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 that 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. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that salvage information required to be reported by a self-insurer to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to 25.57, inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner may discontinue the requirement that a self-insurer submit a copy of such certificate to the department. (B) Any person, firm or corporation that 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” has 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 that 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) Any insurance company that takes possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, as a result of a full settlement of a claim for damage or theft, but is unable to obtain the title to the vehicle from the insured or any lienholder of record for the vehicle may apply to the department for a certificate of title, SALVAGE title or SALVAGE-PARTS ONLY title, as described in subsection (a) of this section. The application for a certificate of title pursuant to this subsection shall (1) be on a form prescribed by the commissioner, (2) include documents as required by the commissioner in lieu of the documents required under subsection (a) of this section, and (3) include evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the insurance company (A) provided at least two notices by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the insured and any lienholder of record for the vehicle indicating the insurance company's intention to apply for a certificate of title as the owner of the vehicle, and (B) made payment to the insured or any lienholder of record in full settlement of the claim involving the vehicle. The commissioner may issue a certificate of title pursuant to this subsection only in the name of the insurance company not earlier than thirty days after the date of the payment described in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (3) of this section is made.

(d) 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.”

(e) No motor vehicle for which a copy of a certificate of title 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.

(f) 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.

(g) No insurance company and no firm or corporation that 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 that 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 that 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.

(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-350b and the requirements of section 1-350d that a signature on a power of attorney executed in this state be witnessed by two witnesses and acknowledged by a notary public, a commissioner of the Superior Court or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, a power of attorney used to support an application for or transfer of a certificate of title by an insurance company or its agent shall only require the signature or electronic signature of the insured who has received or is to receive a total loss settlement of a claim for damage or theft from the insurance company.

(i) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may 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; P.A. 10-110, S. 9; P.A. 14-122, S. 104; P.A. 21-106, S. 39.)

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; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a)(1)(A) and (2)(A) to provide that if commissioner determines salvage information required to be reported is regularly available to department, commissioner may discontinue requirement re submission of copy of certificate to department; P.A. 14-122 made a technical change in Subsec. (a)(3); P.A. 21-106 added new Subsec. (c) re application for certificate of title, SALVAGE title or SALVAGE-PARTS ONLY title by insurance company, redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) to (f) as Subsecs. (d) to (g), added Subsec. (h) re power of attorney used to support application, redesignated existing Subsec. (g) as Subsec. (i) and amended same to replace “shall” with “may”, and made technical changes.

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Sec. 14-20b. Number plates for veterans, members of the armed forces and members of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units. Return and nonrenewal of number plates. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any veteran or member of the armed forces or the surviving spouse of such veteran or member, 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 motor vehicle, including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any such veteran or member of the armed forces, or the surviving spouse of such veteran or member, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade or business. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. The commissioner shall charge a fee of fifteen dollars to replace such plates that become mutilated or illegible. As used in this subsection, “veteran” and “armed forces” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, which units served in the United States secret war in the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War, or the surviving spouse of such person, and after verification from the Department of Veterans Affairs as provided under subdivision (2) of this subsection, 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 motor vehicle, including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any such person, or the surviving spouse of such person, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade or business. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle.

(2) Any person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, or the surviving spouse of such person, may submit a request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be listed as a veteran, based on such service, for the purpose of obtaining a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates under subdivision (1) of this subsection. Such person, or the surviving spouse of such person, shall provide to said department (A) an affidavit stating (i) when such person served, (ii) where such person served, (iii) the unit in which such person served, and (iv) the capacity in which such person served; (B) any available corroborating witness affidavits; (C) any available official documentation of service; and (D) any other documents supporting such person's or such surviving spouse's affidavit. Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such request, verify whether such person was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units and, if so, notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification.

(c) Any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged shall return such plates to the commissioner not later than thirty days after such discharge. The commissioner shall not renew such plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased by any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged.

(P.A. 97-236, S. 1; P.A. 98-182, S. 7, 22; P.A. 11-56, S. 1; P.A. 17-148, S. 1; P.A. 18-47, S. 15; P.A. 21-51, S. 1; 21-79, S. 21; 21-106, S. 40.)

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; P.A. 11-56 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to add references to member of the armed forces and added Subsec. (b) re return and nonrenewal of number plates for dishonorably discharged member of armed forces, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 17-148 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re motor vehicles used for farming purposes and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 18-47 amended Subsec. (a) to define “member of the armed forces” and “veteran”; P.A. 21-51 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), added new Subsec. (b) re members of Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, and redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (c); P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (a) to redefine “veteran” and make a technical change; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re $15 replacement fee for mutilated or illegible plates, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-20d. Marker plates for veterans and members of the armed forces to indicate service during a period of war. Return and nonrenewal of marker plates. (a) For the purposes of this section, “veteran” means any person (1) honorably discharged from, or released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed forces, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103, who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces, and “period of war” and “armed forces” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103.

(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, at the request of any veteran or member of the armed forces who received a campaign medal, issue special registration marker plates to indicate service during a period of war. Such plates shall bear the words “(Name of War) Veteran” and shall be designed in consultation with the Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(c) A request made under subsection (b) of this section shall be accompanied by proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs that the person making a specific request served in the armed forces during such period of war.

(d) The surviving spouse of a veteran or member of the armed forces issued special registration marker plates under subsection (b) of this section may retain any such plates for his or her lifetime or until such time as he or she remarries.

(e) Any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged shall return such plates to the commissioner not later than thirty days after such discharge. The commissioner shall not renew such plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased by any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged.

(P.A. 21-106, S. 49.)

History: P.A. 21-106 effective January 1, 2022.

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

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee of fifty dollars for a greenways commemorative number plate, with letters and numbers selected by the commissioner, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and thirty-five dollars of such fee into the greenways commemorative account established pursuant to subsection (d) of this section.

(2) The commissioner shall charge a fee of seventy dollars for a greenways commemorative number plate that (A) contains letters in place of numbers as authorized by section 14-49, or (B) is a low number plate in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said sections. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and fifty-five dollars of such fee into the greenways commemorative account.

(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) There is established an account to be known as the “greenways 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 expended by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to fund the greenways capital grant program established pursuant to section 23-101 and the bikeway, pedestrian walkway, recreational trail and greenway grant program described in section 23-103.

(e) 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 greenways commemorative number plates.

(P.A. 97-236, S. 18, 27; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 478; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 21-28, S. 14.)

History: P.A. 97-236 effective July 1, 1997; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3 amended Subsec. (d) to delete provision re fees established and collected pursuant to section shall be deposited in greenways account of Conservation Fund; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” in Subsecs. (a) and (d), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 21-28 amended Subsec. (a) to delete “On and after January 1, 1998, the”, add “and provide funding for,” and make conforming changes, amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amend same to add provisions re $50 fee and depositing such fees, delete provisions re adoption of regulations and authorization for commissioner to establish higher fee and make technical changes, and add Subdiv. (2) re $70 fee and depositing such fees, added new Subsec. (d) re greenways commemorative account and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e) and amend same to delete provision re consultation with Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and replace “shall” with “may”.

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Sec. 14-21z. Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates. Fees. (a) On and after July 1, 2021, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the state's effort to preserve and protect the state's lakes, rivers and ponds from aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms. Said design shall be determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker plates.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee of sixty dollars for a Save Our Lakes commemorative number plate, with letters and numbers selected by the commissioner, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and forty-five dollars of such fee into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account established under section 14-21aa.

(2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee of eighty dollars for a Save Our Lakes commemorative number plate that (A) contains any combination of letters or numbers as requested by the registrant as authorized by section 14-49, or (B) is a low number plate in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed for number plates issued under said sections. The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates, and sixty-five dollars of such fee into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.

(c) Except as provided by subsection (d) of this section, no additional renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor vehicle bearing Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates which contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of the renewal fee for Save Our Lakes 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 Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may request an additional voluntary donation of fifteen dollars at the time of registration renewal for any motor vehicle bearing a Save Our Lakes commemorative number plate. Five dollars of the donation may be dedicated to the administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Ten dollars of such donation shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account established under section 14-21aa.

(P.A. 18-101, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 5.)

History: P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “January 1, 2020” with “July 1, 2021” and add “, rivers”, amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and amend same to add provisions re $60 fee and depositing such fees, delete provisions re adoption of regulations authorization for commissioner to establish higher fee and make technical changes, and add Subdiv. (2) re $80 fee and depositing such fees, and amended Subsec. (d) to add “, Rivers” and delete provision re adoption of regulations, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-21aa. Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. (a) There is established an account to be known as the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account”. The Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account shall be a separate, nonlapsing account of the General Fund. Any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account shall be deposited in and credited to the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. The account shall be available to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection for (1) restoration and rehabilitation of lakes, rivers and ponds in the state; (2) programs of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the eradication of aquatic invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms; (3) education and public outreach programs to enhance the public's understanding of the need to protect and preserve the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (4) allocation of grants to state and municipal agencies and not-for-profit organizations to conduct research and to provide public education and public awareness to enhance understanding and management of the natural resources of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (5) provision of funds for all services that support the protection and conservation of the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; and (6) reimbursement of the Department of Motor Vehicles for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates, including administrative expenses, pursuant to section 14-21z.

(b) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may receive private donations to the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account and any such receipts shall be deposited in the account.

(c) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Save Our Lakes 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 Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. Any funds received by the commissioner from such marketing shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, not less than eighty per cent of any funds deposited into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account pursuant to section 14-21bb shall be utilized for the purposes described in subdivisions (2) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section.

(P.A. 18-101, S. 2; P.A. 19-190, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 6.)

History: P.A. 19-190 changed the name of the account from the “Connecticut Lakes and Ponds Preservation account” to the “Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account”, added Subsec. (d) re not less than 80 per cent of funds deposited into account to be utilized for certain purposes, and added references to rivers, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to replace “commissioner” with “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2021.

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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 biennial combination registration of a passenger motor vehicle or one-third of the fee prescribed for the triennial combination registration of a passenger motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (1) of subsection (e) of section 14-49.

(P.A. 05-218, S. 13; P.A. 19-165, S. 6; P.A. 21-106, S. 7.)

History: P.A. 05-218 effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 19-165 amended Subdiv. (2) by adding provision re fee for triennial registration of passenger motor vehicle and made a conforming change, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subdiv. (2) to add “combination” and replace reference to Sec. 14-49(a) with reference to Sec. 14-49(e)(1), effective July 1, 2021.

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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 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; P.A. 21-61, S. 3.)

History: P.A. 21-61 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-297(6) with reference to Sec. 14-297.

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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 that 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) The amount of insurance or of such bond that each such vehicle owner or lessee shall carry as insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death and legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers or others for any one accident shall be not less than (1) a single limit of liability of (A) one hundred thousand dollars, if such vehicle is designed or used to transport seven passengers or less, or (B) seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, if such vehicle is designed or used to transport eight to fourteen passengers without compensation; (2) the minimum amounts established in 49 CFR Part 387, as amended from time to time, if such vehicle is designed or used to transport eight passengers or more for compensation, or fifteen passengers or more without compensation; (3) one million five hundred thousand dollars, if such vehicle is operated in livery service under the provisions of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, and designed or used to transport fourteen passengers or less; and (4) five million dollars, if such vehicle is operated in livery service under the provisions of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, and designed or used to transport fifteen passengers or more.

(c) (1) 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 the commissioner 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 the commissioner 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.

(2) No person or company issuing any such insurance or indemnity bond shall issue an insurance policy or indemnity bond for a motor vehicle specified in subsection (a) of this section for limits less than those specified in subsection (b) of this section. Upon initial registration or renewal of any such motor vehicle, the commissioner may presume that an insurance policy or indemnity bond meets the minimum amounts specified in said subsection (b) for such vehicle.

(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.

(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; P.A. 17-79, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 8.)

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; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c) by designating existing provisions re filing certificate with commissioner as Subdiv. (1) and making technical changes, and adding Subdiv. (2) re issuance of insurance policy or indemnity bond for a vehicle and presumption that policy or bond meets minimum amounts specified for the vehicle; P.A. 21-106 substantially amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re legal liability resulting from property damage and substantially revising provisions re minimum monetary limits for certain vehicles, deleted former Subsec. (f) re insurance or indemnity for motor vehicles in livery service and made technical and conforming changes.

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(B)

OPERATORS' LICENSES

Sec. 14-36. Motor vehicle operator's license. (a) Motor vehicle operator's license required for operation of motor vehicle. (a) 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 section 14-218a or section 14-307a until such person has obtained a motor vehicle operator's license.

(b) Adult instruction permit. Out-of-state license holders. Minimum age. (1) A person eighteen years of age or older who does not hold a motor vehicle operator's license may not operate a motor vehicle on the public highways of the state for the purpose of instruction until such person has applied for and obtained an adult instruction permit from the commissioner. Such person shall not be eligible for an adult instruction permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's license or privilege suspended or revoked. An applicant for an adult instruction permit shall, as a condition to receiving such permit, pass a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or submit to the commissioner the results of a vision examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-46b. Such medical professional shall certify that the applicant meets the vision standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-45a. An adult instruction 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. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's license to any person holding an adult instruction permit who has held such permit for less than ninety days unless such person (A) is a member of the armed forces on active duty outside the state, or (B) has previously held a motor vehicle operator's license. (2) A person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license may operate a motor vehicle for a period of sixty 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) Youth instruction permit. (1) 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 for a youth instruction permit. The commissioner may issue a youth instruction permit to an applicant after the applicant has (A) passed a test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, (B) paid the fee required by subsection (v) of section 14-49, (C) passed a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or submitted to the commissioner the results of a vision examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-46b, that certifies that the applicant meets the vision standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-45a and (D) filed a certificate, in such form as the commissioner prescribes, requesting or consenting to the issuance of the youth instruction permit and the motor vehicle operator's license, signed by (i) one or both parents or foster parents of the applicant, as the commissioner requires, (ii) the legal guardian of the applicant, (iii) the applicant's spouse, if the spouse is eighteen years of age or older, or (iv) if the applicant has no qualified spouse and such applicant's parent or foster parent or legal guardian is deceased, incapable, domiciled outside of this state or otherwise unavailable or unable to sign or file the certificate, the applicant's stepparent, grandparent, 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 youth instruction permit, subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may prescribe in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. Each youth instruction permit shall expire two years from the date of issuance or on the date the holder of the permit is issued a motor vehicle operator's license, whichever is earlier. Any holder of a youth instruction permit who attains eighteen years of age may retain such permit until the expiration of such permit. (2) The youth instruction 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 youth instruction 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 driving to or from the location of the ambulance for purposes of responding to an emergency call. (5) The commissioner may revoke any youth instruction permit used in violation of the limitations imposed by subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection.

(d) Operator's license requirements for persons sixteen or seventeen years of age. (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 youth instruction permit and has satisfied the requirements specified in this subsection. The applicant shall (A) submit to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner shall direct, a certificate of the successful completion (i) in a public secondary school, a technical education and career 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 forty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for applicants to whom a youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008; (B) submit to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner shall direct, 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 youth instruction 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 youth instruction permit for not less than one hundred twenty days and an applicant who is undergoing training and instruction by the driver training unit for persons with disabilities 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 shall approve the content of the safe driving instruction at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools. Subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may impose, the commissioner may authorize any drivers' school, licensed in good standing in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69, or secondary school driver education program authorized pursuant to the provisions of section 14-36e, to administer the comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, required pursuant to subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, as part of the safe driving practices course required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, and to certify to the commissioner, under oath, the results of each such test administered. 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 one hundred fifty dollars. 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. 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 submitted to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs. Such statement shall be signed by the spouse of a married minor applicant, or by a parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian of an applicant, and state that the applicant has obtained a youth instruction 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. If the applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent, foster parent or guardian so qualified and available to give the instruction, such statement may be signed by the applicant's stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage, provided the person signing the statement is qualified.

(3) If the commissioner requires a written test of any applicant under this section, the test shall be given in English or Spanish at the option of the applicant, provided the commissioner shall require that the applicant shall have sufficient understanding of English for the interpretation of traffic control signs.

(4) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the purposes of this subsection concerning the requirements for behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction, the content of safe driving instruction at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools, and the administration and certification of required testing.

(e) Requirements for issuance of operator's license. (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued until (A) the applicant signs and submits to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs, an application under oath, or made subject to penalties for false statement in accordance with section 53a-157b, and (B) the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is sixteen years of age or older and is a suitable person to receive the license.

(2) Except any applicant described in section 14-36m, an applicant for a new motor vehicle operator's license shall submit with the application a copy of such applicant's birth certificate or other prima facie evidence, as determined by the commissioner, of date of birth and evidence of identity.

(3) Before granting a license to any applicant who has not previously held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, or whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date, the commissioner shall require the applicant to demonstrate personally to the commissioner, a deputy, a motor vehicle inspector or an agent of the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs, that the applicant is a proper person to operate motor vehicles of the class for which such applicant has applied, has sufficient knowledge of the mechanism of the motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation by him or her and has satisfactory knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road. The knowledge test of an applicant for a class D motor vehicle operator's license may be administered in such form as the commissioner deems appropriate, including audio, electronic or written testing. Such knowledge test shall be administered in English, Spanish or any language spoken at home by at least one per cent of the state's population, according to statistics prepared by the United States Census Bureau, based on the most recent decennial census. Each such knowledge test shall include a question concerning highway work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under section 14-212d. Each such knowledge test shall include not less than one question concerning distracted driving, the use of mobile telephones and electronic devices by motor vehicle operators or the responsibilities of motor vehicle operators under section 14-296aa. If any such applicant has held a license from a state, territory or possession of the United States where a similar examination is required, the commissioner may waive part or all of the examination. If any such applicant is (A) a veteran who applies not later than two years after the date of discharge from the military and who, prior to such discharge, held a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such applicant has applied, or (B) a member of the armed forces or the National Guard who currently holds a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such applicant has applied, the commissioner shall waive all of the examination, except in the case of a commercial motor vehicle license, the commissioner shall waive the driving skills test for such applicant and may, in such commissioner's discretion, waive the knowledge test for such application, provided such applicant meets the conditions set forth in 49 CFR 383.77, as amended from time to time. For the purposes of this subsection, “veteran” and “armed forces” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103. When the commissioner is satisfied as to the ability and competency of any applicant, the commissioner may issue to such applicant a license, either unlimited or containing such limitations as the commissioner deems advisable, and specifying the class of motor vehicles which the licensee is eligible to operate.

(4) If any applicant or operator license holder has any health problem which might affect such person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, the commissioner may require the applicant or license holder to demonstrate personally or otherwise establish that, notwithstanding such problem, such applicant or license holder is a proper person to operate a motor vehicle, and the commissioner may further require a certificate of such applicant's condition, signed by a medical authority designated by the commissioner, which certificate shall in all cases be treated as confidential by the commissioner. A license, containing such limitation as the commissioner deems advisable, may be issued or renewed in any case, but nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the commissioner from refusing a license, either limited or unlimited, to any person or suspending a license of a person whom the commissioner determines to be incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. Consistent with budgetary allotments, each motor vehicle operator's license issued to or renewed by a person who is deaf or hard of hearing shall, upon the request of such person, indicate such impairment. Such person shall submit a certificate stating such impairment, in such form as the commissioner may require and signed by a licensed health care practitioner.

(5) The issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to any applicant who is the holder of a license issued by another state shall be subject to the provisions of sections 14-111c and 14-111k.

(f) Limited license. No person issued a limited license shall operate (1) a motor vehicle in violation of the limitations imposed by such license, or (2) any motor vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which such person's right to operate is limited.

(g) Ignition interlock device. The commissioner may place a restriction on the motor vehicle operator's license of any person or on any special operator's permit issued to any person in accordance with the provisions of section 14-37a that restricts the holder of such license or permit to the operation of a motor vehicle that is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j, for such time as the commissioner shall prescribe, if such person has: (1) Been convicted for a first or second time of a violation of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227a, and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsections (g) and (i) of section 14-227a; (2) been ordered by the Superior Court not to operate any motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an approved ignition interlock device, in accordance with the provisions of section 14-227j; (3) been granted a reversal or reduction of such person's license suspension or revocation, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-111; (4) been issued a motor vehicle operator's license upon the surrender of an operator's license issued by another state and such previously held license contains a restriction to the operation of a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device; (5) been convicted of a violation of section 53a-56b or 53a-60d; (6) been permitted by the commissioner to be issued or to retain an operator's license subject to reporting requirements concerning such person's physical condition, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of this section and sections 14-45a to 14-46g, inclusive; (7) had such person's operator's license suspended under subsection (i) of section 14-227b and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of such suspension; (8) been convicted for a first or second time of a violation of subsection (a) of section 14-227m and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227m and subsection (i) of section 14-227a; or (9) been convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227n and subsection (i) of section 14-227a.

(h) Driving history record check. Before issuing a motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with this section or section 14-44c, the commissioner shall request information from the National Driver Registry and the Commercial Driver License Information System, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR section 383.73. Each driving history record shall contain a notation of the date on which such inquiry was made.

(i) Penalties. (1) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined not less than seventy-five dollars or more than ninety dollars and, for any subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or more than three hundred fifty dollars or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(2) In addition to the penalty prescribed under subdivision (1) of this subsection, any person who violates any provision of this section who (A) has, prior to the commission of the present violation, committed a violation of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or sentenced to perform not more than one hundred hours of community service, or (B) has, prior to the commission of the present violation, committed two or more violations of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, or any combination thereof, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one year, ninety days of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner.

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

(1949 Rev., S. 2377; 1949, S. 1295d; 1953, S. 1296d; 1957, P.A. 117; 411; 437, S. 2; 599, S. 3; September, 1957, P.A. 23, S. 1; 1959, P.A. 309, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 481, S. 1; 1963, P.A. 150; 550, S. 2; February, 1965, P.A. 361, S. 3; 1967, P.A. 458, S. 3; 614, S. 1; 807, S. 3; 832, S. 4; 1969, P.A. 55, S. 1; 445, S. 1; 807, S. 1, 2; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 13; P.A. 73-507; 73-605, S. 1; P.A. 74-33; 74-36, S. 1; P.A. 76-263, S. 3, 9; P.A. 77-256, S. 1, 4; P.A. 79-7; P.A. 81-172, S. 17; P.A. 82-223, S. 9; P.A. 83-452; 83-491; 83-577, S. 15; P.A. 84-429, S. 15; 84-546, S. 40, 173; P.A. 86-90, S. 1; P.A. 89-242, S. 1, 7; P.A. 90-265, S. 1, 8; P.A. 91-13, S. 1, 3; P.A. 93-341, S. 9; P.A. 95-181, S. 2; P.A. 96-244, S. 35, 63; 96-248, S. 1, 4; P.A. 97-1, S. 1, 4; 97-236, S. 24, 27; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8, S. 73, 88; P.A. 02-70, S. 52, 66; P.A. 03-171, S. 1; 03-265, S. 20; P.A. 04-217, S. 2; 04-257, S. 22; P.A. 05-54, S. 1; 05-215, S. 3; 05-218, S. 20; P.A. 06-130, S. 2; 06-196, S. 281; P.A. 07-167, S. 20, 22; P.A. 08-32, S. 2, 3; 08-150, S. 57; P.A. 09-187, S. 2, 51; P.A. 11-48, S. 53; 11-51, S. 218; 11-213, S. 12, 13, 58; P.A. 12-81, S. 37; 12-116, S. 87; P.A. 13-89, S. 2; 13-92, S. 3; 13-271, S. 50, 56; 13-277, S. 22; P.A. 14-122, S. 20; 14-130, S. 4; 14-131, S. 2, 3; 14-228, S. 1; P.A. 16-126, S. 7; P.A. 17-79, S. 2; 17-202, S. 43; 17-237, S. 93; P.A. 21-28, S. 8; 21-79, S. 22; 21-106, S. 9.)

