2020 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 14 - Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Gasoline
Chapter 246 - Motor Vehicles

PART I DEFINITIONS

• Section 14-1 - Definitions.
• Section 14-1a - “Authorized emergency vehicle” defined.

PART II DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

• Section 14-2 - Appointment of Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
• Section 14-3 - Powers and duties of commissioner.
• Section 14-4 - Findings and rulings of commissioner.
• Section 14-4a - Conduct of hearings and rendering of decisions.
• Section 14-5 - Branch offices.
• Section 14-5a - Ansonia branch office.
• Section 14-5b - Discontinuation of branch offices.
• Section 14-5c - Department closed or unable to perform transactions due to emergency or other reason. Extension of expiration date or period of validity of credentials issued by commissioner.
• Section 14-6 - Coordination of enforcement activities.
• Section 14-7 - Deputy commissioners.
• Section 14-8 - Police authority of commissioner and inspectors.
• Section 14-9 - Oath of office.
• Section 14-9a - Criminal background checks for applicants for employment with department and certain department employees. Reassignment of employee with disqualifying criminal offense or condition.
• Section 14-10 - Definitions. Records. Disclosure of personal information and highly restricted personal information. Penalty. Regulations.
• Section 14-11 - Employment of legal assistance.
• Section 14-11a - Exceptional issuance of certificates and licenses for law enforcement activities. Verification by Chief State's Attorney of statements on application for such certificates and licenses.
• Section 14-11b - Driver training program for persons with disabilities.
• Section 14-11c - Motor Carrier Advisory Council. Members. Duties.
• Section 14-11d - Annual safety inspection program for fire department apparatus.
• Section 14-11e - Annual and monthly reports re waiting times at main and branch offices of the department.
• Section 14-11f to 14-11h - Reserved for future use.
• Section 14-11i - Payment of fees by credit card.
• Section 14-11j - Blue envelopes for persons with autism spectrum disorder.

PART III REGISTRATION AND LICENSES

• Section 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.
• Section 14-12o - Courtesy registration when proof of ownership pending.
• Section 14-12t - Regulations.
• Section 14-21aa - Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.
• Section 14-21bb - Aquatic Invasive Species fee. Requirements for payment of fee.
• Section 14-22 - Expiration and renewal.
• Section 14-25c - Registration of motor vehicle used as a student transportation vehicle. Distinctive marker plates.
• Section 14-28 - Passenger motor vehicle plates for livery cars or taxicabs.
• Section 14-34a - Reciprocal agreements apportioning the registration of commercial vehicles.
• Section 14-41 - Expiration and renewal of operators' licenses and identity cards. Fees. Notice.
• Section 14-41a - Renewal of license for persons age sixty-five or over.
• Section 14-44 - License endorsement for operators of commercial motor vehicles used for passenger transportation, school buses, student transportation vehicles, taxicabs, motor vehicles in livery service and motor or service buses. Requirements. Hearing. Appeal. Report re persons whose license or endorsement has been withdrawn, suspended or revoked. Penalty.
• Section 14-44c - Application for commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit. Penalty.
• Section 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.
• Section 14-46b - Establishment of board. Membership. Compensation. Executive session.
• Section 14-48d - Registration of leased motor vehicle. Regulations.
• Section 14-49 - Fees for miscellaneous registration and other fees.
• Section 14-49b - Registration renewal fee. Passport to the Parks Fee.
• Section 14-50 - Fees for operator's license renewal, passenger endorsement, operator's examination, collection cost and returned check or rejected payment. Waiver of fees.
• Section 14-62c - Fee on dealer for processing trade-in.