History: 1959 act added to Subsec. (a) provision for waiver of certificate requirement for persons eighteen to twenty-one in hardship cases; 1961 act added provisions re home training certificates to Subsec. (a); 1963 acts added provisions for 60-day operation under out-of-state license and for request by spouse of minor applicant for issuance of license to such applicant and for signing of home training certificate by such spouse to Subsec. (a); 1965 act added references to schools in driver training course provisions in Subsec. (a); 1967 acts clarified provisions by referring to licenses for operation of different classes of vehicles, deleted references to certificates of behind-the-wheel training from secondary or vocational schools, added provision re filing birth certificate copy with application for license and added Subsec. (e) re definition of motor vehicle; 1969 acts required instructor accompanying learning driver to be at least twenty-one and to have held license for at least 2 years, allowed certificate of request, consent or instruction to be signed by stepparent, uncle or aunt under certain conditions, added provision re written examination in English or Spanish and allowed waiver of part or all of licensure examination for persons holding license from territory or possession of U.S.; 1972 act amended provisions to reflect change in age of majority from 21 to 18; P.A. 73-507 specified that behind-the-wheel instruction by drivers' training school be “given on the roads and highways of this state”; P.A. 73-605 allowed brother or sister to sign instruction certificate and added requirement that brother, sister, stepparent, uncle or aunt sign certificate when spouse, parent or guardian is not available to give instruction; P.A. 74-33 added special provision for waiver of examination when applicant recently serving in armed forces and holding military license for class of vehicles he is applying for license to drive; P.A. 74-36 allowed foster parents to sign certificates of request, consent or instruction; P.A. 76-263 made provisions of Subsec. (b) generally applicable to applicants who have not held Connecticut license during the preceding 4, rather than 2, years; P.A. 77-256 repealed change in applicability provision of Subsec. (b) enacted in 1976 act; P.A. 79-7 substituted “on the road” instruction for instruction “given on the roads and highways of this state” and allowed grandparents to sign instruction certificate; P.A. 81-172 required an operator's license for driving on a private road with established speed limit; P.A. 82-223 amended Subsec. (d) by specifying that the commission of a first offense constituted an infraction and establishing a minimum fine therefor of $25; P.A. 83-452 amended Subsec. (a), eliminating the 30-day limitation on the right of a student driver to operate a motor vehicle while under instruction; P.A. 83-491 amended Subsec. (b), providing that a license issued to or renewed by a deaf or hearing impaired person on or after October 1, 1983, shall indicate such impairment upon that person's request; P.A. 83-577 amended Subsec. (d) by increasing the minimum fine for a first offense from $25 to $35; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions, transferred provision re license recall in Subsec. (d) to Sec. 14-38(a), a provision re classifications in Subsec. (f) to Sec. 14-36a(c) and made other technical changes; P.A. 84-546 made technical change, overridden in part by P.A. 84-429; P.A. 86-90 amended Subsec. (d)(2) to require signer of home training certificate to hold operator's license for a minimum of 4 years, to eliminate reference to age of such signer and to provide that such certificate be on file for 30 days before applicant may take examination; P.A. 89-242 amended Subsec. (d)(2) to require applicants between 16 and 18 years old to present proof of successful completion of a course relative to safe driving and alcohol and drug education and to authorize the motor vehicle commissioner to adopt regulations concerning the content of safe driving instruction at drivers' schools; P.A. 90-265 amended Subsec. (e) to replace reference to applicant who “suffers from any physical defect or from any disease” with reference to applicant or operator license holder who has any health problem, and to authorize commissioner to suspend license of person determined to be incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle; P.A. 91-13 amended Subsec. (e) to require each part of license examination to be conducted on same day at same location; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to reduce from 60 to 30 the number of days during which a person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license could operate a motor vehicle following establishment of residence in Connecticut, if the motor vehicle was of the same class as that for which his out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license was issued; P.A. 95-181 amended Subsec. (g) by increasing the minimum fine for a first offense from $35 to $75 and the maximum fine from $50 to $90, adding a minimum fine of $250 for any subsequent offense and increasing the maximum fine from $100 to $350 for any such offense; P.A. 96-244 amended Subsec. (d) to transfer authority for the content of safe driving instruction at high schools and other secondary schools from the Commissioner of Education to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 96-248 amended Subsec. (b) to eliminate provisions authorizing person 16 years of age or older to operate a motor vehicle without license and requiring instructor to have full control of motor vehicle and to authorize issuance of a learner's permit on or after January 1, 1997, to persons 16 or 17 years of age, amended Subsec. (c) to require applicant for a new motor vehicle operator's license to file evidence of identity with application, amended Subsec. (d) to increase number of hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction from six to eight, to substitute “on-the-road skills test” for “examination”, to increase length of time within which home training certificate shall be on file with commissioner from 30 to 90 days and to insert references to “obtained a learner's permit” where applicable and amended Subsec. (e) to eliminate requirement that each part of operator's license examination be conducted on same day at same location, effective January 1, 1997; P.A. 97-1 restated the provisions of Subsecs. (b) to (e), inclusive, amended Subsec. (b) to restore language allowing persons 18 years of age or older to operate motor vehicles without an operator's license if they meet two requirements, transferred provisions re learner's permit from Subsec. (b) to (c), amended Subsec. (d) for consistency with provisions requiring a learner's permit and to eliminate home training certificates, amended Subsec. (g) to eliminate reference to Subsec. “(a), (b), (c), (d) or (f)” and added new Subsec. (i), authorizing commissioner to adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this section, effective January 30, 1997; P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to restate provision re operation on a multiple-lane limited access highway and added exception thereto for permit holders under the instruction of a person who holds an instructor's license, effective June 24, 1997; June 18 Sp. Sess. P.A. 97-8 amended Subsec. (c)(2) to add exemption and qualifications for ambulance service members, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (d)(1) to increase the fee that may be charged for course on safe driving practices from $25 to $40, effective July 1, 2002, and added Subsec. (e)(5) providing that issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to an applicant who holds a license from another state shall be subject to provisions of Secs. 14-111c and 14-111k, effective January 1, 2003; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting restrictions on holder of learner's permit to operate motor vehicle on multiple-lane limited access highways, amended Subsec. (d) to increase from five to eight the number of hours of safe driving instruction a 16 or 17-year-old applicant must complete before being issued motor vehicle operator's license, to increase from two to four the number of hours of instruction re the effects of alcohol and drugs on the operation of a motor vehicle that must be included as part of the eight hours of safe driving instruction, to change $40 fee for safe driving instruction to fee prescribed by commissioner by regulation, and to permit 16 or 17-year-old applicant who, while resident of another state, completed all but alcohol and drug portion of safe driving instruction to complete that portion at a fee prescribed by the commissioner by regulation, deleted former Subsec. (h) re definition and redesignated existing Subsec. (i) as Subsec. (h), making technical changes therein, and made technical changes in Subsecs. (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f), effective October 1, 2003, but not applicable to persons 16 or 17 years of age who applied for a learner's permit on or before that date; P.A. 03-265 amended Subsec. (d)(1) by making identical changes to those made by P.A. 03-171 and adding requirement that signer of statement evidencing home training not have had license suspended by commissioner for at least 4 years preceding date of statement, effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 04-217 added new Subsec. (g) requiring information request from National Driver Registry and Commercial Driver License Information System prior to issuance of motor vehicle operator's license, and redesignated existing Subsecs. (g) and (h) as new Subsecs. (h) and (i), effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 04-257 made technical changes in Subsec. (g), effective June 14, 2004; P.A. 05-54 amended Subsec. (d)(1) by adding Subpara. (A)(iii) re home training in accordance with Subdiv. (2) “or by a combination of such types of training”, changing “eight” to “twenty” re clock hours of instruction and making technical changes; P.A. 05-215 amended Subsec. (h) to designate existing provisions as Subdiv. (1) and add Subdiv. (2) re additional penalties for persons who have one or more prior violations of this section or Sec. 14-215(a); P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (e)(1)(A) to delete provisions re renewals need not be under oath and re application to state such information as commissioner requires and add provision re application made subject to penalties for false statement in accordance with Sec. 53a-157b; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(C) to limit the 120-day learner's permit period to only those applicants who produce a certificate from a secondary or vocational school program or from a licensed drivers' school approved by the commissioner, effective June 2, 2006; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (d)(2), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (c) by adding new Subdivs. (3) and (4) re limitations on transportation of passengers by learner's permit holder, redesignating existing provisions of Subdiv. (2) re exemption as Subdiv. (5), redesignating existing Subdiv. (3) as Subdiv. (6) and making conforming changes, and amended Subsec. (h)(2)(B) by changing penalty from term of imprisonment of 90 days which may not be suspended or reduced to term of imprisonment of one year, 90 days of which may not be suspended or reduced; P.A. 08-32 amended Subsec. (c) to eliminate separate three and six-month passenger restrictions by revising provisions in Subdiv. (3) and deleting former Subdiv. (4), to renumber existing Subdivs. (5) and (6) as new Subdivs. (4) and (5) and to make conforming changes, and amended Subsec. (d) in Subdiv. (1) to increase clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for persons issued a learner's permit on or after August 1, 2008, from not less than 20 to not less than 40, to make test re motor vehicle laws and road rules permissive and to clarify that such test is in addition to test required under Subsec. (c) and, in Subdiv. (4), to authorize adoption of regulations to implement requirements for behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction, effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 08-150 added new Subsec. (g) re ignition interlock device (Revisor's note: In 2009, existing Subsecs. (g), (h) and (i) were redesignated editorially by the Revisors as Subsecs. (h), (i) and (j), respectively, to conform section with the addition of new Subsec. (g) by P.A. 08-150; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (c)(1)(D) to include grandparent, effective July 8, 2009 and amended Subsec. (d)(1) to make a technical change, make second test of laws concerning motor vehicles and rules of the road mandatory, add provision re authorization for driver's school or secondary school driver education program to administer second test and replace former provisions re fee amount prescribed by regulation with provision establishing maximum course fees, and amended Subsec. (d)(4) to make a technical change and insert “and the administration and certification of required testing”, effective October 1, 2009; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (g)(1) to make provisions applicable to person convicted for a “first” time violation of Sec. 14-227a(a)(2) and reduce minimum suspension period that must be served from “one year” to “forty-five days”, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-51 made identical changes as P.A. 11-48, effective January 1, 2012; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(C) to make inclusion of comprehensive test permissive, rather than mandatory, and amended Subsec. (e) to authorize administration of class D knowledge test in various forms and require administration in other languages, effective July 13, 2011, and amended Subsec. (g)(3) to replace reference to Sec. 14-111(k) with reference to Sec. 14-111(i), effective October 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to rephrase provisions, add provision requiring person to apply for and obtain an adult instruction permit to operate motor vehicle on public highways for purpose of instruction, make person ineligible for permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's license suspended or revoked, replacing prior disqualifier of having a “Connecticut” motor vehicle operator's license suspended or revoked, and provide that adult instruction permit entitles holder, while holder has permit in his or her possession, to operate motor vehicle on public highways provided holder is being instructed and accompanied by person meeting specified conditions, amended Subsec. (c) to replace “learner's permit” with “youth instruction permit”, provide such permit expires on the earliest of the permit holder being issued an operator's license, the permit holder attaining age 18 or “two years from the date of issuance” and delete an obsolete date and amended Subsec. (d) to replace “learner's permit” with “youth instruction permit” and delete provision re minimum hours of instruction for applicants to whom learner's permit is issued before August 1, 2008, effective January 1, 2013; pursuant to P.A. 12-116, “vocational school” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “technical high school” in Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i), effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-89 amended Subsec. (e)(2) to exclude applicants described in Sec. 14-36m, effective January 1, 2015; P.A. 13-92 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to add provision requiring each knowledge test to include a question concerning highway work zone safety; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to make ineligible for adult instruction permit any person who has had motor vehicle operator's privilege suspended or revoked and to prohibit issuance of motor vehicle operator's license to person holding adult instruction permit who has held permit for less than 90 days unless person is member of armed forces on active duty outside the state or previously held Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, effective July 11, 2013, and amended Subsec. (d)(1) to delete provision establishing maximum fee of $125 for safe driving practices course or $150 for such course if comprehensive knowledge test is also administered and to establish maximum fee of $150 for any safe driving practices course, effective October 1, 2013; P.A. 13-277 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to add provision requiring inclusion of not less than one question on knowledge test re distracted driving or use of mobile telephones and electronic devices; P.A. 14-122 amended Subsec. (d)(1) to replace “handicapped driver training unit” with “driver training unit for persons with disabilities”; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (b)(1)(B) by deleting reference to Connecticut re person having previously held an operator's license, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 14-131 amended Subsec. (e)(3) to delete provision re waiver of examination for person honorably separated from armed forces, to add provision re waiver of examination or driving skills test for certain veterans and members of the armed forces or National Guard and to add definitions of “veteran” and “armed forces”; P.A. 14-228 amended Subsec. (g) to add Subdiv. (7) re person whose operator's license was suspended under Sec. 14-227b(i) and has served not less than 45 days of suspension and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2015; (Revisor's note: In 2015, the provisions added by P.A. 13-92, S. 3, and P.A. 13-277, S. 22, were incorporated editorially by the Revisors in the version of Subsec. (e), as amended by P.A. 13-89, S. 2, that became effective on January 1, 2015); P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (g) by adding Subdiv. (8) re violation of Sec. 14-227m(a) and by adding Subdiv. (9) re violation of Sec. 14-227n(a)(1) or (2); P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (c)(1) by deleting provision re expiration of youth instruction permit on date the holder attains age 18, adding provision re holder who attains age 18 may retain such permit until expiration, and making technical changes, effective June 27, 2017; P.A. 17-202 amended Subsec. (e)(4) by replacing “deaf or hearing impaired person” with “person who is deaf or hard of hearing”; P.A. 17-237 amended Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(i) by replacing “state technical high school” with “technical education and career school”, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 21-28 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to Sec. 14-218a(a) with reference to Sec. 14-218a and adding reference to Sec. 14-307a; P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (e)(3) by redefining “veteran” and making technical changes; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re vision screening or vision examination in Subdiv. (1) and replace 30 days with 60 days in Subdiv. (2), amended Subsec. (c) to designate existing provision re knowledge test and fee as new Subparas. (A) and (B), add new Subpara. (C) re vision screening or vision examination, designate existing provision re certificate as new Subpara. (D) and redesignate existing Subparas. (A) to (D) as clauses (i) to (iv), amended Subsec. (e) to add “, as determined by the commissioner,” in Subdiv. (2), and replace “who has not operated a motor vehicle during the preceding two years” with “whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date” and add provision re commissioner discretion to waive knowledge test in case of commercial motor vehicle license for certain veterans and members of the armed forces or National Guard in Subdiv. (3), and made technical and conforming changes in Subsecs. (c) to (e), effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-36d. Acquisition and installation of equipment. Renewal and duplication of license or card without personal appearance. Method for issuance, renewal or duplication of license, permit or card. Temporary license, permit or card. Procedures. (a) The commissioner may acquire, by lease or purchase, and install at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles and at such other locations where operator's licenses are issued or renewed, such equipment as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The commissioner may renew or produce a duplicate of any motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card without personal appearance of the license or card holder if (1) the commissioner has on file a photograph or digital image of the applicant that meets the specifications and standards prescribed by the commissioner and may be used on such license or identity card, (2) the commissioner has satisfactory evidence of the identity of the applicant, (3) the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is a legal resident of this state, (4) in the case of a renewal, the applicant personally appeared to renew such license or identity card within the time limitations specified in state or federal law, and (5) the applicant meets all other requirements for the renewal or duplicate issuance of a license or identity card.

(c) The commissioner may issue, renew or duplicate a license, an instruction permit or an identity card pursuant to this title or section 1-1h by any method that the commissioner deems to be secure and efficient. If the commissioner determines that an applicant has met all conditions for such issuance, renewal or duplication, the commissioner may require that such license, instruction permit or identity card be produced at a centralized location and mailed to the applicant. The commissioner may issue a temporary license, instruction permit or identity card for use by the applicant for the period prior to the applicant's receipt of the permanent license, instruction permit or identity card. Such temporary license, instruction permit or identity card shall not be required to contain a photograph or digital image of the applicant as specified in subdivision (8) of subsection (a) of section 14-36h. Such temporary license, instruction permit or identity card shall have an expiration date not later than thirty days after the date of issuance and shall remain valid until the earlier of such expiration date or the date the applicant receives such license, instruction permit or identity card.

(d) If the commissioner provides for the renewal or duplicate issuance of the motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card without the personal appearance of the license or card holder in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall establish procedures to renew or issue a duplicate of such license or identity card by mail or by electronic communication with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(P.A. 76-263, S. 1, 9; P.A. 77-256, S. 2, 4; P.A. 84-197, S. 3; 84-429, S. 18; P.A. 85-613, S. 148, 154; P.A. 93-341, S. 33, 38; P.A. 03-171, S. 3; P.A. 07-167, S. 19; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 199; P.A. 21-106, S. 10.)

History: P.A. 77-256 amended Subsec. (a) to add proviso re renewal of licenses expiring in July, 1977; P.A. 84-197 inserted new language in Subsec. (b), requiring the commissioner to issue a distinctive license to persons less than 20 years of age and relettered the remaining Subsec.; P.A. 84-429 deleted obsolete provisions, rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-613 amended Subsec. (b) to apply with respect to persons under 21 as of September 1, 1985, where previously applicable to persons under twenty as of January 1, 1985; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) to allow for renewal sites other than motor vehicle department offices, amended Subsec. (b) to replace specification that the license be “distinctive” with requirement that the license indicate the date of the person's twenty-first birthday and made technical changes throughout section, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to delete references to motorcycle operator's license; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re license picture, form and content, inserting “issued or” and replacing “this section” with “this chapter”, deleted former Subsec. (b) re license issued to person less than 21 years of age, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (b) and replaced former provisions thereof with provisions re renewal without personal appearance and added new Subsec. (c) re regulations for renewal by mail or electronic communication; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 added new Subsec. (c) re method of issuance or renewal and temporary licenses, permits and cards, designated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and made a technical change, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 21-106 substantially revised Subsec. (b) re requirements for renewal or duplication of license or identity card without personal appearance, amended Subsec. (c) to add references to duplication and add provision re photograph or digital image not required, amended Subsec. (d) to replace provision re adoption of regulations with provision re procedures, and made technical and conforming changes, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-36e. (Formerly Sec. 10-24). Course in motor vehicle operation and highway safety. (a) As used in this section, “classroom instruction” includes training or instruction offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.

(b) Each local and regional board of education may provide a course of instruction in motor vehicle operation and highway safety on a secondary school level, which course (1) shall consist of not less than thirty clock hours of classroom instruction offered during or after school hours as said board of education, in its discretion, may provide, including instruction of not less than fifteen minutes concerning the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under subsection (b) of section 14-223 and the penalty for a violation of the provisions of said subsection (b), and (2) may include behind-the-wheel instruction of up to twenty clock hours. Such course shall be open to enrollment by any person between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, inclusive, who is a resident of the town or school district or whose parent, parents or legal guardian owns property taxable in such town or school district. Any such board of education may contract for such behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed drivers' school.

(1949 Rev., S. 1363; 1959, P.A. 672, S. 1; February, 1965, P.A. 361, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 765, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 456, S. 2; P.A. 75-479, S. 21, 25; P.A. 78-355, S. 1; P.A. 83-104, S. 1, 2; P.A. 92-262, S. 4, 42; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1, S. 44, 121; P.A. 99-171, S. 2, 5; P.A. 05-218, S. 40; P.A. 06-130, S. 3; P.A. 17-79, S. 4; P.A. 21-106, S. 11.)

History: 1959 act provided conditions for eligibility to take motor vehicle operation course; 1965 act divided section into subsections, included highway safety in course subject matter and added details of course re classroom and on-the-road instruction; 1967 act replaced “may” with “shall” in Subsec. (b) thus requiring the course to be offered and requiring at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training; 1971 act allowed provision of behind-the-wheel instruction through contract with licensed drivers' school; P.A. 75-479 changed “shall” to “may” in Subsec. (b), thus making program optional again and required students to be residents of town or school district or to have parent or guardian owning property in the town or school district where they take the course rather than in any town or school district in state; P.A. 78-355 made no changes; P.A. 83-104 made offering of behind-the-wheel instruction optional, at discretion of local education agency, rather than mandatory; P.A. 92-262 transferred authority for program from state board of education to department of motor vehicles; Sec. 10-24 transferred to Sec. 14-36e in 1993; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 98-1 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing “six clock hours” with “eight clock hours”, effective June 24, 1998; P.A. 99-171 amended Subsec. (b) by dividing it into subdivisions and requiring instruction re operator responsibilities and penalties under Sec. 14-223(b), effective January 1, 2000; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (b)(2) by changing “eight” to “twenty” re clock hours of instruction, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (b)(2) by changing required clock hours of instruction from “not less than twenty” to “up to twenty”, effective June 2, 2006; P.A. 17-79 deleted former Subsec. (a) re course of study to be prepared by department and deleted Subsec. (b) designator, effective June 27, 2017; P.A. 21-106 added Subsec. (a) re definition of “classroom instruction”, designated existing provisions as Subsec. (b) and made a technical change, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-36f. (Formerly Sec. 10-24d). Regulations concerning driver education programs. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, governing the establishment, conduct and scope of driver education programs in secondary schools of this state, subject to the requirements of section 14-36e. Such regulations shall (1) permit any local or regional board of education or private secondary school to contract with a licensed drivers' school approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for the behind-the-wheel instruction of such driver education program and instruction therein may be given by such school's driving instructors who are licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, (2) require that the classroom instruction of any such driver education program include a discussion concerning highway work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under section 14-212d, and (3) except for instruction offered pursuant to section 14-36j, permit a class or classroom instruction to be offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.

(1967, P.A. 765, S. 3; 1971, P.A. 456, S. 4; P.A. 77-614, S. 302, 587, 610; P.A. 78-218, S. 25; 78-303, S. 85, 136; P.A. 92-262, S. 5, 42; P.A. 13-92, S. 4; P.A. 21-106, S. 12.)

History: 1971 act added provision requiring that regulations allow contract with licensed drivers' school for provision of behind-the-wheel instruction; P.A. 77-614 and P.A. 78-303 substituted commissioner of education for secretary of the state board of education, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-218 deleted provision concerning appointment of full-time consultant in driver education; P.A. 92-262 transferred authority for the regulations from the department of education to the department of motor vehicles; Sec. 10-24d transferred to Sec. 14-36f in 1993; (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. 13-92 inserted Subdiv. (1) designator and added Subdiv. (2) re regulations requiring classroom instruction of highway work zone safety; P.A. 21-106 added Subdiv. (3) re offering of instruction in person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, and made a technical change, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-36h. Contents and features of operator's license and identity card. Issuance to persons on active duty. Veteran status indicated. (a) Each motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in accordance with section 14-36 and each identity card issued by said commissioner in accordance with section 1-1h shall contain the following: (1) The person's full legal name; (2) the person's date of birth; (3) the person's gender; (4) the person's height and eye color; (5) the person's assigned operator's license or identity card number; (6) the person's address of principal residence in this state; (7) the person's signature; (8) the person's photograph or digital image; and (9) if applicable, the person's status as a veteran, as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section.

(b) If any person does not reside in any state, territory or possession of the United States because such person is on active military duty with the United States Armed Forces, and such person's home state of record is Connecticut, as reflected in the records of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security or any department under which the United States Coast Guard operates, such person may obtain a Connecticut operator's license or identity card, provided such person: (1) Does not have an operator's license or identity card issued by another state, territory or possession of the United States, or surrenders any such license or identity card; (2) has a current APO or FPO mailing address; (3) designates such person's home address as 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161; and (4) meets all other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or identity card in this state.

(c) The commissioner shall provide that each such license or identity card document contains physical security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting or duplication of the document.

(d) Each such document shall also contain one or more machine-readable technology feature or component, including, but not limited to, a bar code or magnetic strip.

(e) Any person who is a veteran may submit a request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to have his or her status as a veteran contained on his or her motor vehicle operator's license or identity card. Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such request, verify whether such person is a veteran and, if so, notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall indicate such person's status as a veteran on any motor vehicle operator's license or identity card issued to such person upon original issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle operator's license or identity card or upon issuance of a duplicate motor vehicle operator's license or identity card.

(f) (1) Any person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, which units served in the United States secret war in the Kingdom of Laos during the Vietnam War, may submit a request to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be listed as a veteran, based on such service, on his or her motor vehicle operator's license or identity card. Said department shall, not later than thirty days after receipt of such request and the documents required under subdivision (2) of this subsection, verify whether such person was such a member and, if so, notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such request and verification. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall indicate such person's status as a veteran on any motor vehicle operator's license or identity card issued to such person upon original issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle operator's license or identity card or upon issuance of a duplicate motor vehicle operator's license or identity card.

(2) Any such person who was a member of the Hmong Laotian special guerilla units shall submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in addition to the request under subdivision (1) of this subsection, (A) an affidavit stating (i) when such person served, (ii) where such person served, (iii) the unit in which such person served, and (iv) the capacity in which such person served; (B) any available corroborating witness affidavits; (C) any available official documentation of service; and (D) any other documents supporting such person's affidavit.

(g) As used in this section: (1) “Full legal name” means the most complete version of the name that appears on a person's certificate of birth, official passport or other document or documents accepted by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to verify the person's identity, unless the person presents a marriage license or certificate, a certificate of civil union, a divorce decree or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction pertaining to a permanent change of the person's name; and (2) “veteran” has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103, or any former member of the armed forces who is entitled to retirement pay under 10 USC Chapter 1223, as amended from time to time, or, but for age, would be so entitled.

(P.A. 07-167, S. 18; P.A. 11-68, S. 1; P.A. 11-213, S. 15; P.A. 13-271, S. 12; P.A. 16-167, S. 19; P.A. 17-83, S. 2; P.A. 18-47, S. 16; P.A. 21-51, S. 2; 21-79, S. 23.)

History: P.A. 11-68 amended Subsec. (a) by adding Subdiv. (9) re status as a veteran, added new Subsec. (d) re status as veteran contained on motor vehicle operator's license or identity card, redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e) and amended same by adding definition of “veteran” and making a technical change, effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 11-213 added new Subsec. (b) re issuance of license or identity card to persons on active military duty and redesignated existing Subsecs. (b), (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (c), (d) and (e); (Revisor's note: In 2013, the Revisors redesignated the version of Subsec. (d) added by P.A. 11-68 as Subsec. (e), redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f) and made conforming changes editorially in order to reconcile the amendments made by P.A. 11-68 with the amendments made by P.A. 11-213); P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (a)(8) to delete “color” re photograph, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 16-167 amended Subsec. (e) to replace “Department of Veterans' Affairs” with “Department of Veterans Affairs”, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 17-83 amended Subsec. (f)(2) to redefine “veteran”; P.A. 18-47 amended Subsec. (f)(2) to designate existing provision re person honorably discharged from or released under honorable conditions from active service in armed forces as Subpara. (A), designate existing provision re former member of armed forces entitled to retirement pay as Subpara. (B), and add Subpara. (C) re person with qualifying condition and discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable; P.A. 21-51 added new Subsec. (f) re members of Hmong Laotian special guerilla units, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (g), and made a conforming change; P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (f)(2), codified by the Revisors as Subsec. (g)(2), to redefine “veteran”.

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Sec. 14-36j. Commissioner to amend regulations re content of safe driving instruction courses. Attendance by parent or guardian. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall amend the regulations adopted pursuant to sections 14-36f and 14-78 concerning the content of safe driving instruction courses offered at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools to require the eight hours of instruction required by such regulations to include, for applicants to whom a learner's permit or youth instruction permit is issued, two hours of instruction concerning the statutory provisions, including penalties, applicable to drivers who are less than eighteen years of age, the dangers of teenage driving, the cognitive development of adolescents, the responsibilities and liabilities of parents of teenage drivers, and related topics deemed by the commissioner to be appropriate. Such course may be offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person in a congregate setting and distance learning, provided such distance learning is conducted in real-time by an instructor and has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.

(b) A parent or guardian of any such applicant to whom a learner's permit or youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008, who is less than eighteen years of age, shall attend such two hours of instruction with such applicant. Before any such applicant is permitted to take the driver's test, such applicant shall provide an affidavit to the commissioner, signed under penalty of false statement, by an official of the driver's school, high school or other secondary school by which such course was conducted, that a parent or guardian attended the two hours of instruction required by subsection (a) of this section with such applicant.

(P.A. 08-32, S. 9; P.A. 09-187, S. 7; P.A. 12-81, S. 38; P.A. 21-106, S. 51.)

History: P.A. 08-32 effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (a) to require commissioner to amend regulations adopted pursuant to Sec. 14-78, effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 12-81 added references to youth instruction permit in Subsecs. (a) and (b) and deleted an obsolete date in Subsec. (a), effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re offering course in person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-36m. Issuance of operators' licenses to applicants unable to establish legal presence in the United States and applicants without Social Security numbers. (a) As used in this section:

(1) “Primary proof of identity” means documentation indicating the identity of an applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license in the form of (A) a valid foreign passport issued by an applicant's country of citizenship that is unexpired or expired for less than three years before an application for such motor vehicle operator's license, or (B) a valid, unexpired consular identification document issued by an applicant's country of citizenship.

(2) “Secondary proof of identity” means documentation indicating the identity of an applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license in the form of (A) a valid, unexpired motor vehicle operator's license, with security features, issued by another state or country, (B) a valid foreign national identification card, (C) a certified copy of a marriage certificate issued by any state or territory of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof, including any county, city or town, or (D) an original birth certificate with a raised seal issued by a foreign country.

(3) “Proof of residency” means a piece of mail or electronic mail that includes an applicant's name and address, indicates that such applicant resides in the state and is dated, unless otherwise indicated, not earlier than ninety days before an application for a motor vehicle operator's license, from any two of the following sources: (A) A bill from a bank or mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor or hospital, (B) a bank statement or bank transaction receipt showing the bank's name and mailing address, (C) a preprinted pay stub, (D) a property or excise tax bill dated not earlier than twelve months before such application, (E) an annual benefits summary statement from the Social Security Administration or other pension or retirement plan dated not earlier than twelve months before such application, (F) a Medicaid or Medicare benefit statement, (G) a current homeowners insurance or renter's insurance policy or motor vehicle insurance card or policy dated not earlier than twelve months before such application, (H) a residential mortgage or similar loan contract, lease or rental contract showing signatures from all parties needed to execute the agreement dated not earlier than twelve months before such application, (I) any postmarked mail, (J) a change of address confirmation from the United States Postal Service indicating an applicant's current and prior address, (K) a survey of an applicant's real property issued by a licensed surveyor, or (L) any official school records showing enrollment.

(b) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any regulation, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not decline to issue a motor vehicle operator's license to any applicant who meets the licensure requirements provided in section 14-36 but who cannot establish that he or she is legally present in the United States or does not have a Social Security number if such applicant (A) submits proof of residency in the state, (B) submits either two forms of primary proof of identity or one form of primary proof of identity and one form of secondary proof of identity, and (C) files an affidavit with the commissioner attesting that such applicant has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status or will file such an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. Any form of primary proof of identity, secondary proof of identity or proof of residency submitted to the commissioner that is in a language other than English shall be accompanied by a certified English translation of such document prepared by a translator approved by the commissioner. No photocopy, notarized photocopy or noncertified document is acceptable as a form of primary proof of identity or secondary proof of identity.

(2) The commissioner shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's license under this section to any applicant who has been convicted of any felony in Connecticut.

(3) The commissioner shall administer a knowledge test to any such applicant after such applicant has submitted proof of residency and proof of identity that satisfy the requirements of this section. Not later than thirty days after such applicant has passed such knowledge test, the commissioner shall determine whether such applicant has been convicted of any felony in Connecticut by searching the electronic criminal record system maintained on the Internet web site of the Judicial Department for convictions matching such applicant's name and date of birth. If such applicant has not been convicted of any such felony, the commissioner shall mail the applicant an adult instruction permit or youth instruction permit. The commissioner shall not refund the application fee of any applicant who fails a knowledge test or has been convicted of any such felony.

(c) Any motor vehicle operator's license issued pursuant to this section shall include an indication on such license that such license shall not be acceptable for federal identification purposes.