PART III* REGISTRATION AND LICENSES *For decisions construing former statute which denied recovery of damages in a negligence action involving an improperly registered car or a car operated by an unlicensed operator, see: Plaintiff owner must allege and prove that the car was registered and its operator licensed. 96 C. 393. The act bars the owner from recovering, but not the operator, though unlicensed; 97 C. 147; nor a passenger. 100 C. 122; 103 C. 35. The carrying of improper markers does not make the car “unregistered”, nor bar its owner from recovery; 97 C. 579; nor is an operator “unlicensed” because he neglected to carry; 93 C. 457; or to endorse, his license. 104 C. 487. A car is unregistered if the title has been transferred and the registration not changed; 100 C. 114; or if it is registered under a false name. 90 C. 412. A conditional vendee; 92 C. 254; or a mortgagee of the car can register it, and recover as owner for injury to it. 104 C. 169. A car parked at the curb during a stop in the course of a trip is in “operation”; 90 C. 414; but not a disabled car being towed. 96 C. 391. Whether registration is invalidated by failure of the owner to register his trade name, quaere. 106 C. 258. A resident of this state, driving her own car registered only in Massachusetts, cannot recover for an injury. 107 C. 142. That the licensed operator was under age does not ipso facto make him an “unlicensed person”. 107 C. 213. As to one operating under instruction, see 107 C. 478. The owner of an unregistered vehicle may now recover damages for a tortious injury. 82 C. 661; 96 C. 666.

Secs. 14-51–14-65j cited. 21 CA 347.

Annotations to former chapter 406:

Regulation of motor vehicle junk yards is within police power. 116 C. 466. Purpose of such regulation. 145 C. 490. Chapter is independent of chapter 124, relating to zoning; no grant of authority under chapter whereby the board may change the bounds of restricted districts as established by the zoning commission under Sec. 21-23 (14-67s). 147 C. 469.

Zoning board of appeals of New Haven without authority to grant permission, by way of certificate of approval, for use of certain property as a motor vehicle junk yard where the proposed use of the property was expressly prohibited by the city plan commission. 12 CS 70.

Annotation to present subpart (H):

Cited. 34 CA 402.

• Section 14-67g. (Formerly Sec. 21-15) - Definitions.
• Section 14-67h - “Major component parts” defined.
• Section 14-67i. (Formerly Sec. 21-16) - Certificate of approval of location required. Exemption.
• Section 14-67j - Intermediate processors. Permit and license required. License required to transport vehicles or parts processed by intermediate processors. Records of vehicles or parts received, dismantled or sold. Inspection. Regulations.
• Section 14-67k. (Formerly Sec. 21-17) - Hearing on application. Fee.
• Section 14-67l. (Formerly Sec. 21-18) - License and fees. General registration of motor vehicles. Documents to be issued to drivers of such motor vehicles. Compliance with environmental statutes and regulations.
• Section 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.
• Section 14-67n. (Formerly Sec. 21-19) - Use of general registration restricted. Number plates for motor vehicles being towed. Fees.
• Section 14-67o. (Formerly Sec. 21-20) - Revocation of license upon sale or transfer of business.
• Section 14-67p. (Formerly Sec. 21-21) - Suspension or revocation for violation.
• Section 14-67q. (Formerly Sec. 21-22) - Commissioner may impose conditions concerning establishment and maintenance of yards.
• Section 14-67r. (Formerly Sec. 21-22a) - Fencing.
• Section 14-67s. (Formerly Sec. 21-23) - Ordinances creating restricted districts.
• Section 14-67t. (Formerly Sec. 21-24) - Publication of ordinances.
• Section 14-67u. (Formerly Sec. 21-25) - Appeal.
• Section 14-67v. (Formerly Sec. 21-26) - Penalty. Injunction to restrain violation.
• Section 14-67w. (Formerly Sec. 21-26a) - Scrap metal processors exempted. Receipt of motor vehicles. Required information. Inspection of premises and records. Retention of records. Regulations.

PART IV* DRIVERS' SCHOOLS *See Sec. 38a-683 re commissioner's duty to adopt regulations concerning an accident prevention course for senior citizens.