(d) Any motor vehicle operator's license issued under this section shall expire from three to six years after the date of issuance and may be renewed every three years thereafter. The fee for an operator's license that expires six years from the date of issuance shall be seventy-two dollars. The commissioner shall charge a prorated amount of such fee for an operator's license that expires less than six years from the date of issuance. The commissioner shall not renew any such operator's license unless the holder of such operator's license makes personal appearance and demonstrates proof of residency at the time of renewal. The fee for the renewal of any such operator's license shall be thirty-six dollars.

(e) No motor vehicle operator's license issued pursuant to this section shall be used as identification for voting purposes. The back of such license shall contain language indicating that it cannot be used for voting purposes. For any such license issued prior to July 1, 2016, the language required by this subsection shall be added upon renewal of such license.

(f) The commissioner shall place a restriction on each motor vehicle operator's license issued pursuant to this section, indicating that such motor vehicle operator's license is “for driving purposes only”.

(g) The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 13-89, S. 1; P.A. 15-79, S. 1, 2; 15-118, S. 28; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 236; P.A. 16-193, S. 3; P.A. 21-106, S. 47.)

History: P.A. 13-89 effective January 1, 2015; P.A. 15-79 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting former Subpara. (c) re consular report of an applicant's birth in Subdiv. (1), deleting former Subparas. (B), (D) and (E) re foreign voter registration card, school transcript and baptismal certificate and adding new Subpara. (B) re valid foreign national identification card and new Subpara. (D) re original birth certificate in Subdiv. (2), and amended Subsec. (b)(1) to provide that no photocopies or noncertified documents are acceptable as proof of identity or residency, effective July 1, 2015, and amended Subsec. (e) by adding provisions re language on back of license indicating that it cannot be used for voting, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 15-118 made a technical change in Subsec. (a)(3)(G); June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (e) by making technical changes to provisions taking effect July 1, 2016, that were added by P.A. 15-79, S. 2, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 16-193 made technical changes in Subsec. (b)(1); P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to delete “or proof of residency” and amended Subsec. (d) to add provisions re fees for operator's license, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-41. Expiration and renewal of operators' licenses and identity cards. Fees. Notice. (a) An original operator's license shall expire within a period not exceeding seven years following the date of the operator's next birthday. The fee for such license shall be eighty-four dollars. Upon renewal of a license, the commissioner may issue a license for a period to be determined by the commissioner, provided such period does not exceed eight years. The fee for the renewal of a license that expires eight years from the date of issuance shall be ninety-six dollars. The commissioner shall charge a prorated amount of such fee for a license that expires less than eight years from the date of issuance.

(b) The commissioner may authorize a contractor, including, but not limited to, an automobile club or association licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-67 on or before July 1, 2007, or any municipality, to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards pursuant to section 14-50a, renew licenses, renew identity cards issued pursuant to section 1-1h and conduct registration transactions. The commissioner may authorize such contractors and municipalities to charge a convenience fee, which shall not exceed eight dollars, to each applicant for a license or identity card renewal or duplication, or for a registration transaction.

(c) Any previously licensed operator who fails to renew a motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with subsection (a) of this section shall be charged a late fee of twenty-five dollars upon renewal of such operator's license.

(d) The commissioner may, at least fifteen days before the date on which each motor vehicle operator's license or identity card expires, notify the holder of such license or identity card of the expiration date, in a manner determined by the commissioner. The commissioner shall not provide such notification by mail to any such licensee or identity card holder if the United States Postal Service has determined that mail is undeliverable to the address for such person that is documented in the records of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Any previously licensed operator who operates a motor vehicle within sixty days after the expiration date of the operator's license without obtaining a renewal of the license shall be fined in accordance with the amount designated for the infraction of failure to renew a motor vehicle operator's license. Any operator so charged shall not be prosecuted under section 14-36 for the same act constituting a violation under this section but section 14-36 shall apply after the sixty-day period.

(e) On and after January 1, 2013, the commissioner may extend the expiration date of an operator's license or identity card for a period of six months when such licensee or identity card holder presents documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that such person was out of the state during the renewal period for such license or identity card, or when the commissioner requires additional time to determine whether such person qualifies for a renewal. The fee for such extension shall be the same as that for a duplicate license under section 14-50a and no part of such fee shall be subject to refund. The commissioner shall not grant more than one extension to any such person pursuant to this subsection.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-3a, if the expiration date of any motor vehicle operator's license or any public passenger endorsement falls on any day when the offices of the commissioner are closed for business or are open for less than a full business day, the license or permit shall be deemed valid until midnight of the next day on which the offices of the commissioner are open for a full day of business.

(1949 Rev., S. 2381; 1953, 1955, S. 1299d; 1957, P.A. 437, S. 4; February, 1965, P.A. 68; 1967, P.A. 115; 436, S. 1; 807, S. 4; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 4; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 16; P.A. 75-213, S. 9, 53; 75-577, S. 21, 126; P.A. 76-263, S. 6, 9; P.A. 77-10; 77-256, S. 3, 4; 77-348, S. 1, 2; P.A. 79-89, S. 1; P.A. 80-51; P.A. 81-172, S. 3; P.A. 83-489, S. 3, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 29, 62; 84-429, S. 21; P.A. 85-413, S. 4, 8; P.A. 87-329, S. 5; P.A. 90-263, S. 8, 74; 90-265, S. 7, 8; P.A. 91-408, S. 8, 18; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9, S. 1, 4; P.A. 93-80, S. 49, 67; 93-341, S. 12, 38; P.A. 95-223, S. 1, 2; P.A. 97-284, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-287, S. 7, 9; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 74, 85; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 47, 131; P.A. 03-171, S. 6; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3, S. 34; P.A. 04-4, S. 6; 04-177 S. 12; 04-199, S. 22; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 26; P.A. 07-167, S. 32; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1, S. 94; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5, S. 43; P.A. 09-187, S. 10; P.A. 10-110, S. 21; 10-179, S. 25; P.A. 11-6, S. 137; 11-48, S. 27; 11-213, S. 16; P.A. 12-81, S. 4; P.A. 13-271, S. 15; P.A. 14-130, S. 7; P.A. 16-55, S. 24; P.A. 17-79, S. 5; P.A. 18-164, S. 23; P.A. 19-165, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 13.)

History: 1965 act added proviso clause re holder reaching 21 in Subsec. (b); 1967 acts included motorcycle licenses in provisions, revised provisions re expiration of licenses in Subsec. (b), inserted new Subsec. (c) re effect of change in birth date on expiration and reissuance of license, redesignated former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and added provisions re penalty for failure to renew license within 30 days of expiration date; 1969 act revised fee provisions in Subsecs. (b) and (c), raising rate from $0.25 to $0.35 per month and placing $2 maximum on fee for 6-month period; 1972 act changed age of majority from 21 to 18; P.A. 75-213 raised fee in Subsec. (b) to $0.45 per month not to exceed $2.50 for 6-month period; P.A. 75-577 removed reference to $25 maximum fine in Subsec. (d) and added references to fines of the amount designated for infractions specified; P.A. 76-263 revised section to cover transition period for change of validity period from 2 to 4 years and institution of licenses with pictures, deleted references to provisional licenses and deleted violation in Subsec. (d) re failure to sign license before operating motor vehicle or motorcycle; P.A. 77-10 added Subsec. (e) re expiration of license on day when motor vehicle offices are closed; P.A. 77-256 raised fee in Subsec. (c) to $0.45 per month not to exceed $2.50 for 6-month period; P.A. 77-348 revised provisions re expiration so that all licenses expire on birth date rather than last day of birth month and changed reference to June 30, 1976 to June 30, 1977 in Subsec. (a); P.A. 79-89 added exception re Sec. 14-41a to Subsec. (a); P.A. 80-51 made former Subdivs. (1) to (4) in Subsec. (a) subparagraphs (A) to (D) under Subdiv. (1) re motor vehicle and motorcycle licenses, made provision re public service operator's license Subdiv. (2) and added exception re change of expiration date from April 30th to June 30th; P.A. 81-172 amended Subsec. (d) by increasing from 30 to 60 days after the expiration date the amount of time during which an operator can be charged with only an infraction; P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (b) to increase additional sum from $1 to $2; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 1984, to increase the fee, scheduling the increases to take effect as of July 1, 1984, 1986 and 1988; P.A. 84-429 deleted obsolete provisions, rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-413 adjusted fees after July 1, 1988, and deleted obsolete fee provisions; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (b) maintaining the 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; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsecs. (a) and (e) to substitute public passenger transportation permit for public service motor vehicle operator's license; P.A. 90-265 amended Subsec. (a) to require vision screening for motor vehicle operators prior to every other renewal of operator's license in accordance with specified schedule; P.A. 91-408 amended Subsec. (a) to delay the commencement of vision screening from July 1, 1991, to October 1, 1992, and to change the beginning and ending dates of the specified schedule accordingly; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from October 1, 1992, to July 1, 1993, and to require that screening be done in accordance with a schedule adopted by the commissioner, eliminating the specified schedule according to the last name of the operator; P.A. 93-80 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1993, to July 1, 1995, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting former Subdiv. (2) re expiration date for public passenger transportation permits, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-223 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1995, to July 1, 1997, effective July 1, 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. 97-284 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone vision screening requirement from July 1, 1997, to July 1, 1999, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 99-287 amended Subsec. (a) by postponing the implementation of vision screening from July 1, 1999, to July 1, 2001, and allowing a vision screening conducted by a licensed health care professional to have occurred during the preceding 12 months in lieu of the preceding 3 months, effective July 1, 1999; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to require renewal of license every 6 years, amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee from $3.50 to $5.25, amended Subsec. (c) to modify the issue period for renewal licenses from not more than 48 months to not more than 72 months and made technical changes for purposes of gender neutrality in Subsecs. (a) and (d), effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for an optional licensure period of 4 years in accordance with a schedule to be established by the commissioner and changed to July 1, 2003, the date by which the commissioner shall screen the vision of operator's at every other renewal of license, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsecs. (a), (d) and (e) to delete references to motorcycle operator's license, made technical changes in Subsec. (a) and amended Subsec. (d) to delete references to Sec. 14-40a; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-3 amended Subsec. (a) to change commencement date of vision screening program from July 1, 2003, to July 1, 2005, effective August 20, 2003, and applicable as of July 1, 2003; P.A. 04-4 amended Subsec. (b) to delete former formula for the license fee and to establish fees for 4-year and 6-year licenses and a fee for a part-year license, deleted former Subsec. (c) re changes in records relating to birth dates and renewal of licenses thereafter and redesignated existing Subsecs. (d) and (e) as new Subsecs. (c) and (d), effective March 11, 2004; P.A. 04-177 and P.A. 04-199 both amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for original 4-year operator's licenses from $43 to $44 and for 6-year operator's license from $65 to $66, effective July 1, 2004; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3 amended Subsec. (a) by changing “2005” to “2007”, effective July 1, 2005; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provisions re vision screening and amended Subsec. (b) by adding provisions re renewals at office facilities of licensed automobile club or association, effective July 1, 2007; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1 attempted to amend Subsec. (a) to change July 1, 2007, to July 1, 2009, effective July 1, 2007, but failed to take effect since the vision screening provisions were previously deleted from this Subsec. by P.A. 07-167; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-5 amended Subsec. (a) by restoring provisions re vision screening and postponing implementation to July 1, 2009; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (a) to postpone implementation of vision screening from July 1, 2009, to July 1, 2011, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to authorize commissioner, upon every other renewal of operator's license or identity card, to issue such license or card without personal appearance of licensee or card holder if such licensee or card holder has digital image on file with commissioner and has met all other renewal requirements and amended Subsec. (b) to authorize automobile clubs and associations to perform identity card renewals and registration transactions and to charge fee of not more than $2, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 10-179 amended Subsec. (b) to make the same changes as made to Subsec. (b) by P.A. 10-110, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 11-6 amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for 4-year license from $44 to $48, for 6-year license from $66 to $72 and for a year or part thereof from $11 to $12, added Subsec. (c) re $25 late renewal fee, redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (d) and (e), and deleted “shall be deemed to have failed to renew a motor vehicle operator's license and” in Subsec. (d), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-48 amended Subsec. (a) by eliminating 4 or 6-year renewal requirement, requirement for personal appearance of licensee or holder for renewal and requirement for vision screening prior to every other renewal, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize issuance of duplicate licenses and identity cards by automobile club or association and make conforming and technical changes, and amended Subsec. (c) to include identity cards, change “shall” to “may” re notification and prohibit notification by mail if mail determined to be undeliverable, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to make provisions applicable upon every “other” renewal of a license or identity card, amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision re fee for 4-year license and make conforming changes, added new Subsec. (e) re 6-month extension of expiration date of operator's license or identity card and fee therefor and redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f), effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provision re license fee of $12 per year or any part of a year and to increase maximum convenience fee charged by automobile club or association from $2 to $3; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (f) by replacing “public passenger transportation permit” with “public passenger endorsement, as defined in section 14-1”, effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “a contractor, including, but not limited to,” and “or any office or department of a municipality”, increasing maximum convenience fee from $3 to $5 and making a conforming change, effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (b) by deleting “office or department of a”, replacing “its office facilities” with “the office or facilities of such contractors or municipalities” and adding provision re authorization for municipalities to charge a convenience fee, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (b) by increasing maximum convenience fee from $5 to $8 and making a technical change, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-165 deleted former Subsec. (a) re authority to issue renewal of operator's license or identity card without personal appearance of licensee or card holder, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (a) and amended same to increase period of validity for original operator's license from 6 years to 7 years, increase fee from $72 to $84 and add provision re renewal and renewal fee, designated existing provision re authority of contractor or municipality to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards as new Subsec. (b), amended Subsec. (f) to delete reference to Sec. 14-1, and made conforming and technical changes, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to delete “at the office or facilities of such contractors or municipalities”, effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-42a. Agreement with procurement organizations. Inclusion of information re procurement organizations in driver education programs. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall enter into an agreement with one or more federally designated organ and tissue procurement organizations to provide to such organizations access to the names, dates of birth and other pertinent information of holders of operator's licenses, instruction permits and identity cards issued pursuant to section 1-1h who have registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles an intent to become organ and tissue donors. Such access shall be provided in a manner and form to be determined by the commissioners, following consultation with such organizations, and may include electronic transmission of initial information and periodic updating of information. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not charge a fee for such access pursuant to section 14-50a, but may charge such organizations reasonable administrative costs. Information provided to such organizations shall be used solely for identifying such holders as organ and tissue donors.

(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall include in regulations adopted pursuant to sections 14-36f and 14-78 a requirement that a description of the purposes and procedures of procurement organizations, as defined in section 19a-289a, be included in driver education programs.

(P.A. 04-122, S. 1; P.A. 05-121, S. 1; P.A. 08-150, S. 8; P.A. 10-123, S. 27; P.A. 11-51, S. 88; P.A. 21-106, S. 45.)

History: P.A. 05-121 amended Subsec. (a) by giving procurement organizations access to information re holders of identity cards issued pursuant to Sec. 1-1h; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b) to include regulations adopted pursuant to Sec. 14-78; P.A. 10-123 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing reference to Sec. 19a-279a with Sec. 19a-289a; P.A. 11-51 changed “Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information Technology” to “Commissioner of Administrative Services”, “commissioner and Chief Information Officer” to “commissioners” and “commissioner” to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add “, instruction permits” and make a technical change.

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Sec. 14-44c. Application for commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit. Penalty. (a) The application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, shall include the following:

(1) The full name and current mailing and residence address of the person;

(2) A physical description of the person, including gender, height and eye color;

(3) Date of birth;

(4) The applicant's Social Security number;

(5) The person's statement, under oath, that such person meets the physical qualification standards set forth in 49 CFR 391, as amended from time to time;

(6) The person's statement, under oath, that the type of vehicle in which the person has taken or intends to take the driving skills test is representative of the type of motor vehicle the person operates or intends to operate;

(7) The person's statement, under oath, that such person is not subject to disqualification, suspension, revocation or cancellation of operating privileges in any state, and that he or she does not hold an operator's license in any other state;

(8) The person's identification of all states in which such person has been licensed to drive any type of motor vehicle during the last ten years, and the person's statement, under oath that he or she does not hold an operator's license in any other state; and

(9) The person's signature, and certification of the accuracy and completeness of the application, subject to the penalties of false statement under section 53a-157b. The application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in section 14-44h.

(b) No person who has been a resident of this state for thirty days may drive a commercial motor vehicle under the authority of a commercial driver's license issued by another jurisdiction.

(c) At the time of application for a commercial driver's license, the applicant shall make the applicable certification, as required by 49 CFR 383.71(b), regarding the type of commerce in which such person shall engage. No commercial driver's license shall be issued to a person who fails to make such certification.

(d) On and after January 6, 2023, the commissioner shall request a driver's record from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, in accordance with 49 CFR 382.725, as amended from time to time, for any person who applies for, renews, transfers or upgrades a commercial driver's license. The commissioner shall use information obtained from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse solely for the purpose of determining whether a person is qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle and shall not disclose such information to any person or entity not directly involved in determining whether a person is qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

(e) In addition to other penalties provided by law, any person who knowingly falsifies information or certifications required under subsection (a) of this section shall have such person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended for sixty days.

(P.A. 90-263, S. 35, 74; P.A. 96-167, S. 6; P.A. 04-217, S. 6; P.A. 11-213, S. 55; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 201; P.A. 17-79, S. 7; P.A. 19-119, S. 19; P.A. 21-106, S. 14.)

History: P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (b) to substitute 30-day for 60-day residency; P.A. 04-217 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change in Subdiv. (6), to add provision in Subdiv. (8) to include in application for commercial driver's license or commercial driver's license instruction permit statement that applicant is not subject to cancellation of operating privileges in any state, to add new Subdiv. (9) to require applicant to identify all states in which applicant has been licensed to drive any type of motor vehicle in last 10 years and statement that person does not hold license in any other state, and to redesignate existing Subdiv. (9) as new Subdiv. (10), effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (a) to delete former Subdiv. (5) re color picture requirement and redesignate existing Subdivs. (6) to (10) as Subdivs. (5) to (9), effective July 13, 2011; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 added new Subsec. (c) re federally required certification, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d) and made technical changes, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (a)(5) by deleting provision re expectation to not operate in interstate or foreign commerce; P.A. 19-119 amended Subsec. (a)(5) to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2019; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to replace “sex” with “gender”, added new Subsec. (d) re driver's record from Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e), effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-44e. Limitations on issuance of commercial driver's license. Qualification standards. Waiver of skills test. Requirements for license endorsement to operate vehicle transporting hazardous materials. Commercial driver's instruction permit. (a)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a commercial driver's license to any person unless such person is a resident of this state and has passed a knowledge and skills test for driving a commercial motor vehicle which complies with the minimum federal standards established by 49 CFR 383, Subparts G and H, as amended, and has satisfied all other requirements of this section and sections 14-44b, 14-44c, and 14-44g, in addition to other requirements for an operator's license imposed by the general statutes and regulations of the commissioner.

(2) On and after February 7, 2022, the commissioner shall not (A) administer a commercial driver's license skills test to a person who is applying for or upgrading to a class A or class B commercial driver's license, or applying for a “P” or “S” endorsement, until the commissioner has verified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that such person has undergone the entry level driver training required under 49 CFR Part 380, as amended from time to time, and (B) administer a commercial driver's license knowledge test to any person who is applying for a “H” endorsement until the commissioner has verified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that such person has undergone the entry level driver training required under 49 CFR Part 380, as amended from time to time. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any person who is exempt under 49 CFR Part 383, as amended from time to time.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's instruction permit to any applicant who does not meet the physical qualification standards set forth in 49 CFR 391, as amended from time to time. As required by 49 CFR 383.71(h), each applicant for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit shall provide to the commissioner a copy of a medical examiner's certificate, prepared by a medical examiner, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, indicating that such applicant is medically certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. For each applicant who has submitted such medical certification and who has also certified, in accordance with 49 CFR 383.71(b) and subsection (c) of section 14-44c, that such applicant operates in nonexcepted interstate commerce, the commissioner shall post a medical certification status of “certified” on the Commercial Driver's License Information System driver record for such applicant. The holder of a commercial driver's license who has not been examined and certified as qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle during the preceding twenty-four months, or a shorter period as indicated by the medical examiner submitting such certificate, shall be required to submit a new medical certificate. The commissioner shall not issue a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit to any applicant or holder who fails to submit the medical certification required by this section. If the holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit fails to submit a new medical examiner's certificate before the expiration of twenty-four months or the period specified by the medical examiner, whichever is shorter, the commissioner shall, not later than sixty days after the date that such holder's medical status becomes uncertified: (1) Downgrade the commercial driver's license to a Class D operator's license; or (2) cancel the commercial driver's instruction permit. Any applicant or holder who is denied a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's instruction permit, or whose license or permit is disqualified, suspended, revoked or cancelled pursuant to this subsection shall be granted an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.

(c) The commissioner may waive the skills test required under subsection (a) of this section in the case of an applicant for a commercial driver's license who meets the requirements of 49 CFR 383.77, as amended or, in the case of an applicant for a school bus endorsement who meets the requirements of 49 CFR 383.123, as amended.

(d) A commercial driver's license shall not be issued to any person subject to disqualification from driving a commercial motor vehicle or subject to suspension, revocation or cancellation of operating privileges in any state. Each applicant for an endorsement to drive a vehicle transporting hazardous materials shall be subject to the requirements of 49 USC 5103a, as administered by the United States Transportation Security Administration. The commissioner may refuse to issue a hazardous materials endorsement, or may suspend or revoke any such endorsement, held by any person who is the subject of a notification received from the Transportation Security Administration, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR 1572.5, as amended.

(e) An operator's license shall not be issued to any person who holds an operator's license issued by any other state, unless such person first surrenders such license or licenses to the commissioner. The commissioner shall return every license surrendered hereunder to the issuing state for cancellation.

(f) The commissioner may refuse to issue a commercial driver's license, or may issue a commercial driver's license subject to compliance with such condition as the commissioner may prescribe, to any person whose motor vehicle operator's license, privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state or license endorsement is under suspension or is subject to any pending action by the commissioner that may result in suspension.

(g) The commissioner may issue a commercial driver's instruction permit to any person who holds a valid operator's license. Such permit may be issued for a period not exceeding one year. Any holder of a commercial driver's instruction permit who has not obtained a commercial driver's license on or before the expiration date of such permit shall be required to retake the commercial driver's license knowledge test and any applicable endorsement knowledge tests. The holder of a commercial driver's instruction permit may, unless otherwise disqualified or suspended, drive a commercial motor vehicle if such holder is accompanied by the holder of a commercial driver's license of the appropriate class and bearing endorsements for the type of vehicle being driven who occupies a seat beside the individual for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the commercial motor vehicle. The commissioner shall not administer a commercial driver's license driving skills test to any holder of a commercial driver's instruction permit unless such person has held such permit for a minimum period of fourteen days.

(h) (1) The commissioner shall deny or disqualify for a period of sixty days a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license if it is determined that an applicant or holder has provided false information on any certification the applicant or holder is required to give relative to such permit or license application.

(2) If an applicant or holder is suspected of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license, such applicant or holder shall be required to schedule the commercial driver's license knowledge test and driving skills test not later than thirty days after notification by the commissioner of the suspected fraud. Failure to schedule both such tests or failure to pass both such tests shall result in disqualification of such permit or license and the applicant or holder shall be required to reapply for the permit or license.

(3) Any applicant or holder convicted of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license shall have such applicant's or holder's permit or license disqualified for one year from the date of conviction and shall be required to retake such tests.

(P.A. 90-263, S. 34, 74; P.A. 04-217, S. 8; P.A. 06-130, S. 18; P.A. 07-167, S. 9; P.A. 08-150, S. 7; P.A. 09-187, S. 67; P.A. 10-110, S. 50; P.A. 14-130, S. 10, 11; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 202, 203; P.A. 19-119, S. 20; P.A. 21-106, S. 15; 44.)

History: P.A. 04-217 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (b) to make a technical change and afford person whose commercial driver's license has been cancelled an opportunity for hearing, amended Subsec. (c) to make a technical change and permit commissioner to waive skills test for applicant for school bus endorsement meeting specified requirements and amended Subsec. (d) to prohibit issuance of commercial driver's license to person subject to cancellation of operating privileges in any state and added provisions re endorsement to drive a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, effective January 1, 2005; P.A. 06-130 added new Subsec. (f) re commissioner's discretionary power to issue commercial driver's license to driver whose license or endorsement is under suspension or is subject to pending action that may result in suspension and redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (g), effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (b) by adding references to commercial driver's instruction permit and deleting provision re standards applicable when person will operate vehicle only in this state; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (g) to insert “or suspended” and replace “with appropriate endorsements” with “of the appropriate class and bearing endorsements”; P.A. 09-187 made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (g) and amended Subsec. (g) to replace provision re commercial driver's instruction permit renewed or reissued only once within a 2-year period with provision re permit reissued or renewed for periods not exceeding 6 months until June 30, 2011, and only once within a 2-year period on and after July 1, 2011, effective July 8, 2009; P.A. 10-110 made a technical change in Subsec. (g); P.A. 14-130 added Subsec. (h) re applicant or holder providing false information on certification for commercial driver's instruction permit or license application, effective October 1, 2014, and amended Subsec. (g) to replace “six months” with “one hundred eighty days” in provisions re issuance and renewal, to add provision re permit holders to retake license and endorsement knowledge tests if after expiration date of permit, to add provision re administering skills test to person who has not held instruction permit for 14 days or more, and to make conforming changes, effective July 1, 2015; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (b) to delete provisions re person who has physical or psychobehavioral impairment and add provisions re medical certification as provided by federal law, and amended Subsec. (h) to designate existing provisions as Subdivs. (1) to (3), effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 19-119 amended Subsec. (b) to replace reference to 49 CFR 391.41 with reference to 49 CFR 391 and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2019; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to designate existing provision as Subdiv. (1) and add Subdiv. (2) re verification that applicant underwent certain entry level driver training, effective October 1, 2021, and amended Subsec. (g) to extend issue of commercial driver's instruction permit from 180 days to 1 year and to delete provision re reissue or renewal of such permit, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-44i. Fees for commercial driver's license and tests. Waiver. (a) There shall be charged a fee of seventy dollars for each renewal of a commercial driver's license.

(b) There shall be charged for each commercial driver's license knowledge test a fee of sixteen dollars. There shall be charged for each commercial driver's license skills test a fee of thirty dollars. There shall be charged for each commercial driver's instruction permit a fee of twenty dollars.

(c) There shall be charged, in addition to the fee provided in subsection (b) of this section for the commercial driver's license knowledge test, a fee of five dollars for each test for an endorsement to a commercial driver's license. There shall be charged, in addition to the fee provided in subsection (b) for such knowledge test, a fee of five dollars for each test for the removal of a restriction to a commercial driver's license relating to air brakes. There shall be charged, in addition to the fee provided in subsection (b) for such knowledge test, a fee of five dollars for each combination vehicle knowledge test.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall waive the fees established by subsection (b) of this section in the case of any person who applies for a commercial driver's license with an “S” endorsement.

(P.A. 90-263, S. 17, 74; P.A. 97-236, S. 8; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 77, 85; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4, S. 23, 30; P.A. 04-199, S. 25; P.A. 07-167, S. 16; P.A. 09-187, S. 50; P.A. 12-81, S. 40; P.A. 13-271, S. 17; P.A. 21-106, S. 16.)

History: P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (d) to require commissioner to waive fees for any person who applies for a license with a “Z” restriction, eliminating reference to provision of evidence that person is currently employed as a school bus operator or has been accepted for employment as such; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsec. (a) to increase the renewal fee to $75, effective July 1, 2001; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4 amended Subsec. (a) to increase fee for renewal of commercial driver's license to $90 and amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for commercial driver's license learner's permit from $8 to $10, effective January 1, 2004; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to Sec. 14-44h(c) and to reduce fee for renewal of commercial driver's license from $90 to $60, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 07-167 deleted former Subsec. (d) re waiver of fees for person applying for a license with a “Z” restriction; P.A. 09-187 added Subsec. (d) re fee waiver for commercial driver's license with “S” endorsement, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b) to replace “commercial driver's license learner's permit” with “commercial driver's instruction permit”, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (a) to increase fee for renewal of commercial driver's license from $60 to $70; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) to increase commercial driver's instruction permit fee from $10 to $20, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-44k. *(See end of section for amended version of subsection (c) and effective date.) Disqualification from operation of commercial motor vehicles. Disqualification offenses. Lifetime disqualification. Mitigation of lifetime disqualification. (a) A driver who is disqualified or subject to an out-of-service order shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle. An employer shall not knowingly permit or require a driver who is disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.

(b) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for one year if convicted of a violation of (1) operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, under section 14-227a, (2) operating a commercial motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration of four-hundredths of one per cent, or more, (3) evasion of responsibility under section 14-224, (4) using any motor vehicle in the commission of any felony, as defined in section 14-1, (5) operating a commercial motor vehicle while the operator's commercial driver's license is revoked, suspended or cancelled, or while the operator is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, (6) section 14-227m, or (7) subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not more than two years if convicted of one violation of causing a fatality through the negligent or reckless operation of a commercial motor vehicle, as evidenced by a conviction of a violation of section 14-222a, 53a-56b, 53a-57 or 53a-60d. The disqualification periods in this subsection shall also apply to convictions under the provisions of law of another state, of offenses deemed by the commissioner to be substantially similar to the offenses described in this subsection.

*(c) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for one year if the commissioner finds that such person has refused to submit to a test to determine such person's blood alcohol concentration while operating any motor vehicle, or has failed such a test when given, pursuant to the provisions of section 14-227b or pursuant to the provisions of a law of any other state that is deemed by the commissioner to be substantially similar to section 14-227b. For the purpose of this subsection, a person shall be deemed to have failed such a test if, when driving a commercial motor vehicle, the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was four-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight, or if, when driving any other motor vehicle, the ratio of alcohol in the blood of such person was eight-hundredths of one per cent or more of alcohol, by weight.

(d) If a person commits any of the disqualifying offenses identified in subsection (b) of this section or is the subject of a finding by the commissioner under subsection (c) of this section while driving a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 USC 1801 to 1813, inclusive, as amended, such person shall be disqualified for a period of three years.

(e) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for (1) sixty days if convicted of failure to stop at a railroad grade crossing, in violation of section 14-249 or 14-250, while operating a commercial motor vehicle, (2) one hundred twenty days if convicted of a second violation of section 14-249 or 14-250 while operating a commercial motor vehicle, and (3) one year if convicted of a third or subsequent violation of section 14-249 or 14-250 while operating a commercial motor vehicle, during any three-year period. The disqualification periods in this subsection shall also apply to convictions under the provisions of law of another state, of offenses deemed by the commissioner to be substantially similar to the offenses described in this subsection.

(f) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a period of not less than sixty days if convicted of two serious traffic violations, as defined in section 14-1, or one hundred twenty days if convicted of three serious traffic violations, arising from separate incidents occurring within a three-year period (1) while operating a commercial motor vehicle, (2) while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle, provided such violation resulted in a suspension, for any period of time, of such person's class D license, or (3) from any combination of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. The period of any disqualification for a subsequent offense imposed under this subsection shall commence immediately after the period of any other disqualification imposed on such person. The disqualification periods in this subsection shall also apply to convictions under the provisions of law of another state, of offenses deemed by the commissioner to constitute serious traffic violations, as defined in section 14-1.

(g) Any person who (1) uses any motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance, or (2) uses a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving severe forms of trafficking in persons, as defined in 22 USC 7102(11), as amended from time to time, shall be disqualified for life and ineligible for reinstatement in accordance with subsection (h) of this section.

(h) A person is disqualified for life if such person commits two or more of the offenses specified in subsection (b) of this section, or if such person is the subject of two or more findings by the commissioner under subsection (c) of this section, or any combination of those offenses or findings, arising from two or more separate incidents. A person is disqualified for life if the commissioner takes suspension actions against such person for two or more alcohol test refusals or test failures, or any combination of such actions, arising from two or more separate incidents. Any person disqualified for life, except a person disqualified under subsection (g) of this section, who has both voluntarily enrolled in and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program, as determined by the commissioner, may apply for reinstatement of such person's commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, provided any such applicant shall not be eligible for reinstatement until such time as such person has served a minimum disqualification period of ten years. An application for reinstatement shall be accompanied by documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that such person has both voluntarily enrolled in and successfully completed a program established and operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services pursuant to chapter 319j, a program operated through a substance abuse treatment facility licensed in accordance with section 19a-491 or the equivalent of either program offered in another state. The commissioner shall not reinstate a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit that was disqualified for life unless an applicant for reinstatement requests an administrative hearing in accordance with chapter 54, and offers evidence that the reinstatement of such applicant's commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit does not endanger the public safety or welfare. Such evidence shall include, but not be limited to, proof that such applicant has not been convicted of any offense involving alcohol, a controlled substance or a drug during a period of ten years following the date of such applicant's most recent lifetime disqualification. If a person whose commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit is reinstated under this subsection is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense, such person shall be permanently disqualified for life and shall be ineligible to reapply for a reduction of the lifetime disqualification. The following shall remain on the driving history record of a commercial motor vehicle operator or commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit holder for a period of fifty-five years, as required by 49 CFR Part 384, as amended from time to time: (1) Any offense specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this section, provided such offense occurred on or after December 29, 2006; (2) each of two or more offenses specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this section that occur within ten years of each other and result in a lifetime disqualification, regardless of when such offenses occur; (3) any conviction under subsection (g) of this section for using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance, committed on or after January 1, 2005.

(i) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, any person who violates an out-of-service order shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle: (A) For a period of not less than one hundred eighty days or more than one year for a first violation; (B) for a period of not less than two years or more than five years for a second violation during any ten-year period, where such violations arose from separate incidents; and (C) for a period of not less than three years or more than five years for a third or subsequent violation during any ten-year period, where such violations arose from separate incidents.

(2) Any person who violates an out-of-service order while driving a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, required to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 USC 1801 to 1813, inclusive, or a commercial motor vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle: (A) For a period of not less than one hundred eighty days or more than two years for a first violation, and (B) for a period of not less than three years or more than five years for a second or subsequent violation during any ten-year period, where such violations arose from separate incidents.

(3) In addition to the penalties provided in subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, any person who violates an out-of-service order shall be subject to the civil penalties prescribed in 49 CFR Section 383.53, as amended from time to time.

(j) Any holder of a commercial driver's license whose driving is determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to constitute an imminent hazard, as defined in section 14-1, shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle. The period of disqualification may not exceed thirty days unless the commissioner is satisfied that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has complied with the procedures for review and hearing set forth in 49 CFR 383.52. The period of any disqualification imposed under this subsection shall be concurrent with the period of any other disqualification or suspension imposed on such commercial driver.

(k) After taking disqualification action, or suspending, revoking or cancelling a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, the commissioner shall update the commissioner's records to reflect such action within ten days. After taking disqualification action, or suspending, revoking or cancelling the operating privileges of a commercial motor vehicle operator or a commercial driver who is licensed or holds a commercial driver's instruction permit in another state, the commissioner shall notify the licensing state of such action within ten days. Such notification shall identify the violation that caused such disqualification, suspension, cancellation or revocation.

(P.A. 90-263, S. 38, 74; P.A. 92-100; P.A. 97-236, S. 10, 27; P.A. 02-70, S. 2; P.A. 03-278, S. 38; P.A. 04-217, S. 12; P.A. 05-218, S. 21; 05-288, S. 57; P.A. 06-130, S. 19; P.A. 07-167, S. 33; P.A. 10-110, S. 3; P.A. 11-213, S. 21; P.A. 12-81, S. 5; P.A. 13-271, S. 18, 19; P.A. 16-126, S. 11; P.A. 17-79, S. 8; P.A. 21-106, S. 17.)

*Note: On and after April 1, 2022, subsection (c) of this section, as amended by section 120 of public act 21-1 of the June special session, is to read as follows:

“(c) In addition to any other penalties provided by law, and except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle for one year if the commissioner finds that such person (1) has refused to submit to a test to determine such person's blood alcohol concentration while operating any motor vehicle or to a nontestimonial portion of a drug influence evaluation conducted by a drug recognition expert, (2) has an elevated blood alcohol content based on such a test pursuant to section 14-227b, or (3) was found to have been operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both based on a report filed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (d) of section 14-227b or pursuant to the provisions of a law of any other state that is deemed by the commissioner to be substantially similar to section 14-227b. For the purpose of this subsection, “drug recognition expert,” “elevated blood alcohol content” and “nontestimonial portion of a drug influence evaluation” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-227a.”

History: P.A. 90-263, S. 38 effective July 1, 1991; P.A. 92-100 amended Subsec. (c) to provide that a person is deemed to have failed test if he has a blood alcohol ratio of 0.04% or more and amended Subsec. (f) to require disqualification for life for persons who are the subject of two or more findings by the commissioner under Subsec. (c); P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (a) to prohibit a driver subject to an out-of-service order from driving a commercial motor vehicle and to eliminate in the prohibition re employer knowingly “allow” and “authorize”, inserted new Subsec. (g) requiring disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle and imposition of a civil penalty for violation of an out-of-service order, and relettered existing Subsecs. (g) and (h) as (h) and (i), respectively, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (b) to require disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for 60 days if convicted of one violation of Sec. 14-249 or 14-250, for 120 days if convicted of a second violation of said sections and for one year if convicted of a third or subsequent violation of said sections and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (b), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 04-217 amended Subsec. (b) to impose penalty of disqualification from operating commercial motor vehicle for one year for operating commercial motor vehicle while having blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or more, for operating any motor vehicle, rather than commercial motor vehicle, in commission of a felony, for operating a commercial motor vehicle while commercial driver's license revoked, suspended, or cancelled, or while operator disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicle and for causing fatality through negligent or reckless operation of commercial motor vehicle, to eliminate other penalties and to renumber subdivisions, amended Subsec. (c) to disqualify from operation of commercial motor vehicle for one year person refusing to submit to blood test to determine blood alcohol concentration while operating any motor vehicle, rather than commercial motor vehicle, or who fails test as provided, amended Subsec. (d) to provide that person disqualified under Subsec. (b) or subject of finding by commissioner under Subsec. (c) while driving vehicle transporting hazardous materials be disqualified for period of three years, added new Subsec. (e) re convictions resulting in disqualification, added new Subsec. (f) re disqualification for conviction of serious traffic violations, redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as new Subsec. (g) and changed basis for disqualification from use of commercial motor vehicle to use of any motor vehicle in commission of specified felony, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as new Subsec. (h) and amended same to specify that person disqualified under Subsec. (g) may not apply to have license reinstated after completion of rehabilitation program, redesignated existing Subsec. (g) as new Subsec. (i) and amended Subdiv. (2) therein to apply to person driving vehicle transporting sixteen, rather than fifteen, passengers and Subdiv. (3) therein to increase civil penalty to not less than $1,100 or more than $2,750, deleted former Subsec. (h) re disqualification, added new Subsec. (j) re disqualification of person holding commercial driver's license whose driving determined to constitute an imminent hazard, redesignated existing Subsec. (i) as new Subsec. (k) and amended same to include cancellation of commercial driver's license as action requiring commissioner to update records, to include cancellation of operating privileges as action requiring commissioner to notify other licensing state of action and to require identification in such notification of the violation causing the disqualification, and made technical changes throughout, effective January 1, 2005 (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (j) the word “in” was editorially inserted by the Revisors in the phrase “, as defined in section 14-1,” for consistency); P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (c) by adding “when driving a commercial vehicle” re blood alcohol ratio of 0.04% or more and adding provision re driving any other motor vehicle where the ratio of alcohol in blood was 0.08% or more; P.A. 05-288 made technical changes in Subsec. (i), effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by changing “evasion of responsibility, involving a commercial motor vehicle” to “evasion of responsibility”, amended Subsec. (c) by adding language re provisions of law in other states, amended Subsec. (f) by providing that disqualification period for a subsequent offense shall start immediately after any other disqualification period and amended Subsec. (j) by providing that disqualification period shall be concurrent with any other disqualification or suspension, effective July 1, 2006; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing former Subdiv. (6) re one-year disqualification for causing fatality through negligent or reckless operation with provisions re disqualification for not more than two years for causing fatality through negligent or reckless operation and by making technical changes, effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsecs. (b), (e) and (f) to make disqualification periods applicable to out-of-state convictions of offenses deemed by commissioner to be substantially similar to offenses described therein and made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (h) to establish documentation and evidentiary requirements for reinstatement and violations remaining on driving record for 55 years per federal law, amended Subsec. (i)(1)(A) and (B) to increase minimum disqualification period from 90 to 180 days and from 1 to 2 years, and amended Subsec. (i)(3) to replace civil penalty amount with civil penalties prescribed by federal law, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (h) to replace requirement that applicant successfully complete “a rehabilitation program that meets the requirements of section 14-227f and the regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-227f” with requirement that applicant successfully complete “a program established and operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services pursuant to chapter 319j, a program operated through a substance abuse treatment facility licensed in accordance with section 19a-491 or the equivalent of either program offered in another state”, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (k) to add provisions re commercial driver's instruction permit and add reference to commercial motor vehicle operator, effective July 1, 2013, and amended Subsec. (h) to add provisions re commercial driver's instruction permit, effective October 1, 2013; P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (6) re Sec. 14-227m and adding Subdiv. (7) re Sec. 14-227n(a)(1) or (2); P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (f) by deleting “committed while operating any motor vehicle” and adding Subdivs. (1) to (3) re operation of a commercial motor vehicle or noncommercial motor vehicle; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (g) by designating existing provision as Subdiv. (1), adding Subdiv. (2) re felony involving trafficking in persons, and adding provision re ineligibility for reinstatement; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 amended Subsec. (c) by designating existing provision re test refusal as Subdiv. (1) and adding provision re nontestimonial portion of a drug influence evaluation, adding Subdiv. (2) re elevated blood alcohol content, adding Subdiv. (3) re operating under the influence and adding references to definitions of “drug recognition expert”, “elevated blood alcohol content” and “nontestimonial portion of a drug influence evaluation”, effective April 1, 2022.

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Sec. 14-45a. Regulations re standards for licensing of persons with health problems, referrals to medical advisory board, vision standards. Vision screenings or examinations. (a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the licensing of persons with health problems. Such regulations shall (1) include basic standards for licensing decisions with respect to the most common and recurrent health problems, such as visual and neurological impairments, (2) include procedures for the referral of individual cases to the medical advisory board, and (3) specify vision standards that are necessary for a person to operate a motor vehicle safely.

(b) Prior to issuing a motor vehicle operator's license to a person who has not previously been issued a license in this state or whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date, the commissioner may require such person to (1) pass a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine if the person meets vision standards specified in the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or (2) submit to the commissioner the results of a vision examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-46b, that certifies that such person meets such vision standards.

(P.A. 90-265, S. 6, 8; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9, S. 48, 131; P.A. 21-106, S. 41.)

History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), designating portions thereof as Subdivs. (1) and (2) and adding Subdiv. (3) requiring the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to adopt regulations specifying vision standards for the operation of a motor vehicle, and added new Subsec. (b) to allow the commissioner to require a person who has not previously been issued a license in the state or has not operated a motor vehicle in the preceding two years to pass a vision screening as a condition for licensure, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing “has not operated a motor vehicle within the preceding two years” with “whose Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to the application date”, designating existing provision re vision screening as Subdiv. (1) and adding Subdiv. (2) re vision examination, effective July 1, 2021.

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(C)

FEES

Sec. 14-49. Fees for miscellaneous registration and other fees. (a) For the registration of each passenger motor vehicle, other than an electric motor vehicle, the fee shall be one hundred twenty dollars every three years, provided any individual who is sixty-five years of age or older may, at such individual's discretion, renew the registration of such passenger motor vehicle owned by such individual for either a one-year period or the registration period as determined by the commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of section 14-22. The registration fee shall be prorated accordingly for any such registration that is renewed for a one-year period. The triennial fee for any motor vehicle for which special license plates have been issued under the provisions of section 14-20 shall be one hundred twenty dollars. The provisions of this subsection relative to the triennial fee charged for the registration of each antique, rare or special interest motor vehicle for which special license plates have been issued under section 14-20 shall not apply to an antique fire apparatus or transit bus owned by a nonprofit organization and maintained primarily for use in parades, exhibitions or other public events but not for purposes of general transportation.

(b) (1) For the registration of each motorcycle, the triennial fee shall be sixty-three dollars, subject to the provisions of subdivision (2) of this subsection. For the registration of each motorcycle with side car or box attached used for commercial purposes, the triennial fee shall be ninety dollars. The commissioner may register a motorcycle with a side car under one registration which shall cover the use of such motorcycle with or without such side car. (2) Six dollars of the total fee with respect to the registration of each motorcycle shall, when entered upon the records of the Special Transportation Fund, be deemed to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation for purposes of continuing the program of motorcycle rider education formerly funded under the federal Highway Safety Act of 1978, 23 USC 402.

(c) For the registration of each taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service, with a seating capacity of seven or less, the commissioner shall charge a biennial fee of two hundred sixty-six dollars. When the seating capacity of such motor vehicle is more than seven, there shall be added to the amount herein provided the sum of four dollars for each seat so in excess.

(d) For the registration of each motor bus, except a motor bus owned and operated by a multiple-state passenger carrier as hereinafter defined, the commissioner shall charge a fee of fifty-six dollars and such registration shall be sufficient for all types of operation under this chapter. For the registration of motor buses owned or operated by a multiple-state passenger carrier, the commissioner shall charge registration fees based on the rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundredweight of the gross weight, such gross weight to be computed by adding the light weight of the vehicle fully equipped for service to one hundred fifty pounds per passenger for the rated seating capacity, plus the sum of forty-two dollars. The fee in each case shall be determined on an apportionment basis commensurate with the use of the highways of this state as herein provided. The commissioner shall require the registration of that percentage of the motor buses of such multiple-state passenger carrier operating into or through the state which the mileage of such motor buses actually operated in the state bears to the total mileage of all such motor buses operated both within and without the state. Such percentage figures shall be the mileage factor. In computing the registration fees on the number of such motor buses which are allocated to the state for registration purposes under the foregoing formula, the commissioner shall first compute the amount that the registration fees would be if all such motor buses were in fact subject to registration in the state, and then apply to such amount the mileage factor above referred to, provided, if the foregoing formula or method of allocation results in apportioning a lesser or greater number of motor buses or amount of registration fees to the state than the state under all of the facts is fairly entitled to, then a formula that will fairly apportion such registration fees to the state shall be determined and used by the commissioner. Said mileage factor shall be computed prior to March first of each year by using the mileage records of operations of such motor buses operating both within and without the state for the twelve-month period, or portion thereof, ending on August thirty-first next preceding the commencement of the registration year for which registration is sought. If there were no operations in the state during any part of such preceding twelve-month period, the commissioner shall proceed under the provisions of subsection (a) of article IV of section 14-365. In apportioning the number of motor buses to be registered in the state, as provided in this subsection, any fractional part of a motor bus shall be treated as a whole motor bus and shall be registered and licensed as such. Any motor bus operated both within and without the state which is not required to be registered in the state under the provisions of this section shall nevertheless be identified as a part of the fleet of the multiple-state passenger carrier and the commissioner shall adopt an appropriate method of identification of such motor buses owned and operated by such carrier. The identification of all such motor buses by the commissioner as required in this subsection shall be considered the same as the registration of such motor buses under this chapter. The substitution from time to time of one motor bus for another by a multiple-state passenger carrier shall not require registration thereof in the state as long as the substitution does not increase the aggregate number of motor buses employed in the operation of such carrier, provided all such motor buses substituted for others shall be immediately reported to and identification issued for the same by the commissioner and, if a registration fee is required to be paid for such substituted motor bus, the same shall be promptly paid. As used in this subsection, the phrase “multiple-state passenger carrier” means and includes any person, firm or corporation authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission or its successor agency to engage in the business of the transportation of passengers for hire by motor buses, both within and without the state.

(e) (1) For the registration of a passenger motor vehicle used in part for commercial purposes, except any pick-up truck having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than twelve thousand five hundred pounds, the commissioner shall charge a triennial fee of one hundred thirty-two dollars and shall issue combination registration to such vehicle. Any individual who is sixty-five years of age or older may, at such individual's discretion, renew the combination registration of such vehicle owned by such individual for either a one-year period or the registration period as determined by the commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of section 14-22. (2) For the registration of a school bus, the commissioner shall charge an annual fee of one hundred seven dollars for a type I school bus and sixty-four dollars for a type II school bus. (3) For the registration of a motor vehicle when used in part for commercial purposes and as a passenger motor vehicle or of a motor vehicle having a seating capacity greater than ten and not used for the conveyance of passengers for hire, the commissioner shall charge a biennial fee for gross weight as for commercial registration, as outlined in section 14-47, plus the sum of fourteen dollars and shall issue combination registration to such vehicle. (4) Each vehicle registered as combination shall be issued a number plate bearing the word “combination”. No vehicle registered as combination may have a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twelve thousand five hundred pounds. (5) For the registration of a pick-up truck having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than twelve thousand five hundred pounds that is not used in part for commercial purposes, the commissioner shall charge a triennial fee for gross weight as for commercial registration, as provided in section 14-47, plus the sum of twenty-one dollars. The commissioner may issue passenger registration to any such vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of eight thousand five hundred pounds or less.

(f) For the registration of each electric motor vehicle, the commissioner shall charge a fee of fifty-seven dollars triennially or a prorated amount if the registration period is less than three years.

(g) For the registration of all motorcycles, registered under a general distinguishing number and mark, owned or operated by, or in the custody of, a manufacturer of, dealer in or repairer of motorcycles, there shall be charged an annual fee at the rate of thirty-seven dollars for each set of number plates furnished.

(h) The minimum annual fee for any commercial registration of a motor vehicle not equipped with pneumatic tires shall be sixty dollars.

(i) For the transfer of the registration of a motor vehicle previously registered, except as provided in subsection (e) of section 14-16 and subsection (c) of section 14-253a, there shall be charged a fee of twenty-one dollars.

(j) Repealed by 1972, P.A. 255, S. 6.

(k) For the registration of each motor hearse used exclusively for transportation of the dead, the commissioner shall charge a fee of thirty-seven dollars. The commissioner may furnish distinguishing number plates for any motor hearse.

(l) The fee for the registration of each truck to be used between parts of an industrial plant, as provided in section 13a-117, shall be thirty dollars for the first two hundred feet of the public highway, the use of which is granted by such permit. For each additional two hundred feet or fraction thereof, the fee shall be twelve dollars.

(m) (1) For the registration of a trailer used exclusively for camping or any other recreational purpose, the commissioner shall charge a triennial fee of twenty-eight dollars and fifty cents. (2) For any other trailer or semitrailer not drawn by a truck-tractor, the commissioner shall charge the same fee as prescribed for commercial registrations in section 14-47, provided the fee for a heavy duty trailer, a crane or any other heavy construction equipment shall be three hundred twenty-six dollars for each year; except that the registration fee for each motor vehicle classed as a tractor-crane and equipped with rubber tires shall be one-half the fee charged for the gross weight of commercial vehicles.

(n) For each temporary registration of a motor vehicle not used for commercial purposes, or renewal of such registration, the commissioner shall charge a fee computed at the rate of twenty-one dollars for each ten-day period, or part thereof. For each temporary registration of a motor vehicle used for commercial purposes, or renewal of such registration, the commissioner shall charge a fee computed at the rate of twenty-seven dollars for each ten-day period, or part thereof, if the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of six thousand pounds or less. For each temporary registration of a motor vehicle used for commercial purposes, or renewal of such registration, the commissioner shall charge a fee computed at the rate of forty-nine dollars for each ten-day period, or part thereof, if the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than six thousand pounds.

(o) No registration fee shall be charged in respect to any motor vehicle owned by a municipality, as defined in section 7-245, any other governmental agency or a military agency and used exclusively for the conduct of official business. No registration fee shall be charged for any motor vehicle owned by or leased to a transit district and used exclusively to provide public transportation. No fee shall be charged for the registration of ambulances owned by hospitals or any nonprofit civic organization approved by the commissioner. No fee shall be charged for the registration of fire department apparatus as provided by section 14-19. No registration fee shall be charged to a disabled veteran, as defined in section 14-254, residing in this state for the registration of three passenger, camper or passenger and commercial motor vehicles leased or owned by such veteran in any registration year, provided such vehicles shall not be used for hire. No registration fee shall be charged for any motor vehicle leased to an agency of this state on or after June 4, 1982.

(p) For the registration of a service bus owned by an individual, firm or corporation, exclusive of any nonprofit charitable, religious, educational or community service organization, and used for the transportation of persons without charge, the commissioner shall charge a fee of two hundred thirteen dollars for vehicles having a seating capacity of sixteen passengers or less, including the driver, and seven hundred forty-seven dollars for vehicles having a seating capacity of more than sixteen passengers. For the registration of any service bus owned by any nonprofit charitable, religious, educational or community service organization, the commissioner shall charge a fee of one hundred sixty dollars for vehicles having a seating capacity of sixteen passengers or less, and five hundred thirty-three dollars for vehicles having a seating capacity of more than sixteen passengers, provided such service bus is used exclusively for the purpose of transporting persons in relation to the purposes and activities of such organization. Each such registration shall be issued for a biennial period in accordance with a schedule established by the commissioner. Nothing contained in this subsection shall affect the provisions of subsection (e) of this section.

(q) The commissioner shall collect a triennial fee of forty-five dollars for the registration of each motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes or a prorated amount if the registration period is less than three years. No such motor vehicle may be used for the purpose of transporting goods for hire or taking the on-the-road skills test portion of the examination for a motor vehicle operator's license. No farm registration shall be issued to any person operating a farm that has gross annual sales of less than two thousand five hundred dollars in the calendar year preceding registration. The commissioner may issue a farm registration for a passenger motor vehicle under such conditions as said commissioner shall prescribe in regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54. No motor vehicle issued a farm registration may be used to transport ten or more passengers on any highway unless such motor vehicle meets the requirements for equipment and mechanical condition set forth in this chapter, and, in the case of a vehicle used to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, the applicable requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, as adopted by the commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-163c. The operator of such motor vehicle used to transport ten or more passengers shall hold a public passenger endorsement issued in accordance with the provisions of section 14-44. Any farm registration used otherwise than as provided by this subsection shall be revoked.

(r) Repealed by P.A. 73-549, S. 2, 4.

(s) A fee of sixty-nine dollars shall be charged in addition to the regular fee prescribed for the registration of a motor vehicle, including but not limited to any passenger motor vehicle or motorcycle, in accordance with this section for a number plate or plates for such vehicle bearing any combination of letters or numbers requested by the registrant and which may be issued in the discretion of the commissioner, except in any case in which the number plates bear the official call letters of an amateur radio station.

(t) For the registration of each camper, the commissioner shall charge a triennial fee of one hundred twelve dollars and fifty cents. The commissioner shall refund the registration fee for any camper registration provided the registrant cancels such registration and requests a refund prior to the expiration of the registration period as follows: (1) (A) For a triennial registration, one-third of the registration fee if there is at least one year but not more than two years remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancellation, and (B) two-thirds of the registration fee if there are two years or more remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancellation; and (2) for a biennial registration, one-half of the registration fee if there is one year or more remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancelation.

(u) Repealed by P.A. 85-81.

(v) There shall be charged for each motor vehicle adult or youth instruction permit or renewal thereof a fee of nineteen dollars. There shall be charged for each motorcycle instruction permit or renewal thereof a fee of sixteen dollars.

(w) In addition to the fee established for the issuance of motor vehicle number plates and except as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-21b and subsection (c) of section 14-253a, there shall be an additional safety fee of five dollars charged at the time of issuance of any reflectorized safety number plate or set of plates. All moneys derived from said safety fee shall be deposited in the Special Transportation Fund.

(x) For each special use registration for a period of thirty days or less, the fee shall be twenty-one dollars.

(y) The commissioner shall assess a ten-dollar late fee for renewal of a motor vehicle registration in the event a registrant fails to renew his or her registration within five days after the expiration of such registration, except that no such fee shall be assessed for the late renewal of the registration, pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (m) of this section, of (1) a trailer used exclusively for camping or any other recreational purpose, or (2) a motor vehicle designed or permanently altered in such a way as to provide living quarters for travel or camping. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, if a registrant who is required to register a motor vehicle under section 14-34a fails to renew such registration not later than five days after the expiration date of such registration, the commissioner shall assess a late fee of one hundred fifty dollars.