• Section 14-68 - Definitions.
• Section 14-69 - License to conduct a drivers' school. Penalty.
• Section 14-70 - Grounds for denial of application.
• Section 14-71 - Schedule of rates to be filed.
• Section 14-72 - Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew school license.
• Section 14-73 - Instructor's license. Master instructor's license. Regulations.
• Section 14-74 - Suspension, revocation or refusal to renew instructor's license.
• Section 14-75 - Revocation or suspension of license after renewal.
• Section 14-76 - Hearing for reinstatement or renewal. Appeal.
• Section 14-77 - Records of licensee.
• Section 14-78 - Regulations for conduct of drivers' schools and instructor license requirements. Limited license.
• Section 14-79 - Penalty.

PART V EQUIPMENT

• Section 14-80 - Mechanical equipment.
• Section 14-80a - Maximum noise levels.
• Section 14-80b - Ball joints and tie rod ends. Prohibition on certain installations and attachments to.
• Section 14-80c to 14-80g - Reserved for future use.
• Section 14-80h - Brake equipment of motor vehicles. Compression brake device to be equipped with muffler. Penalties.
• Section 14-80i - Brake equipment and handlebars of motorcycles.
• Section 14-81 - Brake equipment of trailers.
• Section 14-81a - Hydraulic brake fluid.
• Section 14-81b - Restrictions on used brake drums and brake discs.
• Section 14-82 - Free-wheeling devices.
• Section 14-83 to 14-96 - Head and rear lights; spotlights; color of lights; reflectors; turn signals; minimum standards; single-beam, multibeam and alternate road-lighting equipment; number of driving lamps; flashing lights; emergency lighting equipment; etc.
• Section 14-96a - Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when.
• Section 14-96aa - Standards and specifications for lamps for snow-removal and highway maintenance equipment.
• Section 14-96b - Head lamps.
• Section 14-96bb - Operation of motor vehicles without required lighting devices.
• Section 14-96c - Tail lamps. Illumination of rear registration plate.
• Section 14-96cc - Regulation of hazardous lighting equipment.
• Section 14-96d - Reflectors.
• Section 14-96e - Stop lamps. Turn signals.
• Section 14-96f - Special requirements for buses, trucks, trailers, truck tractors.
• Section 14-96g - Colors of lamps and reflectors. Reflective sheeting on certain vehicles.
• Section 14-96h - Mounting of reflectors and clearance lamps.
• Section 14-96i - Visibility of reflectors and clearance, identification and side marker lamps.
• Section 14-96j - Vehicles operated in combination.
• Section 14-96k - Projecting loads. Carrying of animals.
• Section 14-96l - Sufficiency of head and rear lights. Parked vehicles.
• Section 14-96m - Farm tractors and equipment.
• Section 14-96n - General lighting requirements.
• Section 14-96o - Spot lamps. Fog lamps. Auxiliary passing lamps. Auxiliary driving lamps.
• Section 14-96p - Color of lights. Flashing lights. Intensity of lights.
• Section 14-96q - Permits for colored or flashing lights. Exceptions. Fee.
• Section 14-96r - Color of stop lamps. Turn signal lamps.
• Section 14-96s - Fender, backup and identification lamps. Penalties.
• Section 14-96t - Multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
• Section 14-96u - Use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.
• Section 14-96v and 14-96w - Single-beam road-lighting equipment. Distance forward lights to illuminate.
• Section 14-96x - Head lamp of motorcycle.
• Section 14-96y - Number of head lamps. Number in combination with other lamps.
• Section 14-96z - Intensity of certain lamps. Location of red light.
• Section 14-97 - Defrosting devices on school buses and motor vehicles used to transport passengers for hire.
• Section 14-97a - Emergency lighting or reflecting devices on motor vehicles used to transport passengers for hire and motor vehicles with commercial registration.
• Section 14-97b - Lift equipment on motor buses.
• Section 14-98 - Tires.
• Section 14-98a - Tires to be in safe operating condition.
• Section 14-99 - Mirror. Motor vehicles with commercial registration to allow others to pass.
• Section 14-99a to 14-99e - Reserved for future use.
• Section 14-99f - Windshield. Obstruction of view.
• Section 14-99g - Definitions. Tinted or reflectorized windows. Obstruction of view prohibited. Exceptions. Sale or delivery of motor vehicles having tinted or reflectorized windows prohibited. Stickers required. Penalty. Window tinting businesses. Regulations.
• Section 14-99h - Etching of vehicle identification numbers. Marking of component parts. Penalty. Regulations.
• Section 14-100 - Safety glass. Use of plastics.
• Section 14-100a - Seat safety belts. Child restraint systems. Wheelchair transportation devices.
• Section 14-100b - Air pollution control devices required on certain passenger motor vehicles.
• Section 14-100c - Transferred to Chapter 246a, Sec. 14-164c.
• Section 14-101 - Turn signals.
• Section 14-102 - View in and exits from motor vehicles used to transport passengers for hire.
• Section 14-102a - Inspection of student transportation vehicles.
• Section 14-103 - Inspection of motor vehicles.
• Section 14-103a - Inspection of reassembled, altered or reconstructed vehicles. Composite vehicles. Vehicles made by unlicensed manufacturers.
• Section 14-103b - High-mileage vehicles, regulations re safety and performance standards.
• Section 14-103c - Vehicles using liquid propane gas as fuel.
• Section 14-103d - Vehicles using any pressurized gas as fuel. Regulations. Class C misdemeanor.
• Section 14-104 - Fenders and other wheel protectors.
• Section 14-105 - Television screens or similar devices prohibited. Exceptions.
• Section 14-106 - Air conditioning equipment.
• Section 14-106a - Tamper-resistant odometer required. Mileage reading required on registration application.
• Section 14-106b - Properly functioning odometer required. Tampering with odometer prohibited.
• Section 14-106c - Headerboards required on commercial van-type motor vehicles.
• Section 14-106d - Sale, offer for sale, manufacture, importation or installation of counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag prohibited. Unfair or deceptive trade practice. Penalty.