(z) The commissioner shall refund the registration fee for any motor vehicle, provided the registrant cancels the motor vehicle registration and requests a refund prior to the expiration of the registration period as follows: (1) (A) For a triennial registration, one-third of the registration fee if there is at least one year but not more than two years remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancellation, and (B) two-thirds of the registration fee if there are two years or more remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancellation; and (2) for a biennial registration, one-half of the registration fee if there is one year or more remaining until the expiration of such registration on the date of cancelation.

(1949 Rev., S. 2388; 1953, 1955, S. 1306d; 1955, S. 1303d, 1304d, 1305d; 1957, P.A. 164; 450; 608; 668; 1959, P.A. 62, S. 1; 545, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 22, S. 1; 233, S. 8; 441; 581, S. 8; 591; February, 1965, P.A. 220; 414, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 501, S. 2; 1969, P.A. 302, S. 2; 759, S. 6, 7, 8; 816; 1971, P.A. 526, S. 4; 529; 598; 1972, P.A. 255, S. 6; P.A. 73-454, S. 2, 5; 73-549, S. 2, 4; P.A. 75-213, S. 5, 53; P.A. 76-386; P.A. 77-538, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-81; 78-284, S. 1, 2; P.A. 79-244, S. 3; 79-502; P.A. 80-71, S. 28, 30; 80-457, S. 2, 3; 80-466, S. 13, 14, 25; P.A. 81-394, S. 5; P.A. 82-333, S. 1, 2; 82-382, S. 2, 4; 82-460, S. 3, 6; P.A. 83-489, S. 4–6, 17; 83-515, S. 2; P.A. 84-254, S. 34, 62; 84-306, S. 1, 2; 84-429, S. 54; P.A. 85-81; 85-213; 85-525, S. 2, 6; 85-613, S. 146, 154; P.A. 86-157, S. 2; 86-383, S. 2, 3, 6; 86-388, S. 29, 31; P.A. 87-304, S. 1, 4; 87-329, S. 10; 87-362, S. 2, 3; 87-425; P.A. 88-194; P.A. 89-232, S. 1; P.A. 90-263, S. 14–16, 46, 74; 90-299, S. 1; P.A. 92-156, S. 2, 7; 92-177, S. 7, 12; P.A. 93-74, S. 42, 67; 93-341, S. 17–19, 38; P.A. 94-189, S. 6, 25, 34; P.A. 95-260, S. 18, 24; P.A. 96-167, S. 7; 96-222, S. 16, 17, 41; 96-248, S. 2, 4; P.A. 97-226, S. 3, 6; 97-309, S. 6, 23; 97-322, S. 7, 9; P.A. 98-152, S. 1, 2; P.A. 99-118; 99-232, S. 4; P.A. 00-169, S. 4, 26; P.A. 02-70, S. 44, 51; 02-105, S. 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4, S. 21, 25, 26, 32, 33; P.A. 04-143, S. 20; 04-182, S. 4–6; 04-199, S. 8–10, 17; P.A. 05-218, S. 17; P.A. 07-167, S. 28; P.A. 08-150, S. 9; P.A. 09-187, S. 39; P.A. 10-110, S. 1; P.A. 11-6, S. 139; P.A. 12-81, S. 41; P.A. 13-271, S. 20; P.A. 14-122, S. 21; P.A. 18-164, S. 25; P.A. 19-165, S. 8; P.A. 21-106, S. 18.)

History: 1959 acts repealed provisions for testing of equipment by commissioner and amended Subsec. (r) to increase certain fees; 1961 acts increased fees in Subsecs. (a) through (e), (g) through (n) and (p), (q) and (r) and added the last clause to Subsec. (r); 1965 acts changed “hundredweight” in Subsec. (p) to “hundred pounds or fraction thereof” and added Subsec. (t); 1967 act added Subsec. (u); 1969 acts added Subsec. (v), increased fees in Subsecs. (a) to (i), (k) to (n) and (p) to (s) and revised provisions re mileage factor calculation in Subsec. (d); 1971 acts specified applicability of Subsec. (m) to semitrailers “not drawn by a truck tractor”, clarified fees charged in Subsec. (r) replacing reference to records of registration or license with records “including, but not limited to, transcripts of hearings … but excluding lists of owners of motor vehicles and supplements to such lists” and clarified Subsec. (s) by adding phrase “including but not limited to any passenger motor vehicle or motorcycle”; 1972 act repealed Subsec. (j); P.A. 73-454 added Subsec. (w); P.A. 73-549 repealed Subsec. (r); P.A. 75-213 increased fees in all subsections except Subsec. (w); P.A. 76-386 included other motor vehicles used as school buses in Subsec. (e); P.A. 77-538 included provision re vehicles owned or leased by transit district in Subsec. (o); P.A. 78-81 extended area of operation allowed for farm vehicles in Subsec. (q) from 7 to 25 miles; P.A. 78-284 added special provisions in Subsec. (p) re service buses owned by nonprofit organizations and required annual inspection of service buses; P.A. 79-244 added Subsec. (x); P.A. 79-502 specified that registration of buses under Subsec. (d) is “sufficient for all types of operation under this chapter”; P.A. 80-71 changed Subsec. (a) to reflect change to biennial registration; P.A. 80-457 added exception in Subsec. (a) re registrations by persons 65 or older; P.A. 80-466 added refund provision in Subsec. (a) and added reference to single license plate in Subsec. (s); P.A. 81-394 added Subsec. (y) which set registration fee for high-mileage vehicles; P.A. 82-333 amended Subsec. (b) by increasing the fee from $8 to $10 and providing that the additional $2 for each registration shall become part of the general fund, however, it shall be deemed to be appropriated for a program of motorcycle rider education formerly supported by federal funds; P.A. 82-382 added provision to Subsec. (o) that no registration fee shall be charged for any motor vehicle leased to an agency of the state; P.A. 82-460 included provisions re “combination” motor vehicles in Subsec. (e), changing seating capacity of vehicles not used as public service motor vehicles from seven to ten and made a technical correction in Subsec. (w); P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (g) to increase fee for each set of number plates furnished from $10 to $20, amended Subsec. (i) to increase fee for the transfer of registration of a motor vehicle previously registered from $5 to $6 and amended Subsec. (w) to increase safety fee from $1 to $2; P.A. 83-515 amended Subsec. (a), increasing the registration fee for antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles from $7 to $20; P.A. 84-254 increased the motor vehicle registration fees in all Subsecs. except (o) and (w), with the increases taking effect as of July first of 1984, 1986, 1988 and 1992, except under Subsec. (v) as of July first of 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993; P.A. 84-306 amended Subsec. (w), requiring that moneys from the safety fee be deposited in the general fund rather than in special safety fund; P.A. 84-429 made technical changes for statutory consistency; P.A. 85-81 repealed former Subsec. (u) concerning registration fees for vehicles with consular plates; P.A. 85-213 amended Subsec. (q), increasing the distance from the farm which farm vehicles may be operated on highways from 25 to 35 miles; P.A. 85-525 amended Subsec. (a) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of any motor vehicle for which special plates have been issued under Sec. 14-20, amended Subsec. (b) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of motorcycles, amended Subsec. (e)(1) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of a passenger motor vehicle used in part for commercial purposes or of a passenger motor vehicle used as a school bus having a seating capacity of seven or less, amended Subsec. (e)(3) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of a commercial motor vehicle used in part as a passenger motor vehicle or of a motor vehicle having a seating capacity greater than ten and not used as a public service motor vehicle, amended Subsec. (g) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of motorcycles owned or operated by, or in the custody of, a manufacturer of, dealer in or repairer of motorcycles, amended Subsec. (m)(1) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of a trailer used exclusively for camping or any other recreational purpose, amended Subsec. (q) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of motor vehicles used exclusively for farming purposes, amended Subsec. (t) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of campers, and amended Subsec. (x) to require biennial, instead of annual, registration of vanpool vehicles; P.A. 85-613 amended Subsec. (o) to apply to vehicles owned by municipalities “as defined in section 7-245”; P.A. 86-157 added Subsec. (z), specifying fee for special use registration; P.A. 86-383 amended Subsec. (e) to prohibit registration of “combination” motor vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds and to require registration fee refunds for “combination” registrations and amended Subsec. (g) to reflect change from imposition of biennial to annual fee; P.A. 86-388 amended Subsec. (w), substituting “number” plate for marker plate and providing that the $2 fee be charged for issuance of a set of plates; P.A. 87-304 amended Subsec. (i) to add an exemption from assessment of the fee for transfer of registration of a vehicle previously registered for handicapped persons receiving a special international symbol of access number plate after transfer of their previously unexpired registrations and amended Subsec. (w) to add an exemption from assessment of the safety fee for handicapped persons receiving a special international symbol of access number plate after transfer of their previously unexpired registrations; P.A. 87-329 maintained the fees at the levels existing on and after July 1, 1986, and decreased the fees effective July 1, 1992, to the levels formerly existing on and after July 1, 1988, and made several technical changes; P.A. 87-362 amended Subsec. (t) to require registration fee refunds for camper registrations and amended Subsec. (w) to include an exemption from assessment of the safety fee; P.A. 87-425 amended Subsec. (b) by changing the amount deemed appropriated to the department of transportation for purposes of continuing the program of motorcycle rider education from $2 of the total fee with respect to the registration of such motorcycle to $4, and by specifying that such amount shall be entered upon the records of the special transportation fund, rather than the general fund; P.A. 88-194 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate the registration fee for antique fire apparatus and transit buses owned by nonprofit organizations and used primarily for public events; P.A. 89-232 amended Subsec. (q) to eliminate the mileage limitation on operation of motor vehicles used exclusively for farming purposes, to prohibit the use of such vehicles for transporting goods for hire and to prohibit the issuance of farm registrations to any person having gross annual farm sales of less than $1,000; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to substitute phrase “for commercial purposes” for “as a commercial motor vehicle” with respect to registration of motorcycle with side car or box attached, amended Subsec. (c) to substitute taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service for public service motor vehicle other than a motor bus, amended Subsec. (e)(1) to delete phrase re registration “of a passenger motor vehicle used as a school bus having a seating capacity of seven or less”, to substitute ten for seven in Subsec. (e)(2) with regard to seating capacity of a school bus or other vehicle used as a school bus, to provide that fees specified in Subsec. (e)(3) apply to registration of motor vehicle used in part for commercial purposes and as a passenger motor vehicle, deleting reference to public service motor vehicle, and to provide in Subsec. (e)(4) that motor vehicles used in part for commercial purposes and private passenger purposes be issued a combination registration, deleting reference to passenger and commercial registration, amended Subsec. (h) to add phrase “registration of a” after “the minimum annual fee for any commercial”, amended Subsec. (m)(2) to substitute commercial registrations for commercial motor vehicles, and amended Subsec. (n)(2) to substitute motor vehicle used to transport passengers for hire for public service motor vehicle and Subsec. (n)(3) to substitute motor vehicle used for commercial purposes for commercial motor vehicle; P.A. 90-299 added Subsec. (aa) concerning assessment of fees for late registration renewals; P.A. 92-156 amended Subsec. (aa) to require commissioner to assess a $10 late fee for registration renewal if registrant fails to renew within 5 days after expiration, eliminating schedule of graduated increases in late fees; P.A. 92-177 amended Subsecs. (a) and (e) to eliminate requirement that commissioner refund one-half of registration fee when plates are returned with one year or more remaining until expiration, amended Subsecs. (o) and (p) to require that a $20 fee be charged for inspection, amended Subsec. (s) to increase additional registration fee from $47 to $65, making fee applicable to plates bearing any combination of letters or numbers requested by registrant and issued in discretion of commissioner, to increase fee effective July 1, 1992, from $53 to $65, and to require that a $30 fee be charged for registration renewals in addition to regular fee prescribed, deleting prohibition re charging an additional fee except for first year of issuance, and amended Subsec. (w) to increase safety fee from $2 to $5; P.A. 93-74 amended Subsec. (s) by eliminating fee for renewal of vanity plate, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (c) to delete fee provisions rendered obsolete as of July 1, 1992, amended Subsec. (e) to delete fee provisions rendered obsolete as of July 1, 1992 and to specify fees for type I and type II school buses, and amended Subsec. (p) by eliminating the weight-based registration fees and replacing them with fees based on seating capacity and deleting provisions re annual inspection and fees, effective July 1, 1994 (Revisor's note: The phrase “added shall be” which should have been deleted from before the words “eight dollars” at the end of Subsec. (e)(3) was deleted editorially by the Revisors to correct a technical clerical error); P.A. 94-189 amended Subsec. (i) by changing the reference to Subsec. (b) of Sec. 14-153a to Subsec. (d) and deleted obsolete language re fee increases, and further, amended Subsec. (aa) by adding exception re trailers used exclusively for camping or any other recreational purpose, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to require commissioner to refund one-half of registration fee for passenger registration when plates are returned on or after January 1, 1995, with one year or more remaining until expiration, effective June 13, 1995; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (q) to make a technical change, to prohibit the use of motor vehicles used exclusively for farming purposes for taking the on-the-road skills test portion of the motor vehicle operator's license examination, to prohibit the issuance of farm registrations to any person having gross annual farm sales of less than $2,500 instead of $1,000 and to authorize commissioner to issue farm registrations for passenger motor vehicles under such conditions as prescribed in regulations; P.A. 96-222 amended Subsec. (d) to insert “or its successor agency” after “Interstate Commerce Commission” and amended Subsec. (m)(2) to eliminate the commissioner's authority to charge fee for heavy duty trailer or other heavy construction equipment for part of a year and to make a technical change, effective July 1, 1996; P.A. 96-248 amended Subsec. (v) to increase fee for motor vehicle learner's permit or renewal from $5.50 to $6 and deleted obsolete fee schedule, effective January 1, 1997; P.A. 97-226 amended Subsec. (w) to make a technical change and to allow commissioner to waive safety fee for any person who submits a police report indicating that number plate has been stolen or mutilated for purpose of obtaining the sticker attached to plate, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 97-309 amended Subsec. (w) to require deposit of safety fee in Special Transportation Fund rather than General Fund, effective July 1, 1997; P.A. 97-322 changed effective date of P.A. 97-309 but without affecting this section; P.A. 98-152 amended Subsec. (a) by making technical changes and deleting a provision mandating the commissioner to refund one-half of certain registration fees and added Subsec. (bb) re the refund of one-half of a registration fee; P.A. 99-118 amended Subsec. (o) by increasing the number of vehicles a disabled veteran may register without fee from one owned passenger motor vehicle to three passenger motor vehicles, campers or passenger and commercial motor vehicles leased or owned; P.A. 99-232 amended Subsec. (aa) to insert designator for Subpara. (A) and add Subpara. (B) re a motor vehicle designed or permanently altered to provide living quarters for travel or camping (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (aa) the subparagraph designators (A) and (B) were changed editorially by the Revisors to subdivision designators (1) and (2) for consistency with customary statutory usage); P.A. 00-169 made technical corrections in Subsec. (o) and amended Subsec. (q) to add provisions that motor vehicles with farm registrations used for transporting ten or more passengers meet certain equipment and mechanical condition requirements and such vehicles used for transporting fifteen or more passengers also meet the applicable requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations adopted by the commissioner, and that the operator of such a vehicle hold a public transportation permit or endorsement under Sec. 14-44, and made a technical change for the purpose of gender neutrality; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (e)(4) to revise the basis for issuing a combination registration from the vehicle's gross weight to its gross vehicle weight rating and, effective July 1, 2002, amended Subsec. (q) to make a technical change; P.A. 02-105 made a technical change in Subsec. (i), effective January 1, 2003; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4 amended Subsec. (a) to increase fees for registration of passenger motor vehicle other than electric motor vehicle from $70 to $75 for two years and, for persons age 65 or older, from $35 to $38 for one year and from $70 to $75 for two years, and to increase fee for biennial registration of vehicle with special license plates from $70 to $75, amended Subsec. (b) to increase biennial fee for registration of motorcycle to $40 and to make a technical change, amended Subsec. (c) to increase registration fee for each taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service, with seating capacity of seven or less, from $105 to $125, amended Subsec. (e) to increase biennial fee for registration of passenger motor vehicle used in part for commercial purposes from $78 to $83 in Subdiv. (1) and to increase registration fee for motor vehicle used in part for commercial purposes and as passenger vehicle, and for motor vehicle having seating capacity of greater than ten and not used as conveyance for hire, to amount for commercial vehicle based on weight plus $13, rather than $8, in Subdiv. (3), and amended Subsec. (v) to increase fees for learner's permit or renewal from $6 to $18 and for motorcycle learner's permit or renewal from $5.50 to $15, effective January 1, 2004; P.A. 04-143 amended Subsec. (v) to substitute “training” permit for “learner's” permit, effective May 21, 2004; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (i) to increase fee from $11 to $20 for registration of motor vehicle previously registered, amended Subsec. (n) by replacing former provisions with provisions to increase fee for temporary registration or renewal of such registration of a noncommercial motor vehicle to $20 for each 10-day period, or part thereof, of a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds or less to $25 for each 10-day period, or part thereof, and of a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds to $46 for each 10-day period, or part thereof, and amended Subsec. (z) to increase fee for special use registration for period of 30 days or less from $10 to $20, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (c) to change registration fee from annual in amount of $125 to biennial in amount of $250, effective July 1, 2004, amended Subsec. (e) to except pick-up trucks and to require commissioner to issue combination registration to passenger vehicle used in part for commercial purposes in Subdiv. (1), to require commissioner to issue combination registration to passenger vehicle used in part for commercial purposes or to vehicle having seating capacity greater than ten not used for conveyance of passengers for hire in Subdiv. (3), to make conforming changes in Subdiv. (4), and to add Subdiv. (5) to establish biennial registration fee for pick-up truck and to permit issuance of passenger registration for pick-up truck meeting specified requirements, effective June 3, 2004, and amended Subsec. (p) to change registration fees from annual to biennial, double amount of each fee and add provision re registration schedule, and amended Subsec. (bb) to delete former Subdivs. (1) and (2) and provide for refunding of registration fee for any motor vehicle when number plates and registration certificate returned with one year or more remaining before expiration of registration, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (e) by specifying applicability to pick-up truck “having a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 12,500 pounds” in Subdivs. (1) and (5) and, in Subdiv. (4), changing weight limit from 10,000 to 12,500 pounds; P.A. 07-167 deleted former Subsec. (x) re biennial fee for vanpool vehicle registration and redesignated existing Subsecs. (y) to (bb) as Subsecs. (x) to (aa), effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (w) to delete requirement that police report indicate that number plate or set of number plates have been stolen or mutilated “for the purpose of obtaining the sticker attached to the plate denoting the expiration date of the registration”; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (w) to delete provision re waiver of safety fee if number plates were stolen or mutilated; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (o) to delete operator's license fee exemption re motor vehicles owned by municipality or governmental or military agency, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 11-6 increased fees in Subsec. (a) for biennial registration from $75 to $80, one-year registration from $38 to $40, and biennial registration of vehicle with special plates from $75 to $80, in Subsec. (b) for biennial registration of motorcycle from $40 to $42, and biennial registration of motorcycle with side car from $56 to $60, in Subsec. (c) for a taxicab from $250 to $266, in Subsec. (d) for a motor bus, from $53 to $56, and for a multiple-state passenger carrier, from $1.25 plus $39 to $1.25 plus $42, in Subsec. (e)(1) for passenger vehicle used in part for commercial purposes from $83 to $88, in Subsec. (e)(2) for a type I school bus from $100 to $107 and for a type II school bus from $60 to $64, in Subsec. (e)(3) for a vehicle used in part for commercial purposes or one having seating capacity greater than ten, from a biennial fee for gross weight plus $13 to a biennial fee for gross weight plus $14, and in Subsec. (e)(5) for a pick-up truck from a biennial fee for gross weight plus $13 to a biennial fee for gross weight plus $14, in Subsec. (f) for registration of an electric motor vehicle, from $18 to $19, in Subsec. (g) for motorcycles, from $35 to $37, in Subsec. (h) for commercial registration from $56 to $60, in Subsec. (i) for previously-registered vehicle from $20 to $21, in Subsec. (k) for a hearse from $35 to $37, in Subsec. (l) for truck used in industrial plant from $28 to $30, in Subsec. (m) for trailer from $18 to $19 and for construction equipment from $306 to $326, in Subsec. (n) for temporary registration from $20 to $21, for temporary registration of vehicle used for commercial purposes from $25 to $27, and for temporary registration of a high-weight vehicle used for commercial purposes from $46 to $49, in Subsec. (p) for registration of service bus with capacity of 16 or fewer, from $200 to $213, for service bus with capacity of more than 16, from $700 to $747, for service bus with capacity of 16 or fewer owned by nonprofit from $150 to $160 and for service bus with capacity of more than 16 owned by nonprofit from $500 to $533, in Subsec. (q) for farming vehicle from $28 to $30, in Subsec. (s) for vanity plates from $65 to $69, in Subsec. (t) for a camper from $70 to $75, in Subsec. (v) for a learner's permit from $18 to $19 and for a motorcycle training permit from $15 to $16, in Subsec. (x) for a high-mileage vehicle from $44 to $47, and in Subsec. (y) for a special use registration from $20 to $21, and amended Subsec. (z) by adding a late registration fee of $150 dollars, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (v) to replace “motor vehicle learner's permit” with “motor vehicle adult or youth instruction permit” and replace “motorcycle training permit” with “motorcycle instruction permit”, effective January 1, 2013; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (f) to replace provision re fee of $15 for each year or part thereof and $19 on and after July 1, 2011, with provision re fee of $38 biennially; P.A. 14-122 made a technical change in Subsec. (i), effective June 6, 2014; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsecs. (t) and (aa) to add provision re refunding one-half of registration fee if canceled with one year or more remaining until expiration and requested prior to expiration, amended Subsecs. (t), (x) and (z) to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-165 replaced provisions re two-year registration and biennial fee with provisions re three-year registration and triennial fee in Subsecs. (a), (b), (e), (f), (m), (q) and (t), further amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re prorated registration fee, further amended Subsec. (b) by replacing $4.00 with $6.00 re amount deemed appropriated to Department of Transportation for motorcycle rider education in Subdiv. (2), further amended Subsec. (f) by adding provision re prorated amount, amended Subsec. (h) by replacing $50.00 with $60.00 re minimum annual fee for certain commercial registrations, amended Subsec. (k) by replacing $31.00 with $37.00 re registration of motor hearse, amended Subsec. (l) by replacing $25.00 with $30.00 re registration of truck used between parts of industrial plant, amended Subsec. (o) to delete provision re inspection of ambulance, further amended Subsec. (q) to add provision re prorated amount and replace “public transportation permit or endorsement” with “public passenger endorsement”, further amended Subsec. (t) to replace provisions re refund of registration fee with provisions re same, deleted former Subsec. (x) re registration of high-mileage vehicle, redesignated existing Subsecs. (y) to (aa) as Subsecs. (x) to (z), amended redesignated Subsec. (z) to replace provisions re refund of registration fee with provisions re same, and made technical and conforming changes, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (e)(1) by adding provision re combination registration renewal period for individual 65 years of age or older.

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Sec. 14-50. Fees for operator's license renewal, passenger endorsement, operator's examination, collection cost and returned check or rejected payment. Waiver of fees. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-41, any person who renews a motor vehicle operator's license which contains one or more passenger endorsements shall be charged an additional fee of twelve dollars for each year or part thereof for each passenger endorsement.

(b) There shall be charged for each examination of an operator of a motor vehicle a fee of forty dollars which shall be paid in such time and manner as the commissioner shall direct. The fee shall cover all parts of the examination. If the applicant fails the examination, or any part thereof, the applicant shall be charged an additional fee of forty dollars to retake the examination, or retake the part that was failed.

(c) The commissioner shall waive any operator's license or registration fee, including any renewal fee, in the case of any person in the active service of the armed forces of the United States who was a legal resident of Connecticut at the time of his or her induction; and for one licensing period to any person who is a veteran, as defined in section 27-103, which person applies for such operator's license or registration within two years following the date of separation and was a legal resident of Connecticut at the time of his or her induction. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection.

(d) The commissioner may adopt procedures for issuing licenses on an expedited basis and may charge a fee of not more than seventy-five dollars for such expedited service.

(e) The commissioner may assess a fee to cover the cost of the collection of number plates, motor vehicle registration certificates or operators' licenses, upon the holders thereof; and such number plates, motor vehicle registration certificates or operators' licenses shall not be returned to the holder thereof or reissued until such fee is paid.

(f) Whenever any check issued to the commissioner in payment of any fee is returned as uncollectible or a payment of any fee by means of a credit or debit card is rejected or dishonored, the commissioner shall charge the drawer of such check or the person presenting such check to him, or the holder of the credit or debit card or the person presenting such credit or debit card to the commissioner, a fee of thirty-five dollars for each such fee that is due in an amount of not more than two hundred dollars, and a fee of fifteen per cent of the full amount of each such fee that is due in an amount in excess of two hundred dollars, plus all protest fees or charges, to cover the cost of collection.

(g) All fees provided for in this chapter shall be construed to be license fees imposed for the administration of this chapter and as compensation for the privilege of using the highways of this state, and to reimburse the state in whole or in part for injury done to the highways by the operation of motor vehicles.

(1949 Rev., S. 2389; 1953, 1955, S. 1299d; 1957, P.A. 322; 599, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 481, S. 2; 581, S. 9; 1967, P.A. 807, S. 5, 6; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 9; 1971, P.A. 91; 508; P.A. 74-81; P.A. 75-213, S. 4, 53; P.A. 76-263, S. 7, 9; P.A. 77-6, S. 1, 2; P.A. 78-252, S. 1, 2; P.A. 83-489, S. 7, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 35, 62; 84-429, S. 55; P.A. 85-525, S. 3, 6; P.A. 87-329, S. 11, 12; P.A. 90-263, S. 18, 74; P.A. 91-13, S. 2, 3; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9, S. 2, 4; P.A. 93-341, S. 20, 38; P.A. 97-1, S. 2, 4; P.A. 98-95; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6, S. 78, 85; June Sp. Sess. P. A 01-9, S. 51, 131; P.A. 03-171, S. 9; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4, S. 22; P.A. 04-182, S. 7; 04-199, S. 21; P.A. 09-187, S. 3, 52; P.A. 12-81, S. 6; P.A. 13-271, S. 21; P.A. 14-130, S. 13; P.A. 18-47, S. 17; P.A. 19-165, S. 13; P.A. 21-79, S. 24.)

History: 1961 acts increased inspection fee in Subsec. (b) and added Subsec. (f); 1967 act added provisions re fees for motorcycle operator's licenses in Subsecs. (a) and (b); 1969 act increased fees for motor vehicle or motorcycle operator's license from $6 to $8 and additional fee for public service operator's license from $3 to $4 in Subsec. (a); 1971 acts replaced “discharge” and “discharged” with “separation” and “separated” in Subsec. (c) and required application within two years rather than one year of date of separation and made $5 charge in Subsec. (e) applicable to checks of $50 or less, adding 10% charge for checks over $50; P.A. 74-81 inserted new Subsec. (d) re waiver of fees upon request of fire chief and relettered former Subsec. (d) and remaining subsections accordingly; P.A. 75-213 increased fees in Subsec. (a) from $8 to $10 and from $4 to $5 and in Subsec. (b) from $5 to $6.50; P.A. 76-263 amended Subsec. (a) to include reference to Sec. 14-41 and to increase fee from $10 to $21; P.A. 77-6 included drawers of checks in Subsec. (f); P.A. 78-252 increased charges in Subsec. (f) to $10 for checks not exceeding $100 and 10% for checks over $100; P.A. 83-489 amended Subsec. (b) to increase operator examination fee from $6.50 to $10; P.A. 84-254 increased the fee amounts reflected in the Subsecs., with the increases taking effect on successive July first dates of various years; P.A. 84-429 made technical changes for statutory consistency; P.A. 85-525 amended Subsec. (a) to increase license renewal fee from $26 to $26.50, on and after July 1, 1984, to reduce fee from $32 to $31, on and after July 1, 1986, to reduce fee from $37 to $35.50, on and after July 1, 1988, and to increase fee from $42 to $44, on and after July 1, 1992; P.A. 87-329 amended Subsec. (a), 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, and amended Subsec. (g), maintaining the fee at the level existing on and after July 1, 1986, and delaying until July 1, 1992, the fee increase formerly effective on and after July 1, 1988; P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to substitute public passenger transportation permit for public service operator's license; and amended Subsec. (b) to delete provisions re inspection fee for public service motor vehicles; P.A. 91-13 amended Subsec. (b) to establish a fee for each advance appointment for operator's license examination; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 92-9 amended Subsec. (b) to make imposition of the fee for an advance appointment for operator's license examination permissive instead of mandatory; P.A. 93-341 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing reference to “public passenger transportation permit” with “passenger endorsement” and amended Subsec. (d) by deleting references to “class 2” licenses, effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 97-1 deleted obsolete references re fees throughout section, eliminated fee for issuance of home training certificate in Subsec. (g) and relettered existing Subsec. (h) as (g), effective January 30, 1997; P.A. 98-95 amended Subsec. (f) to change fee from $36 to $15 for checks of not more than $100 and from 36% to 15% for checks over $100, limited application of percentage to a $200 maximum and imposed new $35 charge for amounts in excess of $200; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-6 amended Subsec. (a) to provide increased license fees for six-year license and to make technical changes, effective July 1, 2001; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-9 amended Subsec. (a) to provide for the option of a four or six-year license and a corresponding fee structure, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsec. (a) to delete fees for renewals of motorcycle operator's licenses and amended Subsec. (b) to make examination fee applicable to operator of motor vehicle and delete “motorcycle or other”; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-4 amended Subsec. (a) to increase fees for renewal of motor vehicle operator's licenses from $35.50 to $43 for four-year renewal and from $53 to $65 for six-year renewal, and to increase additional fee for each passenger endorsement from $9 to $12, and amended Subsec. (b) to increase fee for examination of operator of motor vehicle from $36 to $40, effective January 1, 2004; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (f) to increase fees to $35 for returned check issued to commissioner in an amount not more than $200 and to 15% of amount of check in excess of $200, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-199 amended Subsec. (c) to require commissioner to waive any operator's license or registration fees, including renewal fees, of persons in active service of the armed forces of the United States meeting requirements of subsection and to permit commissioner to adopt regulations to implement provisions of subsection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 09-187 amended Subsec. (b) to add provisions re fee payment and coverage, require additional fee to retake examination and delete provisions re advance appointment fee, effective October 1, 2009, and amended Subsec. (f) to add provisions re payment by credit or debit card and make conforming changes, effective July 1, 2009; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision re fee for renewal of a 4-year license and make additional fee for passenger endorsement apply to part of year, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (a) to increase fee from $65 to $72; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (d) by replacing provisions re waiver of operator's examination fee for member of fire department or company with provision re expedited service, effective January 1, 2015; P.A. 18-47 amended Subsec. (c) to designate existing provision re honorably separated as Subdiv. (1), add Subdiv. (2) re person with qualifying condition and separation other than with bad conduct characterization or dishonorably, and to make technical changes; P.A. 19-165 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “there shall be charged a fee of seventy-two dollars for each renewal of a motor vehicle operator's license issued for a period of six years and” with “any person who renews a motor vehicle operator's license which contains one or more passenger endorsements shall be charged”, effective January 1, 2020; P.A. 21-79 amended Subsec. (c) to redefine “veteran”.

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Sec. 14-50b. Fee for restoration of operator's license, identity card or registration. School bus seat belt account. (a) Any person (1) whose operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, (2) who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or (3) whose identity card, issued under section 1-1h, has been revoked due to misrepresentation or deceit, shall pay a restoration fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to said commissioner prior to the issuance to such person of a new operator's license or identity card or the restoration of such operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle. Such restoration fee shall be in addition to any other fees provided by law. The commissioner shall deposit fifty dollars of such fee in a separate nonlapsing school bus seat belt account which shall be established within the General Fund.

(b) Any person whose motor vehicle registration or right of operation of a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall pay a restoration fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to said commissioner prior to the issuance to such person of a new registration or the restoration of such registration or such right of operation. Such restoration fee shall be in addition to any other fees provided by law. The commissioner shall deposit fifty dollars of such fee in the school bus seat belt account established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, on and after July 1, 2005, the first two hundred fifty thousand dollars of revenues collected from the payment of restoration fees under this section shall be appropriated to the Department of Motor Vehicles for the payment of costs, including, but not limited to, the cost of computer reprogramming, incurred by the department in establishing procedures for the suspension of operator's licenses or nonresident operating privileges under subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section 14-227b.

(P.A. 76-224, S. 1, 2; P.A. 90-263, S. 19, 74; 90-299, S. 2; P.A. 92-177, S. 2, 12; P.A. 98-215, S. 3; P.A. 04-250, S. 3; P.A. 05-282, S. 6; P.A. 10-83, S. 2; P.A. 21-106, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 90-263 amended Subsec. (a) to require payment of restoration fee by any person who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle; P.A. 90-299 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to increase from $10 to $30 the restoration fee payable to commissioner; P.A. 92-177 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to increase from $30 to $100 the restoration fee payable to commissioner; P.A. 98-215 amended Subsec. (b) to designate existing language as Subdiv. (1) and create exception as provided in Subsec. (b)(2), and added new provision as Subsec. (b)(2) re fee for person whose registration has been cancelled pursuant to Sec. 14-12g; P.A. 04-250 amended Subsec. (a) to increase operator's license restoration fee from $100 to $125 and added Subsec. (c) to require first $250,000 of restoration fees collected on or after July 1, 2004, to be appropriated to Department of Motor Vehicles for costs incurred in establishing procedures re operator license or nonresident operating privilege suspension, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-282 deleted Subsec. (b)(2) re restoration fees, making a conforming change in Subsec. (b), and amended Subsec. (c) by changing “2004” to “2005” and replacing reference to Subsec. (b) with reference to Sec. 14-227b(e); P.A. 10-83 amended Subsec. (a) to require establishment of school bus seat belt account within General Fund, increase restoration fee from $125 to $175 and require commissioner to deposit $50 of such fee in the account and amended Subsec. (b) to increase restoration fee from $125 to $175 and require commissioner to deposit $50 of such fee in the account, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to designate existing provisions as Subdivs. (1) and (2) re operator's license and commercial motor vehicle, add Subdiv. (3) re identity card and make technical changes, effective July 1, 2021.

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(D)

DEALERS' AND REPAIRERS' LICENSES

Sec. 14-52. New car dealer's, used car dealer's, repairer's and limited repairer's licenses. Surety bonds. Penalty. (a) No person, firm or corporation may engage in the business of the buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or the repairing of any motor vehicle without having been issued either a new car dealer's, a used car dealer's, a repairer's or a limited repairer's license. The license fee for each such license, payable to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, shall be as follows: (1) New motor vehicle dealer, seven hundred dollars; (2) used motor vehicle dealer, five hundred sixty dollars; and (3) repairer or limited repairer, three hundred forty 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 send or transmit to each licensee, in a manner determined by the commissioner, an application for renewal. Any licensee which has not filed the application for renewal accompanied by the prescribed fee prior to the date of expiration of its license shall cease to engage in business. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars. The commissioner shall not renew any license under this subsection which has expired for more than forty-five days.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each applicant for a repairer's or a limited repairer's license shall furnish a surety bond in the amount of five thousand dollars.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each applicant for a new car dealer's or a used car dealer's license shall furnish a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars.

(3) Each applicant for a leasing or rental license issued pursuant to section 14-15, who is engaged in the leasing or renting of motor vehicles for periods of thirty days or more shall furnish a surety bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars.

(4) Each such bond required under subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive, of this subsection shall be conditioned upon the applicant or licensee complying with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation relating to the conduct of such business and provided as indemnity for any loss sustained by any customer by reason of any acts of the licensee constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of the license or such licensee going out of business. Each surety bond shall be executed in the name of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved customer, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the commissioner after a hearing held before said commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. For purposes of this subdivision, “customer” does not include (A) any person, firm or corporation that finances a licensed dealer's motor vehicle inventory, or (B) any licensed dealer, in such person's capacity as a dealer, who buys motor vehicles from or sells motor vehicles to another licensed dealer.

(5) The commissioner shall assess an administrative fee of two hundred dollars against any licensee for failing to provide proof of bond renewal or replacement on or before the date of the expiration of the existing bond. Such fee shall be in addition to the license suspension or revocation penalties and the civil penalties to which the licensee is subject pursuant to section 14-64.

(c) The commissioner may request information from any applicant for a repairer's license or used car dealer's license concerning the financial status and ability of such applicant to comply with the requirements of this subpart and the regulations adopted thereunder. The commissioner shall review such information to determine if the applicant has sufficient financial resources to conduct the business in a manner consistent with the reasonable security and protection of its customers in regard to the duties and responsibilities imposed by the provisions of this subpart and the regulations adopted thereunder. The commissioner may refuse to issue a license if the applicant fails to provide any such information requested or, if, after review by the commissioner, the commissioner is not satisfied as to such applicant's financial status. The commissioner may, in any case deemed appropriate, grant a license on condition that the applicant post a surety bond, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, in an amount prescribed by the commissioner that is greater than the minimum amount required by the applicable provisions of said subsection (b). Any applicant aggrieved by any decision of the commissioner made pursuant to this subsection shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of this subsection.

(d) Any person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of the buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or of the repairing of any motor vehicle without a license shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall transmit to the Commissioner of Revenue Services and the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection a summary of any complaint that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles receives alleging that a person, firm or corporation is engaging in the business of the buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or of the repairing of any motor vehicle without a license.

(1949 Rev., S. 2392; 1953, S. 1308d; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 10; 1967, P.A. 384; P.A. 75-577, S. 25, 126; P.A. 77-305; 77-376, S. 1, 3; P.A. 81-172, S. 4; P.A. 83-489, S. 8, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 37, 62; 84-391, S. 5, 8; 84-508; 84-528, S. 1; P.A. 85-613, S. 29, 154; P.A. 86-58; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13, S. 6, 21; P.A. 93-164, S. 2; P.A. 95-301; P.A. 96-167, S. 8; P.A. 02-70, S. 22; P.A. 10-110, S. 12; P.A. 11-213, S. 22, 57; P.A. 12-81, S. 7; P.A. 14-130, S. 14; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 210; P.A. 17-79, S. 9; P.A. 21-106, S. 19.)

History: 1961 act increased license fees; 1967 act included brokerage of motor vehicles in activities requiring license; P.A. 75-577 added provision that failure to secure license is an infraction; P.A. 77-305 deleted provision re infraction; P.A. 77-376 increased fee for new motor vehicle dealer from $25 to $50, for used motor vehicle dealer from $20 to $40 and for repairer from $12 to $24; P.A. 81-172 included a provision for a limited repairer's license; P.A. 83-489 doubled license fees; P.A. 84-254 increased the license fees scheduling increases to take effect as of July first of 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993, and made editorial change for grammatical correctness in sentence following Subdiv. (3), substituting “shall” for “to”; P.A. 84-391 provided for the staggered renewal of dealers' and repairers' licenses, deleting provision whereby licenses ran from day of issuance to last day of February next following; P.A. 84-508 specified that license fee is payable to motor vehicles commissioner and added Subsec. (b) requiring an applicant for a dealer's or repairer's license to furnish a surety bond; P.A. 84-528 added Subsec. (c) providing that any person, firm or corporation repairing motor vehicles without a license shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor; P.A. 85-613 made technical change in Subsec. (a)(3); P.A. 86-58 amended Subsec. (b)(3) to provide that surety bond penalty may be invoked upon order of motor vehicle commissioner after administrative hearing and eliminated reference to court adjudication; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-13 increased new motor vehicle dealer license fee from $225 to $560 and $700 after July 1, 1993, increased the used motor vehicle license fee from $225 to $450 and $500 after July 1, 1993, increased the repairer or limited repairer license fee from $235 to $270 and $340 after July 1, 1993, changed renewal requirement of each license from annual to biennial and deleted obsolete fee increases; P.A. 93-164 amended Subsec. (b) by increasing the repairer's and limited repairer's license surety bond from $2,500 to $5,000, increasing the new car dealer's and used car dealer's license surety bond from $5,000 to $20,000 and inserting new Subdiv. (3) requiring an applicant for a leasing or rental license pursuant to Sec. 14-15 to furnish a $10,000 surety bond, renumbering and revising former Subdiv. (3) accordingly; P.A. 95-301 amended Subsec. (c) to change penalty for unlicensed motor vehicle repair business, from class C misdemeanor to class B misdemeanor, and added Subsec. (d) re transmission of summaries of complaints re such unlicensed businesses; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) to add provisions re mailing of application for renewal, failure to file such application with fee, imposition of $100 late fee for application filed after date of license expiration and to provide that commissioner shall not renew license which has expired for more than 45 days; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a) to delete provisions re fees applicable prior to July 1, 1993, and re payment of fees to commissioner, amended Subsec. (b) to add an exception re Subsec. (c) in Subdivs. (1) and (2) and to make a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality in Subdiv. (4), inserted new Subsec. (c) to allow commissioner to request financial information from any applicant for a repairer's license or used car dealer's license, to review the information to determine if the applicant has sufficient financial resources to conduct business, to allow commissioner to refuse to issue a license if the applicant fails to provide information or if the commissioner is unsatisfied as to the applicant's financial status, to allow commissioner to grant a license on condition that applicant post a surety bond, to provide opportunity for a hearing and to allow commissioner to adopt regulations, redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (d) and (e), amended Subsec. (d) to make the buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle without a license a class B misdemeanor and amended Subsec. (e) to require commissioner to transmit to the Revenue Services and Environmental Protection Commissioners a summary of any complaint alleging the buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle without a license and to make a technical change for purposes of gender neutrality; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (b)(2) to increase surety bond amount from $20,000 to $50,000; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “mail” with “send or transmit” and add “in a manner determined by the commissioner” re renewal applications, amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to insert “cash bond” and amended Subsec. (b)(4) to require each cash bond to be deposited with commissioner, effective July 13, 2011 (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (e), “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” to conform with changes made by P.A. 11-80, S. 1); P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b) to add Subdiv. (5) re assessment of $50 fee for failing to continuously maintain bond requirements; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (b)(4) by replacing references to person and party with references to customer, and by adding provision re persons and entities excluded from definition of “customer”, effective July 1, 2014; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subsec. (b)(5) to add “administrative” re fee and to substitute provision re failure to provide proof of bond renewal or replacement for provision re failure to continuously maintain bond requirements, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 17-79 amended Subsec. (b)(5) by increasing fee from $50 to $200 for failure to provide proof of bond renewal or replacement, effective July 1, 2017; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to remove provisions re cash bond.

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Sec. 14-52a. Grounds for refusal to grant or renew a dealer or repairer license. (a) The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, refuse to grant or renew a license to a person, firm or corporation to engage in the business of selling or repairing motor vehicles pursuant to the provisions of section 14-52 if the applicant for, or holder of, such a license, or an officer or major stockholder, if the applicant or licensee is a firm or corporation, has been found liable in a civil action for odometer fraud or operating a dealer, repairer or motor vehicle recycler business without a license, convicted of a violation of any provision of laws pertaining to the business of a motor vehicle dealer or repairer, including a motor vehicle recycler, or convicted of any violation of any provision of laws involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property, in the courts of the United States or any state. Each applicant for such a license shall submit to state and national criminal history records checks, conducted in accordance with section 29-17a and based on the applicant's name and date of birth, not more than thirty days before such application is made and provide the results of such records check to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may require a person, firm or corporation to submit its application electronically. Upon renewal of such license, a licensee shall make full disclosure of any such civil judgment or conviction under penalty of false statement.

(b) The commissioner shall not, after notice and hearing, grant or renew a license to an applicant for or the holder of a used car dealer's license that is delinquent in the payment of sales tax in connection with a business from which it is or was obligated to remit sales tax, as reported to the commissioner by the Department of Revenue Services.

(P.A. 73-200, S. 1; P.A. 80-243; P.A. 84-374, S. 1, 3; P.A. 96-167, S. 9; P.A. 02-70, S. 23; P.A. 14-130, S. 15; P.A. 16-55, S. 3; P.A. 21-106, S. 20.)

History: P.A. 80-243 required notice and hearing before commissioner refuses to grant or renew license and required applicant or licensee to make full disclosure of conviction of law violation; P.A. 84-374 divided the section into Subsecs. and inserted new language in Subsec. (b), prohibiting the commissioner from refusing to grant or renew a repairer's license where another independently owned business shares the same property; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) substituting “recycler” for “junk yard”; P.A. 02-70 allowed commissioner to refuse to grant or renew a dealer or repairer license if the applicant has been convicted of any violation involving fraud, larceny or deprivation or misappropriation of property and deleted Subsec. (a) designator and former Subsec. (b) re prohibiting commissioner from refusing to grant or renew repairer's license where another independently owned business shares the same property; P.A. 14-130 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (b) prohibiting commissioner from granting or renewing license to an applicant or licensee that is delinquent in payment of sales tax, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing provisions re applicant to make disclosure at time of application for or renewal of license of any conviction within last 5 years with provisions re applicant to submit to state criminal history records check and, upon renewal of license, to make disclosure of any conviction under penalty of false statement, effective July 1, 2016; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re civil action for odometer fraud or operating dealer, repairer or motor vehicle recycler business without a license, adding provision re national criminal history records check, adding provision re electronic submission of application and adding provision re full disclosure of civil judgment and made technical changes throughout, effective July 1, 2021.

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(H)

MOTOR VEHICLE RECYCLERS

Sec. 14-67m. (Formerly Sec. 21-18a). Record of vehicles or major component parts received, dismantled or sold. Inspection of records, vehicles, parts and premises. Receipt of certificate of title. Penalty. (a) Each motor vehicle recycler licensee shall maintain a suitable office and keep accurate records of all motor vehicles or major component parts thereof received, dismantled or sold. Such records may be handwritten, typewritten or computer-generated. Such records, vehicles and parts shall be available for inspection during regular business hours by one or more representatives of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection or any organized local police department. Such inspection shall include examination of the recycler's premises to determine the accuracy of the required records. Such records shall include the make, year, engine number, if any, and identification number of each vehicle, the name and address of the person from whom each vehicle or part was received and to whom each vehicle or part was sold, if a sale occurred, a copy of the proof provided in subsection (c) of this section in the case of a catalytic converter, and the date of such receipt and sale. The records shall be maintained for a period of two years after each receipt or sale. Twice a month, each such licensee shall mail to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a list of all motor vehicles received, stating the make, year, engine number, if any, and identification number of each such vehicle. The list, on a form approved by the commissioner, shall be mailed or delivered to the commissioner on or before the twentieth day of each month, covering the first fifteen days of that month, and on or before the fifth day of each month, covering the sixteenth through the last day of the preceding month. A recycler shall report the information contained on such lists to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC Section 30504. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the department to report any of such information to said title information system.

(b) No motor vehicle recycler licensee may receive a motor vehicle unless the licensee receives the vehicle's certificate of title, if the vehicle is required to have title, or a copy of the vehicle's certificate of title made by an insurance company pursuant to section 14-16c, at the time of receipt of the vehicle. Upon receipt of any such certificate or copy, such licensee shall stamp on it the word “JUNKED” in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length. Any certificate of title received, other than a title acquired for use in connection with the licensee's business, shall accompany the list sent pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Any such copy received shall be maintained for as long as the junk is on the licensee's premises. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that information concerning junked motor vehicles required to be reported by a licensee to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to 25.57, inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner may discontinue the requirement that a licensee submit to the department (1) a list of vehicles or parts received, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, and (2) certificates of title or copies of such certificates, in accordance with the provisions of this subsection.

(c) No motor vehicle recycler licensee may receive a catalytic converter of a motor vehicle unless the licensee, at the time of receipt, obtains from the seller (1) proof of ownership of such motor vehicle, or (2) proof that the seller is an authorized agent of the owner of such motor vehicle.

(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54, concerning the records required by this section.

(e) The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, impose a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense on any person, firm or corporation who violates the provisions of this section.

(1959, P.A. 562, S. 1; P.A. 80-292, S. 8; P.A. 81-172, S. 8; 81-206, S. 2; P.A. 93-272, S. 3; P.A. 95-260, S. 12; P.A. 96-167, S. 19; P.A. 10-110, S. 10; P.A. 11-51, S. 134; P.A. 21-106, S. 46.)

History: P.A. 80-292 expanded provisions re records to include major component parts, required record of buyers of vehicle or parts to be kept, included among those with inspection rights representative of state or local police and department of public safety and required that records be mailed to commissioner of motor vehicles and added Subsecs. (b) to (d); Sec. 21-18a transferred to Sec. 14-67m in 1981; P.A. 81-172 reduced the required height of the word “junked” required to be stamped on certificates of title under Subsec. (b) from three inches to one inch and imposed restriction on length; P.A. 81-206 converted the criminal fines provided for in Subsec. (d) to civil penalties imposed by the commissioner; P.A. 93-272 amended Subsec. (a) by deleting provision which required that copy of the record of each vehicle or part sold to a scrap metal processor be delivered to the processor; P.A. 95-260 amended Subsec. (a) to eliminate requirement that licensee mail list of all motor vehicles dismantled to commissioner; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to substitute motor vehicle recycler licensee for motor vehicle junk yard licensee and to delete references to “junk yard” and added in Subsec. (a) statement that records may be handwritten, typewritten or computer-generated; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to require recycler to report information on lists to National Motor Vehicle Title Information System and to provide that nothing in Subsec. shall be construed to require department to report any such information to said system, and amended Subsec. (b) to provide if commissioner determines information re junked vehicles required to be reported by licensee to said system is regularly available to department from said system, commissioner may discontinue requirement that licensee submit list of vehicles, parts received and title certificates, effective June 5, 2010; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Department of Public Safety” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection” in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision re catalytic converter, added new Subsec. (c) re proof when receiving catalytic converter and redesignated existing Subsecs. (c) and (d) as Subsecs. (d) and (e).

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PART IV

DRIVERS' SCHOOLS

Sec. 14-69. License to conduct a drivers' school. Penalty. (a) No person shall engage in the business of conducting a drivers' school without being licensed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. An application for a license shall be in writing and shall contain such information as the commissioner requires. Each applicant for a license shall be fingerprinted before such application is approved. The commissioner shall subject each applicant for a license to state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, and a check of the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k. If any such applicant has a criminal record or is listed on the state child abuse and neglect registry, the commissioner shall make a determination of whether to issue a license to conduct a drivers' school in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in section 14-44 and the regulations adopted pursuant to said section. If the application is approved, the applicant shall be granted a license upon the payment of a fee of seven hundred dollars and a deposit with the commissioner of a bond of a surety company authorized to do business in this state, conditioned on the faithful performance by the applicant of any contract to furnish instruction, in either case in such amount as the commissioner may require, such bond to be held by the commissioner to satisfy any execution issued against such school in a cause arising out of failure of such school to perform such contract. For each additional place of business of such school, the commissioner shall charge a fee of one hundred seventy-six dollars, except if the licensee opens an additional place of business with one year or less remaining on the term of its license, the commissioner shall charge a fee of eighty-eight dollars for each such additional place of business for the year or any part thereof remaining on the term of such license. No license shall be required in the case of any board of education, or any public, private or parochial school, which conducts a course in driver education established in accordance with sections 14-36e and 14-36f. A license so issued shall be valid for two years. The commissioner shall issue a license certificate or certificates to each licensee, one of which shall be displayed in each place of business of the licensee. In case of the loss, mutilation or destruction of a certificate, the commissioner shall issue a duplicate upon proof of the facts and the payment of a fee of twenty dollars.

(b) The biennial fee for the renewal of a license shall be seven hundred dollars and the biennial renewal fee for each additional place of business shall be one hundred seventy-six dollars, except if the licensee opens an additional place of business with one year or less remaining on the term of its license, the commissioner shall charge a fee of eighty-eight dollars for each such additional place of business for the year or any part thereof remaining on the term of such license. If the commissioner has not received a complete renewal application and all applicable renewal fees on or before the expiration date of an applicant's license, the commissioner shall charge such applicant, in addition to such renewal fees, a late fee of seven hundred dollars.

(c) Any person who engages in the business of conducting a drivers' school without being licensed in accordance with this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

(1957, P.A. 507, S. 2; 1967, P.A. 406; 531, S. 2; 778; 1971, P.A. 95; P.A. 84-254, S. 45, 62; P.A. 03-265, S. 10; P.A. 04-143, S. 21; 04-182, S. 9; P.A. 10-110, S. 38; P.A. 11-213, S. 24; P.A. 12-81, S. 46; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-2, S. 125; P.A. 13-271, S. 27; P.A. 21-106, S. 21.)

History: 1967 acts provided for charge of $25 for each additional place of business, excluded from license requirements persons or schools providing instruction in operation of vehicles other than passenger vehicles and under the jurisdiction of the state board of education pursuant to Sec. 10-8, and added provision re cash or bond security; 1971 act raised cost of duplicate certificate from $1 to $2; P.A. 84-254 increased the fees, scheduling the increases to take effect as of July first of 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993; P.A. 03-265 deleted provisions re fees applicable before July 1, 1993, and replaced provisions re waiver of license for board of education or school conducting driver education course approved by the State Board of Education or person or school under jurisdiction of said board with provisions re waiver of license for board of education or school conducting driver education course “established in accordance with sections 14-36e and 14-36f”; P.A. 04-143 provided that fee for license to conduct a drivers' school is $350 and fee for replacement license is $7, effective May 21, 2004; P.A. 04-182 increased fee for duplicate certificate to $20, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 10-110 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a) and amended same to require criminal history records checks and check of state child abuse and neglect registry for drivers' school license or license renewal applicant, delete provision re annual renewal fee and deposit of security and make technical changes, and added Subsec. (b) establishing annual renewal fee for license and for each additional place of business and late fee, effective July 1, 2010; P.A. 11-213 deleted provisions re renewal of license in Subsec. (a) and added Subsec. (c) re penalty for conduct of school without license, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (b) to change license renewal fee from $350 annually to $700 biennially, change renewal fee for each additional place of business from $88 annually to $176 biennially and increase late fee from $350 to $700; June 12 Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-2 amended Subsec. (a) to change license fee from $350 to $700, change fee for each additional place of business from $88 to $176 and change term of license from 1 year to 2 years; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to add provisions re fee of $88 for additional place of business opened by licensee with one year or less remaining on the term of license, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (a) by removing “cash or”, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-73. Instructor's license. Master instructor's license. Regulations. (a) No person shall be employed by any such school licensee to give instruction in driving a motor vehicle unless such person is licensed to act as an instructor by the commissioner.

(b) Application for an instructor's license shall be in writing and shall contain such information as the commissioner requires. Each applicant for a license shall be fingerprinted and shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant (1) is of good moral character considering such person's state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, and record, if any, on the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k. If any applicant for a license or the renewal of a license has a criminal record or is listed on the state child abuse and neglect registry, the commissioner shall make a determination of whether to issue or renew an instructor's license in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in section 14-44 and the regulations adopted pursuant to said section; (2) has held a license to drive a motor vehicle for the past four consecutive years and has a driving record satisfactory to the commissioner, including no record of a conviction or administrative license suspension for a drug or alcohol-related offense during such four-year period; (3) has had a recent medical examination by a physician, physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed to practice within the state and the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse certifies that the applicant is physically fit to operate a motor vehicle and instruct in driving; (4) has received a high school diploma or has an equivalent academic education; and (5) has completed an instructor training course of forty-five clock hours given by a school or agency approved by the commissioner, except that any such course given by an institution under the jurisdiction of the board of trustees of the Connecticut State University System shall be approved by the commissioner and the State Board of Education. During the period of licensure, an instructor shall notify the commissioner, within forty-eight hours, of an arrest or conviction for a misdemeanor or felony, or an arrest, conviction or administrative license suspension for a drug or alcohol-related offense.

(c) The commissioner may deny the application of any person for an instructor's license if he determines that the applicant has made a material false statement or concealed a material fact in connection with his application for the instructor's license.

(d) The commissioner shall conduct such written, oral and practical examinations as he deems necessary to determine whether an applicant has sufficient skill in the operation of motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation, a satisfactory knowledge of the motor vehicle laws and the ability to impart such skill and knowledge to others. If the applicant successfully completes the examinations and meets all other requirements of this section, the commissioner shall issue an instructor's license to such applicant. The license shall be valid for use only in connection with a drivers' school or schools licensed pursuant to section 14-69. If the applicant fails the examination, such applicant may apply for reexamination after five days. The license and the license renewal shall be valid for two years.

(e) The licensee shall be reexamined periodically in accordance with standards specified in regulations adopted under section 14-78.

(f) The commissioner may establish, by regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, standards and procedures for the training and licensing of master instructors who are qualified to train driving instructors. The provisions of subsection (b) of this section and section 14-74 shall apply to master instructors.

(g) The fee for an instructor's license, or for any renewal thereof, shall be one hundred dollars. The fee for a master instructor's license, or for any renewal thereof, shall be two hundred dollars. If the commissioner has not received a complete renewal application and fee on or before the expiration date of an applicant's license, such applicant shall be charged, in addition to the renewal fee, a late fee in an amount equal to the fee for such applicant's license.

(h) Any person who is not licensed in accordance with this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor if such person: (1) Engages in the business of providing, for compensation, instruction in driving a motor vehicle; or (2) is employed by a drivers' school to give instruction in driving a motor vehicle.

(1957, P.A. 507, S. 6; 1971, P.A. 456, S. 1; 1972, P.A. 127, S. 19; P.A. 73-252; P.A. 76-379; P.A. 78-355, S. 2; P.A. 83-587, S. 28, 96; P.A. 84-254, S. 46, 62; 84-429, S. 27; 84-546, S. 42, 173; P.A. 86-90, S. 2; P.A. 91-256, S. 65, 69; P.A. 02-70, S. 31; P.A. 04-182, S. 10; P.A. 08-150, S. 11; P.A. 10-110, S. 39; P.A. 11-213, S. 25; P.A. 12-81, S. 43; P.A. 13-271, S. 28; P.A. 14-130, S. 20; P.A. 16-39, S. 10; P.A. 21-196, S. 12.)

History: 1971 act expanded requirements re qualifications and licensure of driving instructors adding to requirements that applicant never have been convicted of crime involving moral turpitude, have had recent medical exam, have high school diploma or its equivalent and have completed instructor training course and elaborating on examination, reexamination, annual course requirements etc.; 1972 act changed minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 reflecting change in age of majority; P.A. 73-252 replaced requirement that instructors take courses in traffic safety annually until 80 hours completed in first four years following licensure with requirement that they take advanced instructor course of at least 45 hours during three years following licensure; P.A. 76-379 amended Subsec. (a)(6) to allow courses approved by motor vehicle commissioner or state board of education rather than by both and added exception re approval by both for courses given by state college; P.A. 78-355 amended Subsec. (a)(6) to delete reference to state board of education approval except with regard to state college programs, amended Subsec. (c) to allow option of taking advanced course or attending annual seminars in traffic safety; P.A. 83-587 substituted reference to institution governed by Connecticut State University board of trustees for “state college” in Subsec. (a); P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (e) to increase periodically the fee from $3 to $10.75 as of July 1, 1993; P.A. 84-429 relettered Subsecs., rephrased provisions, deleted obsolete provisions re instructors issued licenses before January 1, 1972, and made other technical changes; P.A. 84-546 made technical changes to Subsec. (a) to clarify reference to “state board of education”; P.A. 86-90 amended Subsec. (b) to require applicant for instructor's license to hold operator's license for past four consecutive years, rather than past two years, and to eliminate reference to age of such applicant; P.A. 91-256 made a technical change in Subsec. (b); P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (e) to require that the licensee be reexamined periodically in accordance with standards specified in regulations adopted under Sec. 14-78, in lieu of reexamination prior to issuance of a renewal of license or at any time during the license period, and to delete “after January 1, 1972”; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (f) to increase fee for instructor's license to $50 and delete provision re past fee increases, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (b)(1) to delete provision re evidence that applicant “has never been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude” and add provision re person's “criminal record and record, if any, on the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k, as obtained and reviewed by the commissioner in accordance with the standards of section 14-44”, amended Subsec. (b)(2) to add “including no record of a conviction for a drug or alcohol-related offense during such four-year period”, amended Subsec. (d) to add “and meets all other requirements of this section” and made technical changes; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (b) to require fingerprinting of applicant, to replace consideration of criminal record with consideration of state and national criminal history records checks and require decision re issuance or renewal to persons with criminal records or listed on abuse and neglect registry to be made in accordance with Sec. 14-44 and regulations in Subdiv. (1), to add administrative license suspension in Subdiv. (2) and to require instructor to notify commissioner of arrest or conviction for misdemeanor or felony, or arrest, conviction or administrative license suspension for drug or alcohol-related offense, amended Subsec. (d) to allow application for reexamination after 1 month, instead of 3 months, and to change licensure and validity from calendar year to 1 year, added new Subsec. (f) to authorize adoption of regulations re master instructors and to make Subsec. (b) and Sec. 14-74 applicable to such instructors, redesignated existing Subsec. (f) as Subsec. (g) and amended same to establish fee for issuance or renewal of master instructor's license and late fee, and made technical changes in Subsecs. (b) and (d); P.A. 11-213 added Subsec. (h) re penalty for provision of instruction without license, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (d) to change term of license and license renewal from 1 year to 2 years and amended Subsec. (g) to change fee for instructor's license and renewal from $50 to $100 and for master instructor's license and renewal from $100 to $200; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (d) to make license valid for use in connection with a drivers' school licensed pursuant to Sec. 14-69, rather than valid only with business of school listed on license, and to allow application for reexamination after 5 days instead of 1 month, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 14-130 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting provisions re attendance at seminars or taking advanced instructor course, effective July 1, 2014; P.A. 16-39 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by adding references to advanced practice registered nurse; P.A. 21-196 amended Subsec. (b)(3) by adding references to physician assistant.

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Sec. 14-78. Regulations for conduct of drivers' schools and instructor license requirements. Limited license. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, regarding the conduct of drivers' schools and instructor license requirements. Such regulations shall (1) establish the conduct of drivers' schools, including, but not limited to, requirements as to the inspection of the vehicles used by the drivers' schools in the conduct of their business, instructional standards and procedures, including instruction of not less than fifteen minutes concerning the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under subsection (b) of section 14-223 and the penalty for a violation of the provisions of said subsection, instruction concerning highway work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under section 14-212d, the administration of a test at the conclusion of each class, the posting of rates charged for instruction, and the general form in which records concerning persons under instruction and those who have completed their course of instruction shall be kept and, when required, the method of transmission to the commissioner, (2) except as required pursuant to section 14-36j, permit a class or classroom instruction to be offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing, and (3) establish the requirements for a person to receive a license as an instructor in accordance with section 14-73. On and after October 1, 2010, the commissioner shall not issue a license that is limited to classroom instruction. Any person who was issued such limited license prior to October 1, 2010, may maintain and renew such license.

(1957, P.A. 507, S. 11; P.A. 99-171, S. 3, 5; P.A. 02-70, S. 63; P.A. 10-110, S. 41; P.A. 13-92, S. 5; P.A. 21-106, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 99-171 added requirement for instruction re operator responsibilities and penalties under Sec. 14-223(b), effective January 1, 2000; P.A. 02-70 made a technical change, specified that regulations be adopted in accordance with chapter 54, designated existing provisions re subject matter of regulations as Subdiv. (1) and added Subdiv. (2) authorizing regulations for the establishment of requirements for a person to receive an instructor's license in accordance with Sec. 14-73 and to require commissioner to issue a license to a person who meets requirements of Sec. 14-73 to act as a classroom-only instructor; P.A. 10-110 amended Subdiv. (2) to delete provisions re regulations requiring commissioner to issue license to act as instructor in classroom only and added provisions prohibiting commissioner from issuing license limited to classroom instruction on and after October 1, 2010, and authorizing maintenance and renewal of any such limited license issued prior to October 1, 2010, effective June 5, 2010; P.A. 13-92 added provision re regulations concerning instruction of highway work zone safety in Subdiv. (1); P.A. 21-106 added provision re administration of test at conclusion of each class and transmission of records to commissioner in Subdiv. (1), added new Subdiv. (2) re offering of instruction in-person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, designated existing Subdiv. (2) as Subdiv. (3) and made technical changes, effective June 30, 2021.

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PART V

EQUIPMENT

Sec. 14-96p. Color of lights. Flashing lights. Intensity of lights. (a) Except as provided in section 14-96q, no person shall display upon any motor vehicle or equipment: (1) Any light visible from the front of such motor vehicle or equipment other than white, yellow or amber; (2) any light visible from the rear of such motor vehicle or equipment other than red, yellow, amber or white; or (3) any red light visible from directly in front of the center of such motor vehicle or equipment. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a taxicab shall display the dome light or lights required by regulations that have been adopted by the Commissioner of Transportation under the authority of section 13b-96.

(b) Except as provided in section 14-96q, flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles, except: (1) Red and yellow lights when used for the purpose of receiving or discharging students on school buses; (2) white lights that are located on the top rear of school buses; (3) when such lights are used as a means for indicating a right or left turn; (4) when such lights are used in any manner to indicate (A) a disabled vehicle that is stopped in a hazardous location on the highway, or in close proximity thereto, (B) a motor vehicle that is unable to maintain the minimum speed of forty miles per hour on a limited access divided highway because of the grade of such highway, (C) a motor vehicle that is operating at such slow speed as to obstruct or endanger following traffic on any highway, or (D) a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, accommodating fifteen or fewer students with disabilities that is receiving or discharging such students; or (5) red lights when used by a frozen dessert truck pursuant to section 14-283f. For the purposes of this subsection, “students with disabilities” means students who have intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, mental disability, visual impairment, blindness, deafness, speech impairment or orthopedic impairment, who are hard of hearing or who have another health impairment who, by reason thereof, require special education and related services, and “frozen dessert truck” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-283c.

(c) Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps or auxiliary driving lamps, that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power shall be so directed that no part of the beam strikes the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.

(d) Use of lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction.

(1967, P.A. 834, S. 17, 18; 1969, P.A. 710; P.A. 73-544, S. 23; P.A. 74-99, S. 1, 3; P.A. 75-577, S. 42, 126; P.A. 78-156, S. 2; P.A. 80-466, S. 16, 25; P.A. 83-41; 83-412, S. 3, 5; P.A. 85-153; 85-217, S. 1; P.A. 87-41, S. 1; P.A. 93-307, S. 4, 34; P.A. 94-189, S. 7; P.A. 96-167, S. 29; P.A. 99-150, S. 1; P.A. 01-192, S. 1; P.A. 04-161, S. 1; P.A. 05-218, S. 9; 05-288, S. 234; P.A. 11-213, S. 26; P.A. 13-139, S. 18; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 213; P.A. 17-202, S. 95; P.A. 21-20, S. 9.)

History: 1969 act replaced “displayed” with “illuminated” and “display” with “use” for clarity; P.A. 73-544 replaced “civil defense” with “civil preparedness” in Subsec. (b); P.A. 74-99 added Subsec. (c) re flashing green lights; P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 78-156 amended Subsec. (a) re use of flashing red lights on vehicles accommodating nine or less handicapped students when vehicle stopped to pick up or discharge the students; P.A. 80-466 amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) to refer to single license plate; P.A. 83-41 amended Subsec. (a) re blanket permits for department of transportation motor vehicles; P.A. 83-412 amended Subsec. (a), permitting any motor vehicle accommodating fifteen or less handicapped students (increased from nine) to use flashing red lights while receiving or discharging passengers and defining “handicapped students” for the purposes of this subsection; P.A. 85-153 amended Subsec. (a) to specify that term “flashing white lights” shall not include simultaneous flashing of head lamps; P.A. 85-217 amended Subsec. (a), permitting the chief executive officer of an emergency medical service organization to use flashing red lights while responding to an emergency; P.A. 87-41 amended Subsec. (a), permitting the use of flashing white lights with flashing red lights on an ambulance responding to an emergency call; P.A. 93-307 amended Subsec. (a) to provide that an ambulance on the way to the scene of an emergency may use “flashing white head lamps”, effective June 29, 1993; P.A. 94-189 amended Subsec. (a) by making minor grammatical changes and providing for the use of flashing white head lamps and a flashing amber light while on the way to the scene of an emergency; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (a) to add exception to allow ambulances to use flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements for manufacture of such vehicles; P.A. 99-150 amended Subsec. (a) by specifying that local fire marshals, emergency management directors and school buses may use certain flashing lights and by making a technical change; P.A. 01-192 amended Subsec. (a) by dividing existing provisions into Subdivs. (1) to (4), changing “less” to “fewer” in Subdiv. (2), adding provision in Subdiv. (3) which allows a member of a volunteer fire department or company or a volunteer emergency medical technician to use flashing white lamps in certain circumstances, deleting “or” in Subdiv. (3) and redesignating existing Subdivs. (1) to (5) as Subparas. (A) to (E), in Subdiv. (4); P.A. 04-161 amended Subsec. (a)(4) to provide that both volunteer and paid fire chiefs, deputies and assistants may display flashing or revolving white lights in combination with flashing or revolving red lights up to four paid and four volunteer individuals per municipality, to move provisions re volunteers from Subpara. (B) to new Subpara. (C) and to redesignate existing Subparas. (C) to (E) as new Subparas. (D) to (F), respectively; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (a) by changing “written” to “special” permit and inserting “in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-96q” in Subdiv. (1) and, in Subdiv. (3) by adding “the first or second deputies, or if there are no deputies, the first or second assistants, of such an organization that is a municipal or volunteer organization” and, in Subdiv. (4), by changing “four” to “five” and “municipality” to “department”, effective July 6, 2005; P.A. 05-288 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by replacing “municipal or volunteer organization” with “municipal or volunteer or licensed organization”, effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (a)(1) to delete provision re single permit for display of lights on more than one Department of Transportation vehicle and add exemption from permit requirements for government vehicles, effective July 13, 2011; P.A. 13-139 amended Subsec. (a) by substituting “students with disabilities” for “handicapped students” in Subdiv. (2) and by substituting term and definition of “students with disabilities” for term and definition of “handicapped students” in Subdiv. (4), and amended Subsecs. (b) and (c) by making technical changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 replaced former Subsecs. (a) to (d) with new Subsec. (a) re display of light on motor vehicle or equipment, new Subsec. (b) re flashing lights on motor vehicles, new Subsec. (c) re lighted lamp or illuminating device on motor vehicle and new Subsec. (d) re penalty, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 17-202 amended Subsec. (b) by replacing reference to hearing impairment with reference to hard of hearing and making technical changes; P.A. 21-20 amended Subsec. (b) by adding Subdiv. (5) re red lights when used by frozen dessert truck, defining “frozen dessert truck” and making technical changes, effective July 1, 2021.

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Sec. 14-96q. Permits for colored or flashing lights. Exceptions. Fee. (a) A permit is required for the use of colored or flashing lights on all motor vehicles or equipment specified in this section except: (1) Motor vehicles not registered in this state used for transporting or escorting any vehicle or load, or combinations thereof, which is either oversize or overweight, or both, when operating under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270; or (2) motor vehicles or equipment that are (A) equipped with lights in accordance with this section, (B) owned or leased by the federal government, the state of Connecticut, or any other state, commonwealth or local municipality, and (C) registered to such governmental entity. When used in this section the term “flashing” shall be considered to include the term “revolving”.

(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or such other person specifically identified in this section, is authorized to issue permits for the use of colored or flashing lights on vehicles in accordance with this section, at the commissioner's or such person's discretion. Any person, firm or corporation other than the state or any metropolitan district, town, city or borough shall pay an annual permit fee of twenty dollars to the commissioner for each such vehicle. Such fee shall apply only to permits issued by the commissioner.

(c) A flashing blue light or lights may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a volunteer fire department or company or an active member of an organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company who has been issued a permit by the chief executive officer of such department or company to use a flashing blue light or lights while on the way to or at the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring such member's services. Such permit shall be on a form provided by the commissioner and may be revoked by such chief executive officer or successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer fire department or company or organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company shall keep on file, on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members who have been authorized to use a flashing blue light or lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number of the motor vehicle on which authorized a flashing blue light or lights are to be used.

(d) A green light or lights, including a flashing green light or lights, may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a volunteer ambulance association or company who has been issued a permit by the chief executive officer of such association or company to use such a light or lights, while on the way to or at the scene of an emergency requiring such member's services. Such permit shall be on a form provided by the commissioner and may be revoked by such chief executive officer or successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer ambulance association or company shall keep on file, on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members who have been authorized to use a flashing green light or lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number of the vehicle on which the authorized flashing green lights are to be used.

(e) The commissioner may issue a permit for a flashing red light or lights which may be used on a motor vehicle or equipment (1) used by paid fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, (2) used by volunteer fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, (3) used by members of the fire police on a stationary vehicle as a warning signal during traffic directing operations at the scene of a fire or emergency, (4) used by chief executive officers of emergency medical service organizations, as defined in section 19a-175, the first or second deputies, or if there are no deputies, the first or second assistants, of such an organization that is a municipal or volunteer or licensed organization, (5) used by local fire marshals, or (6) used by directors of emergency management.

(f) The commissioner may issue a permit for a yellow or amber light or lights, including a flashing yellow or amber light or lights, which may be used on motor vehicles or equipment that are (1) specified in subsection (e) of this section, (2) maintenance vehicles, or (3) vehicles transporting or escorting any vehicle or load or combinations thereof, which is or are either oversize or overweight, or both, and being operated or traveling under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270. A yellow or amber light or lights, including a flashing yellow or amber light or lights, may be used without obtaining a permit from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles on wreckers registered pursuant to section 14-66, on vehicles of carriers in rural mail delivery service or on vehicles operated by construction inspectors employed by the state of Connecticut, authorized by the Commissioner of Transportation, used during the performance of inspections on behalf of the state. The Commissioner of Transportation shall maintain a list of such authorized construction inspectors, including the name and address of each inspector and the registration number for each vehicle on which the light or lights are to be used.

(g) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue a permit for a white light or lights, including a flashing white light or lights, which may be used on a motor vehicle or equipment as specified in subdivision (1), (2), (4), (5) or (6) of subsection (e) of this section. A vehicle being operated by a member of a volunteer fire department or company or a volunteer emergency medical technician may use flashing white head lamps, provided such member or emergency medical technician is on the way to the scene of a fire or medical emergency and has received written authorization from the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality to use such head lamps. Such head lamps shall only be used within the municipality granting such authorization or from a personal residence or place of employment, if located in an adjoining municipality. Such authorization may be revoked for use of such head lamps in violation of this subdivision. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “flashing white lights” shall not include the simultaneous flashing of head lamps.

(h) The commissioner may issue a permit for emergency vehicles, as defined in subsection (a) of section 14-283, to use a blue, red, yellow, or white light or lights, including a flashing light or lights or any combination thereof, except as provided in subsection (k) of this section.

(i) The commissioner may issue a permit for ambulances, as defined in section 19a-175, which may, in addition to the flashing light or lights allowed in subsection (h) of this section, use flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements for the manufacture of an ambulance. If the commissioner issues a permit for any ambulance, such permit shall be issued at the time of registration and upon each renewal of such registration.

(j) A green, yellow or amber light or lights, including a flashing green, yellow or amber light or lights or any combination thereof, may be used on a maintenance vehicle owned and operated by the Department of Transportation.

(k) No person, other than a police officer or inspector of the Department of Motor Vehicles operating a state or local police vehicle, shall operate a motor vehicle displaying a steady blue or steady red illuminated light or both steady blue and steady red illuminated lights that are visible externally from the front of the vehicle.

(l) Use of colored and flashing lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction.

(1967, P.A. 834, S. 19; 1969, P.A. 759, S. 12; 1971, P.A. 459, S. 1; P.A. 73-544, S. 24; P.A. 74-99, S. 2, 3; P.A. 75-577, S. 43, 126; P.A. 78-156, S. 3; P.A. 79-4; P.A. 84-254, S. 47, 62; 84-377, S. 3, 4; P.A. 85-217, S. 2; P.A. 87-41, S. 2; P.A. 93-307, S. 5, 34; P.A. 94-189, S. 8; P.A. 96-167, S. 30; P.A. 99-150, S. 2; 99-268, S. 23; P.A. 00-169, S. 22; P.A. 04-182, S. 11; P.A. 05-218, S. 10; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 214; P.A. 16-55, S. 22; P.A. 17-230, S. 8; P.A. 19-161, S. 10; P.A. 21-40, S. 15, 16; 21-106, S. 33.)

History: 1969 act increased fee in Subsec. (c) from $1 to $2 per vehicle; 1971 act amended Subsec. (c)(4) to add “revolving” yellow lights and to allow their use on oversize or overweight loads, allowed use of flashing lights to indicate slow speed of vehicle, included escort vehicles in permit provisions and added proviso re required permit for vehicles not registered in this state; P.A. 73-544 replaced “civil defense” with “civil preparedness” in Subsec. (c); P.A. 74-99 amended Subsec. (c) to allow use of flashing green lights by members of volunteer ambulance associations or companies; P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 78-156 amended Subsec. (c) to allow use of flashing red lights on vehicles used to pick up or discharge not more than nine handicapped students when stopped to do so; P.A. 79-4 amended Subsec. (c) to allow use of flashing red lights on rescue vehicles; P.A. 84-254 amended Subsec. (c) to increase periodically the permit fee from $2 to $7 as of July 1, 1993; P.A. 84-377 amended Subsec. (c), permitting motor vehicles accommodating fifteen or less handicapped students to use flashing red lights when receiving or discharging such students; P.A. 85-217 amended Subsec. (c), permitting the chief executive officers of emergency medical service organizations to use flashing red lights as provided in Subsec. (a) of Sec. 14-96p and deleting references to the flashing of red lights by motor vehicles used as buses by handicapped students and by stationary vehicles used by fire police as warning signals; P.A. 87-41 amended Subsec. (c), permitting use of flashing white lights in conjunction with flashing red lights on an ambulance responding to an emergency call; P.A. 93-307 amended Subsec. (c) to permit flashing red lights on ambulances and to permit flashing white lights used in conjunction with “flashing head lamps” on ambulances responding to emergency calls, effective June 29, 1993; P.A. 94-189 amended Subsec. (c)(7) by adding “and a flashing amber light” after “flashing head lamps”; P.A. 96-167 amended Subsec. (c)(7) to authorize use of flashing lights of colors other than white specified by federal requirements for manufacture of ambulances; P.A. 99-150 amended Subsec. (c) by adding local fire marshals and directors of emergency management to the list of those authorized to use flashing red lights; P.A. 99-268 amended Subsec. (c) by allowing wreckers, registered pursuant to Sec. 14-66, to have flashing or revolving yellow lights and by making technical changes re gender neutrality; P.A. 00-169 revised effective date of P.A. 99-268 but without affecting this section; P.A. 04-182 amended Subsec. (c) to increase annual permit fee to $20 and to delete provision re past fee increases, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 05-218 amended Subsec. (c) by changing “written” to “special” permit, adding “and on other vehicles that display lights for which a permit is required, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-96p”, deleting “of two dollars” re annual permit fee and adding provision requiring special permits for ambulances to be issued at time of registration or renewal, effective July 6, 2005; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 replaced former Subsecs. (a) to (d) with new Subsec. (a) re permit for use of colored or flashing lights on motor vehicles or equipment, new Subsec. (b) re issuance of permits for use of colored or flashing lights, new Subsec. (c) re use of blue lights on motor vehicles and new Subsec. (d) re use of green lights on motor vehicles, added Subsec. (e) re issuance of permits for use of red lights on motor vehicles or equipment, added Subsec. (f) re issuance of permits for use of yellow or amber lights on motor vehicles or equipment, added Subsec. (g) re issuance of permits for use of white lights on motor vehicles or equipment, added Subsec. (h) re issuance of permit for use of certain colored lights on emergency vehicles, added Subsec. (i) re issuance of permit for use of flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements on ambulances, and added Subsec. (j) re penalty, effective June 30, 2015; P.A. 16-55 amended Subsecs. (c) and (d) by making technical changes, effective May 31, 2016; P.A. 17-230 amended Subsec. (f) to add provision re use of yellow or amber lights for vehicles operated by construction inspectors employed by the state; P.A. 19-161 amended Subsec. (h) by adding exception re provisions of Subsec. (j), added new Subsec. (j) re use of green, yellow or amber lights on maintenance vehicles, added Subsec. (k) re prohibition re display of steady blue or red light or both blue and red lights on motor vehicles, redesignated existing Subsec. (j) as Subsec. (l) and made conforming and technical changes; P.A. 21-40 made technical changes in Subsecs. (f) and (h); P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (h) to replace reference to Subsec. (j) with reference to Subsec. (k), effective June 30, 2021.

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Sec. 14-99h. *(See end of section for amended verson and effective date.) Etching of vehicle identification numbers. Marking of component parts. Penalty. Regulations. (a) Each new car dealer or used car dealer, as defined in section 14-51, or lessor licensed under the provisions of section 14-15 shall offer the purchaser or lessee of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale or lease, the optional service of etching the complete identification number of the vehicle on a lower corner of the windshield and on each side or rear window in such vehicle. Each such dealer or lessor may etch the complete identification number of a motor vehicle on any such vehicle in its inventory prior to its sale or lease provided it specifies the charge for such service separately on the order for the sale of the motor vehicle as prescribed by the provisions of section 14-62.

(b) If a new car dealer or used car dealer, as defined in section 14-51, offers the purchaser of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale, the optional service of marking vehicle components with the complete vehicle identification number, the dealer shall specify the charge for such service separately on the order for the sale of the motor vehicle as prescribed by the provisions of section 14-62. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection. Such regulations may provide standards for the marking of component parts in a secure manner, and for telephone or on-line access to a secure database of vehicles including motorcycles and parts that have been marked and registered in such database. Such regulations may also provide for the marking of parts used to replace parts that have been marked in accordance with the provisions of this subsection, by repairers licensed in accordance with section 14-52. Each new or used dealer that sells a motorcycle shall offer to the purchaser to mark the complete vehicle identification number on the component parts of said motorcycle. Such service shall be subject to the regulations and standards adopted by the commissioner in accordance with this subsection.

(c) Each new car dealer, used car dealer or lessor shall charge reasonable rates for etching services and parts marking services rendered within the state pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section and shall file a schedule of such rates with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Each such dealer or lessor may from time to time file an amended schedule of such rates with the commissioner. No such dealer or lessor may charge any rate for such etching services or parts marking services which is greater than the rates contained in the most recent schedule filed with the commissioner.

(d) A motor vehicle dealer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner, may verify a manufacturer's vehicle identification number to satisfy any provision requiring such verification in this chapter, or chapter 246a or 247. Such verification shall be provided in a written affidavit signed by such a motor vehicle dealer, or his designee, and submitted to the commissioner. Such affidavit shall contain a statement that the manufacturer's vehicle identification number corresponds to such number (1) on the manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin, if the motor vehicle is new, (2) on a current certificate of title, or (3) on a current motor vehicle registration document. Such affidavit shall also contain a statement that the vehicle identification number has not been mutilated, altered or removed.

(e) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, shall be subject to the penalties of false statement, provided for in sections 14-110 and 53a-157b.

(f) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.

(P.A. 89-313, S. 1, 5; P.A. 97-236, S. 13, 27; P.A. 98-182, S. 16, 22; P.A. 02-70, S. 32; P.A. 04-199, S. 36; P.A. 06-130, S. 23; P.A. 11-213, S. 27; P.A. 13-271, S. 55.)

*Note: On and after July 1, 2022, this section, as amended by section 53 of public act 21-175, is to read as follows:

“Sec. 14-99h. Etching of vehicle identification numbers. Marking of component parts. Penalty. Regulations.

(a) Each new car dealer or used car dealer, as defined in section 14-51, or lessor licensed under the provisions of section 14-15 shall offer the purchaser or lessee of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale or lease, the optional service of etching the complete vehicle identification number on a lower corner of the windshield and on each side or rear window in such vehicle. Each such dealer or lessor may etch the complete vehicle identification number on any such vehicle in its inventory prior to its sale or lease provided it specifies the charge for such service separately on the order for the sale of the motor vehicle as prescribed by the provisions of section 14-62.

(c) Each new car dealer, used car dealer or lessor shall charge reasonable rates for etching services and component parts marking services rendered within the state pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section and shall file a schedule of such rates with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Each such dealer or lessor may from time to time file an amended schedule of such rates with the commissioner. No such dealer or lessor may charge any rate for such etching services or parts marking services which is greater than the rates contained in the most recent schedule filed with the commissioner.

(d) A motor vehicle dealer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52, and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner, may verify a manufacturer's vehicle identification number to satisfy any provision requiring such verification in this chapter, or chapter 246a or 247. Such verification shall be provided in a written affidavit signed by such a motor vehicle dealer, or such dealer's designee, and submitted to the commissioner. Such affidavit shall contain a statement that the manufacturer's vehicle identification number corresponds to such number (1) on the manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin, if the motor vehicle is new, (2) on a current certificate of title, or (3) on a current motor vehicle registration document. Such affidavit shall also contain a statement that the vehicle identification number has not been mutilated, altered or removed.

(e) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall be subject to the penalties of false statement, provided for in sections 14-110 and 53a-157b.

(f) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations may provide standards for (1) the marking of component parts in a secure manner, including the use of a covert application, (2) telephone or online access to a secure database of vehicles including motorcycles and parts that have been marked and registered in such database, (3) the marking of parts used to replace parts that have been marked by repairers licensed in accordance with section 14-52. For the purposes of this section, “component part” includes, but is not limited to, the hood, trunk, wheels and doors of a motor vehicle or the frame or steering column of a motorcycle, and “covert application” means a latent brushed chemical that embeds the marking over a vinyl stencil so that when such stencil is removed, the marking is only visible with the assistance of an ultraviolet light.”

(P.A. 89-313, S. 1, 5; P.A. 97-236, S. 13, 27; P.A. 98-182, S. 16, 22; P.A. 02-70, S. 32; P.A. 04-199, S. 36; P.A. 06-130, S. 23; P.A. 11-213, S. 27; P.A. 13-271, S. 55; P.A. 21-175, S. 53.)

History: P.A. 97-236 amended Subsec. (a) to make a technical change, to require used car dealers and lessors to offer purchaser or lessee of a new or used motor vehicle, at the time of sale or lease, optional service of etching vehicle identification number on windshield and each side or rear window, to delete references to “passenger” motor vehicle and “truck having a gross weight of ten thousand pounds or less” and to allow each dealer or lessor to etch the vehicle identification number of a vehicle on any vehicle in its inventory prior to its sale or lease, provided it specifies the charge for such service, and amended Subsec. (b) to apply provisions of Subsec. to used car dealers and lessors; P.A. 98-182 added Subsecs. (c) to (e), inclusive, allowing a licensed motor vehicle dealer to verify a vehicle identification number for certain purposes, establishing penalties for violating the provisions of verification and authorizing the commissioner to adopt regulations, effective July 1, 1998; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (a) to require dealers or lessors to specify charges for etching on the sale order as prescribed by Sec. 14-62 in lieu of the label required by the federal Automobile Information Disclosure Act, effective June 3, 2002; P.A. 04-199 added new Subsec. (b) re marking of vehicle components, redesignating existing Subsecs. (b) to (e) as new Subsecs. (c) to (f), respectively, and added references to parts marking services in new Subsec. (c), effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 06-130 amended Subsec. (b) to include motorcycles and motorcycle dealers; P.A. 11-213 amended Subsec. (c) to delete annual September first filing deadline, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 13-271 amended Subsec. (d) to delete “for all other vehicles” in Subdiv. (2) and add Subdiv. (3) re manufacturer's vehicle identification number corresponding to current motor vehicle registration document, effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 21-175 moved provision re regulations to provide standards for marking component parts, access to database of vehicles, and marking replacement parts from Subsec. (b) to Subsec. (f), further amended Subsec. (f) to define “component part” and “covert application”, and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2022.

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Sec. 14-100a. Seat safety belts. Child restraint systems. Wheelchair transportation devices. (a) No new passenger motor vehicle may be sold or registered in this state unless equipped with at least two sets of seat safety belts for the front and rear seats of the motor vehicle, which belts comply with the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. The anchorage unit at the attachment point shall be of such construction, design and strength as to support a loop load strength of not less than four thousand pounds for each belt.

(b) No seat safety belt may be sold for use in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on any highway of this state unless it is so constructed and installed as to have a loop strength through the complete attachment of not less than four thousand pounds, and the buckle or closing device shall be of such construction and design that after it has received the aforesaid loop belt load it can be released with one hand with a pull of less than forty-five pounds.

(c) (1) The operator of and any passenger in any motor vehicle or fire fighting apparatus originally equipped with seat safety belts complying with the provisions of 49 CFR 571.209, as amended from time to time, shall wear such seat safety belt while the vehicle or fire fighting apparatus is being operated on any highway, except as follows:

(A) A child under eight years of age shall be restrained as provided in subsection (d) of this section; and

(B) The operator of such vehicle shall secure or cause to be secured in a seat safety belt any passenger eight years of age or older and under sixteen years of age.

(2) The provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not apply to: (A) Any person whose physical disability or impairment would prevent restraint in such safety belt, provided such person obtains a written statement from a licensed physician, a licensed physician assistant or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse containing reasons for such person's inability to wear such safety belt and including information concerning the nature and extent of such condition. Such person shall carry the statement on his or her person or in the motor vehicle at all times when it is being operated, (B) an authorized emergency vehicle, other than fire fighting apparatus, responding to an emergency call or a motor vehicle operated by a rural letter carrier of the United States postal service while performing his or her official duties or by a person engaged in the delivery of newspapers, or (C) any passenger on a bus, as defined in 49 USC 30127, as amended from time to time.

(3) Failure to wear a seat safety belt shall not be considered as contributory negligence nor shall such failure be admissible evidence in any civil action.

(4) No law enforcement official may stop a motor vehicle solely for the apparent or actual failure of a back seat passenger who is sixteen years of age or older to wear a seat safety belt.

(5) Any operator of a motor vehicle, who is eighteen years of age or older, and any passenger in such motor vehicle, who violates any provision of this subsection shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined fifty dollars. Any operator of a motor vehicle who is under eighteen years of age and any passenger in such motor vehicle who violates any provision of this subsection shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined seventy-five dollars. Points may not be assessed against the operator's license of any person convicted of such violation.

(d) (1) (A) Any person who transports a child under two years of age or weighing less than thirty pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness approved pursuant to regulations that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall adopt in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.

(B) Any person who transports a child under five years of age, but not under two years of age, or weighing less than forty pounds, but not less than thirty pounds, in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing or forward-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness approved pursuant to such regulations.

(C) Any person who transports a child under eight years of age, but not under five years of age, or weighing less than sixty pounds, but not less than forty pounds, in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing or forward-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness or a booster seat secured by a seat safety belt approved pursuant to such regulations.

(D) No person shall transport a child in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state in a rear-facing child restraint system in the front seat of any motor vehicle that is equipped with a functional air bag on the passenger side of such motor vehicle.

(2) Any person who transports a child eight years of age or older and weighing sixty or more pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt. Failure to use a child restraint system shall not be considered as contributory negligence nor shall such failure be admissible evidence in any civil action. As used in this subsection, “motor vehicle” does not mean a bus having a tonnage rating of one ton or more.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, any person who transports a child four years of age or older in a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, on the highways of this state shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt. Any person who transports a child under four years of age weighing less than forty pounds in a student transportation vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to use a child restraint system approved pursuant to such regulations.

(4) No person shall restrain a child in a booster seat unless the motor vehicle is equipped with a safety seat belt that includes a shoulder belt and otherwise meets the requirement of subsection (b) of this section.

(5) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of this subsection shall, for a first violation, have committed an infraction; for a second violation, be fined not more than one hundred ninety-nine dollars; and, for a third or subsequent violation, be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The commissioner shall require any person who has committed a first or second violation of the provisions of this subsection to attend a child car seat safety course offered or approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, suspend for a period of not more than two months the motor vehicle operator's license of any person who fails to attend or successfully complete the course.

(e) (1) Any person who transports an individual who remains in a wheelchair while being transferred into and out of a vehicle, in any motor vehicle on the highways of this state, shall provide and require the use of a device designed to secure individuals in wheelchairs while transferring such individuals from the ground to the vehicle and from the time the motor vehicle is brought to a stop until such individuals are transferred from the vehicle to the ground. Such device shall be located in the motor vehicle at all times. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, after consultation with the Departments of Transportation and Public Health, establish regulations to implement the provisions of this section and sections 13b-105 and 14-102a, subsection (d) of section 14-103, subsection (a) of section 14-275 and subsection (a) of section 19a-180.

(2) The following motor vehicles registered in this state for the first time on or after October 1, 2007, that transport individuals who remain in wheelchairs while being transported, shall, in addition to the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, install or provide and require the use of a device that secures the wheelchair to the motor vehicle's mechanical lift or otherwise prevents or seeks to prevent an individual in a wheelchair from falling from such mechanical lift or motor vehicle: (A) Motor vehicles in livery service, as defined in section 13b-101, (B) service buses, as defined in section 14-1, (C) invalid coaches, as defined in section 19a-175, (D) vanpool vehicles, as defined in section 14-1, (E) school buses, as defined in section 14-1, (F) motor buses, as defined in section 14-1, (G) student transportation vehicles, as defined in section 14-212, and (H) camp vehicles, as defined in section 14-1. The provisions of this subsection shall also apply to all motor vehicles used by municipal, volunteer and commercial ambulance services and rescue services, as defined in section 19a-175.

(3) Violation of any provision of this subsection is an infraction.

(f) The commissioner shall administer the provisions of this section.

(1961, P.A. 532; 1963, P.A. 405; P.A. 82-292; P.A. 84-429, S. 35; P.A. 85-429, S. 1, 8; P.A. 91-192, S. 2; P.A. 93-10; P.A. 94-52; P.A. 96-180, S. 149, 166; 96-257, S. 1; P.A. 02-70, S. 78; P.A. 05-58, S. 1; P.A. 07-134, S. 1; P.A. 08-32, S. 5; 08-150, S. 37; P.A. 10-3, S. 50; 10-110, S. 7; P.A. 14-231, S. 51; P.A. 16-39, S. 11; P.A. 17-230, S. 11; P.A. 21-121, S. 96; 21-175, S. 16; 21-196, S. 13.)

History: 1963 act made equipping of new cars with seat belts mandatory, 1961 act having made anchorage units only mandatory; P.A. 82-292 inserted new Subsec. (c) requiring the use of child restraint systems, relettering former Subsec. (c) accordingly; P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions and made other technical changes; P.A. 85-429 amended Subsec. (a) to require that vehicles be equipped with safety belts for rear seats and inserted new Subsec. (c) re required use of seat belts, exemptions and penalties related to such use, relettering prior Subsecs. (c) and (d) accordingly; P.A. 91-192 amended Subsec. (c)(1) and (3) to require use of seat belts in fire fighting apparatus and (c)(5) to delete obsolete provision re issuance of verbal warnings by law enforcement officers for violations; P.A. 93-10 amended Subsec. (c)(1) to eliminate exemption from requirement to use seat belts for vehicles equipped with air bags; P.A. 94-52 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting “front seat” in the last sentence of Subdiv. (1), making it applicable to any passenger 4 years of age or older and under 16, not only a “front seat” passenger, and amended Subsec. (d) by making its first sentence applicable to children under 4 years of age and weighing less than 40 pounds, deleting language which provided that: “For any child between the ages of one year and four years, a seat safety belt in the rear seat of the motor vehicle which complies with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section may be used in lieu of a child restraint system.” and providing instead that: “Any person who transports a child under the age of four years, weighing forty or more pounds, in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt” and eliminating language which said that “motor vehicle” does not mean “a recreational vehicle of the truck or van type or a truck”; P.A. 96-180 amended of Subsec. (c)(1) to substitute Subsec. “(e)” for “(g)” of Sec. 38a-363, effective June 3, 1996; P.A. 96-257 amended Subsec. (d) to eliminate provision requiring court waiver of fine upon proof that person installed child restraint system prior to court appearance date, to provide graduated penalties for violation of subsection and to require persons who have committed a first or second violation to attend a child car seat safety course; P.A. 02-70 amended Subsec. (c) to replace references to “private passenger” type of motor vehicle, “as defined in subsection (e) of section 38a-363” and “vanpool vehicle”, with reference to motor vehicle “with a gross vehicle weight rating not exceeding ten thousand pounds”, and to require seat belt use in fire fighting apparatus “originally” equipped with such belts in Subdiv. (1), combined existing Subdiv. (3) with Subdiv. (2) and made technical changes therein and redesignated existing Subdivs. (4) and (5) as Subdivs. (3) and (4); P.A. 05-58 amended Subsec. (c)(1) by substituting “six years of age and under” for “under the age of four years” and changing “four” to “seven” years of age or older, and amended Subsec. (d) by designating existing provisions as Subdivs. (1) and (5) and, in Subdiv. (1), substituting “six years of age and under or” for “under the age of four years” and changing 40 to 60 pounds, adding Subdiv. (2) re child restraint system for transport of child under 1 year of age or weighing less than 20 pounds, adding Subdiv. (3) re child restraint systems in a student transportation vehicle, adding Subdiv. (4) re restraint of child in booster seat and, in Subdiv. (5), adding “subdivision (1), (2), (3) or (4) of”; P.A. 07-134 added new Subsec. (e) re wheelchair transportation safety devices for individuals who remain in wheelchairs while being transferred into and out of a vehicle, and for motor vehicles in livery service, service buses, invalid coaches, vanpool vehicles, school buses, motor buses, student transportation vehicles and camp vehicles registered on or after October 1, 2007, that transport individuals who remain in wheelchairs while being transported, and redesignated existing Subsec. (e) as Subsec. (f); P.A. 08-32 amended Subsec. (c) to make technical changes and, in Subdiv. (1), to add requirement that if operator of vehicle is under eighteen, operator and each passenger shall wear seat belt while vehicle is being operated on any highway and, in Subdiv. (4), to provide that any operator of vehicle who is eighteen or older and any passenger who violates any provision of Subsec. (c) shall have committed an infraction and be fined $15 and that any operator under eighteen and any passenger who violates any provision of Subsec. (c) shall have committed an infraction and be fined $75, effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 08-150 amended Subsec. (e)(2) to make technical changes; P.A. 10-3 amended Subsec. (c)(4) to increase fine from $15 to $50 for operator of motor vehicle 18 years of age or older and any passenger in that motor vehicle, effective April 14, 2010; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (c)(1) to delete limitation of seat belt requirement to vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating not exceeding 10,000 pounds and make technical changes; P.A. 14-231 amended Subsec. (e)(2) by deleting reference to management services and making technical changes; P.A. 16-39 amended Subsec. (c)(2)(A) by adding reference to licensed advanced practice registered nurse; P.A. 17-230 amended Subsec. (c)(1)(A) to replace “six years of age and under” with “under eight years of age”, amended Subsec. (c)(1)(B) to replace “seven” with “eight”, and amended Subsec. (d) to delete former Subdiv. (1) re child age 6 and under or weighing less than 60 pounds, to redesignate existing Subdiv. (2) re child under age 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds as Subdiv. (1)(A) and amending same to replace provision re child under age 1 or weighing less than 20 pounds with provision re child under age 2 or weighing less than 30 pounds and add “equipped with a five-point harness”, to add Subpara. (B) re child under age 5 but not under age 2, or weighing less than 40 pounds but not less than 30 pounds, to add Subpara. (C) re child under age 8, but not under age 5, or weighing less than 60 pounds but not less than 40 pounds, to add Subpara. (D) re rear-facing child restraint system in front seat of motor vehicle with air bag, to add Subdiv. (2) re child age 8 or older and weighing 60 or more pounds, and to make technical changes in Subdiv. (3); P.A. 21-121 amended Subsec. (e) by deleting “subdivision (11) of” in Subdiv. (2)(C), effective July 6, 2021; P.A. 21-175 amended Subsec. (c) by deleting “front seat” in Subdiv. (1), deleting Subdiv. (1)(C) re operator under eighteen years old and each passenger to wear seat belt while vehicle is operated on highway, adding Subdiv. (2)(C) re passenger on bus, adding new Subdiv. (4) re no law enforcement official to stop vehicle solely for failure of back seat passenger sixteen years old or older to wear seat belt, redesignating existing Subdiv. (4) as Subdiv. (5) and making technical changes; P.A. 21-196 amended Subsec. (c)(2) by adding reference to licensed physician assistant.

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PART VI

JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Sec. 14-111e. *(See end of section for amended version of subsection (a) and effective date.) Suspension or delay in issuance of operator's license for person under twenty-one years of age convicted of certain violations. *(a)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall suspend, for a period of one hundred fifty days, the motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege of any person who has been convicted of a violation of section 30-88a involving the misuse of an operator's license and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation.

(2) The commissioner shall suspend, for a period of sixty days, the motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege of any person who has been convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 30-89, subsection (a) of section 21a-279a or subsection (d) of section 21a-267 and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation.

(3) The commissioner shall suspend, for a period of thirty days, the motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege of any person who has been convicted of a violation of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 30-89 and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation.

(b) The commissioner shall not issue a new motor vehicle operator's license under the provisions of section 14-36 to any person who has been convicted of a violation of section 30-88a or section 30-89, subsection (e) of section 1-1h, subsection (a) of section 21a-279a or subsection (d) of section 21a-267 and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation until a period of one hundred fifty days has elapsed from the date all applicable requirements for any such license have been satisfied by such person.

(P.A. 93-315, S. 1; P.A. 96-199; P.A. 97-201; P.A. 03-171, S. 10; P.A. 07-167, S. 50; P.A. 11-71, S. 4; P.A. 12-81, S. 30; P.A. 18-164, S. 11.)

*Note: On and after April 1, 2022, subsection (a) of this section, as amended by section 115 of public act 21-1 of the June special session, is to read as follows:

“(a)(1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall suspend, for a period of one hundred fifty days, the motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege of any person who has been convicted of a violation of section 30-88a involving the misuse of an operator's license and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation.

(2) The commissioner shall suspend, for a period of sixty days, the motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege of any person who has been convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 30-89 or subsection (b), or (c) of section 21a-279a and who was under the age of twenty-one at the time of such violation.

(P.A. 93-315, S. 1; P.A. 96-199; P.A. 97-201; P.A. 03-171, S. 10; P.A. 07-167, S. 50; P.A. 11-71, S. 4; P.A. 12-81, S. 30; P.A. 18-164, S. 11; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 115.)

History: P.A. 96-199 increased maximum penalty to 90 days' suspension from 30 days, provided for suspension of a nonresident operating privilege and made the penalty applicable to violations of Sec. 30-89; P.A. 97-201 designated existing provisions as Subsec. (a), amended Subsec. (a) to increase the suspension period from 90 days to 150 days, to add provision re motorcycle operator's license and to make Subsec. (a) applicable to persons under the age of 21, and added Subsec. (b) re delay of issuance of new operator's license; P.A. 03-171 amended Subsecs. (a) and (b) to delete references to motorcycle operator's license and amended Subsec. (b) to delete references to Sec. 14-40a; P.A. 07-167 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing provision re 150-day suspension for conviction of violation of Sec. 30-89 involving purchase and possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor with provisions re 60-day suspension for conviction of violation of Sec. 30-89(b)(1) and re 30-day suspension for conviction of violation of Sec. 30-89(b)(2) and by adding provision requiring commissioner to conform suspension for Sec. 30-89 violation in effect on June 25, 2007, to comply with section, effective June 25, 2007; P.A. 11-71 amended Subsec. (a) to include violation of Sec. 21a-279a(a) or Sec. 21a-267(d) re 60-day suspension and amended Subsec. (b) to include violation of Sec. 21a-279a(a) or Sec. 21a-267(d), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to insert Subdiv. designators (1), (2) and (3) and delete provision requiring commissioner to conform suspension for Sec. 30-89 violation in effect on June 25, 2007, and amended Subsec. (b) to delete descriptions of conduct prohibited by Secs. 30-88a, 30-89 and 1-1h(e); P.A. 18-164 replaced provisions re person under age of 21 with provisions re person under age of 21 at time of violation and made technical and conforming changes, effective July 1, 2018; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to replace reference to Sec. 21a-279a(a) with reference to Sec. 21a-279a(b) or (c) and delete reference to Sec. 21a-267(d), effective April 1, 2022.

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Sec. 14-111g. Operator's retraining program. (a) For the purposes of this subsection, “moving violation” means any violation of subsection (c) of section 14-36 or section 14-36g, 14-212d, 14-218a, 14-219, 14-222, 14-223, 14-230 to 14-249, inclusive, 14-279, 14-283, 14-289b, 14-296aa, 14-299, 14-300, 14-301, 14-302 or 14-303, and “suspension violation” means a violation of section 14-222a, 14-224, 14-227a, 14-227m or 14-227n, or section 53a-56b, 53a-57 or 53a-60d. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any motor vehicle operator who is twenty-four years of age or less, who has been convicted of a moving violation or a suspension violation, or both, committed on two or more occasions to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program. The commissioner may require any motor vehicle operator over twenty-four years of age, who has been convicted of a moving violation or a suspension violation or a combination of said violations, committed on three or more occasions to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program. The commissioner shall require any motor vehicle operator convicted of traveling more than seventy-five miles per hour, any person operating a commercial motor vehicle convicted of traveling more than sixty-five miles per hour in a highway work zone, as defined in section 14-212d, or any person convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 14-224, to attend a motor vehicle operator's retraining program. The commissioner shall notify such operator, in writing, of such requirement. A fee of not more than eighty-five dollars shall be charged for the retraining program. The commissioner, after notice and opportunity for hearing, may suspend the motor vehicle operator's license of any such operator who fails to attend or successfully complete the program until the operator successfully completes the program. The hearing shall be limited to any claim of impossibility of the operator to attend the retraining program, or to a determination of mistake or misidentification.

(b) The retraining program shall be taught by a designee of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or by an instructor approved by the commissioner and shall (1) review principles of motor vehicle operation, (2) develop alternative attitudes for those attitudes contributing to aggressive driving behavior, and (3) emphasize the need to practice safe driving behavior. The retraining program shall be offered by the Department of Motor Vehicles or by any other organization certified by the commissioner to conduct such program in person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing. Any drivers' school, as defined in section 14-68, that meets the licensure requirements of part IV of this chapter shall be eligible to seek certification to offer the motor vehicle operator's retraining program. The commissioner shall determine the number of program providers necessary to serve the needs of the public. Each organization or drivers' school seeking certification or recertification to conduct such retraining program shall submit an application to the department in such form as the commissioner shall require and an application fee of three hundred fifty dollars. Each such applicant shall: (A) Be registered to do business in this state and continuously maintain good standing with the office of the Secretary of the State; (B) file and continuously maintain a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Such bond shall be conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation concerning the conduct of an operator retraining program and provided as indemnity for any loss or expense sustained by either the state or any person by reason of any acts or omissions of the program provider. Such bond shall be executed in the name of the State of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved party, but the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing held before the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54; (C) have a permanent place of business in this state where all operator retraining program records shall be maintained and accessible to the commissioner during normal business hours; (D) submit for approval by the commissioner a detailed curriculum and lesson plan, including any changes to such curriculum and lesson plan, which shall be used in each operator retraining class; and (E) electronically transmit information concerning enrollment and class completion to the commissioner at such times and in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe. Prior to the certification of an applicant, the commissioner shall investigate the applicant's character, driving history and criminal history. If the applicant is a business entity, such investigation shall include the principals and officers of such entity. The applicant shall submit to the commissioner any information pertaining to current or past criminal or civil actions. The certification of a program provider by the commissioner shall not be transferable and shall be valid for a two-year period. Recertification of a provider shall be at the discretion of the commissioner and in such form and manner determined by the commissioner.

(c) Any person who is required to attend an operator retraining program shall have such requirement and the completion date of such requirement posted on such person's driving history record maintained by the commissioner. The date of class completion shall remain on such person's driving history record until such person has attained thirty-six consecutive months without any additional moving violations or suspension violations specified in subsection (a) of this section being posted to such person's driving history record. Until the completion of such thirty-six consecutive months, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall suspend such person's operator's license or operating privilege for: (1) Thirty days upon a first conviction for any specified moving violation or suspension violation; (2) sixty days upon a second conviction of any specified moving violation or suspension violation; and (3) ninety days for a third or subsequent conviction of a specified moving violation or suspension violation.

(d) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to implement the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(P.A. 93-181, S. 1, 4; P.A. 95-221, S. 3, 4; P.A. 98-182, S. 12, 22; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1, S. 115; P.A. 03-278, S. 45; P.A. 08-32, S. 7; P.A. 10-110, S. 31; P.A. 11-213, S. 54; P.A. 12-81, S. 13; P.A. 13-92, S. 2; P.A. 16-126, S. 14; P.A. 18-164, S. 22; P.A. 19-53, S. 1; P.A. 21-106, S. 23.)

History: P.A. 93-181 effective June 23, 1993; P.A. 95-221 made the retraining program applicable to all licensed motor vehicle operators by deleting the provision limiting such program to operators under 18 years of age and the provision authorizing the commissioner to suspend the operator's license of an operator who does not successfully complete the program until the operator attains the age of 18 years, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 98-182 amended Subsec. (a) by creating a suspension violation, altering the requirements for attending a retraining program for persons 24 years of age or younger and persons over 24 years of age, expanding the retraining program to include the development of alternative attitudes for those contributing to aggressive behavior and an emphasis on safe driving behavior and added a new Subsec. (b) allowing the commissioner to retain a portion of the fees collected for the cost of implementing the retraining program, effective July 1, 1998; May 9 Sp. Sess. P.A. 02-1 amended Subsec. (a) to delete reference to Sec. 14-227a(b), effective July 1, 2002; P.A. 03-278 made technical changes in Subsec. (a), effective July 9, 2003; P.A. 08-32 redefined “moving violation” in Subsec. (a) to include violation of Sec. 14-36(c), Sec. 14-36g or Sec. 14-296aa(d), effective August 1, 2008; P.A. 10-110 amended Subsec. (a) to replace “licensed motor vehicle operator” with “motor vehicle operator” and to delete components of retraining program, deleted former Subsec. (b) re authority of commissioner to retain not more than $10 from each fee collected pursuant to Subsec. (a) for program costs and added new Subsec. (b) re components of retraining program and certification of organizations to conduct such program, effective January 1, 2011; P.A. 11-213 redefined “moving violation” in Subsec. (a), added new Subsec. (c) re operator retraining requirement, driving history record and suspension provisions during 36 consecutive months following completion of requirement and redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (d); P.A. 12-81 amended Subsec. (a) to redefine “moving violation” by replacing reference to Secs. 14-299 to 14-303, inclusive, with Sec. 14-299, 14-300, 14-301, 14-302 or 14-303, effective July 1, 2012; P.A. 13-92 amended Subsec. (a) to include in definition of “moving violation” any violation of Sec. 14-212d and to require operator's retraining program attendance for any motor vehicle operator convicted of traveling more than 75 miles per hour in a highway work zone and any operator of a commercial motor vehicle convicted of traveling more than 65 miles per hour in a highway work zone; P.A. 16-126 amended Subsec. (a) by adding references to Secs. 14-227m and 14-227n; P.A. 18-164 amended Subsec. (a) to increase maximum fee for retraining program from $60 to $85, effective July 1, 2018; P.A. 19-53 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re a violation of Sec. 14-224(c)(1); P.A. 21-106 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re offering of retraining program in-person, through distance learning or combination of in-person and distance learning, effective June 30, 2021.

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PART VII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 14-163f. Eligibility for commercial motor vehicle services contracts with state or municipalities. Section 14-163f is repealed, effective June 30, 2021.

(P.A. 13-271, S. 59; P.A. 21-106, S. 66.)

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