PART VI JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

• Section 14-107 - Liability of owner, operator, lessee.
• Section 14-108 - Report of accidents.
• Section 14-108a - Uniform investigation of accident report. Requirements and policy for identifying and notifying person's family or household member of motor vehicle accident in which person was killed.
• Section 14-108b, 14-108c and 14-109 - Statistical information based on reports. Report of accident involving unlicensed operator under instruction. Coroner to investigate fatal motor vehicle accidents.
• Section 14-110 - Oaths and subpoenas. False statements or reports.
• Section 14-111 - Suspension or revocation of registration, license or right to operate.
• Section 14-111a - Possession of alcoholic liquors in motor vehicles by underage persons.
• Section 14-111b - Suspension of operator's license following conviction for speeding.
• Section 14-111c and 14-111d - Driver License Compact. Definitions applicable to Driver License Compact; comparable convictions to be reported; report of suspension or revocation action to department.
• Section 14-111e - Suspension or delay in issuance of operator's license for person under twenty-one years of age convicted of certain violations.
• Section 14-111f - Suspension of operator's license for possession of counterfeit or altered license.
• Section 14-111g - Operator's retraining program.
• Section 14-111h - Definitions applicable to driver license agreement.
• Section 14-111i - Entry into driver license agreement. Regulations.
• Section 14-111j - Findings and declarations re driver license agreement.
• Section 14-111k - Application for a motor vehicle operator's license from applicants in other member jurisdictions.
• Section 14-111l - Driver control record. Record of convictions and administrative actions.
• Section 14-111m - Notice of failure to comply with a citation.
• Section 14-111n - Reports of comparable convictions. Suspension of operator's license.
• Section 14-111o - Form and use in evidence of records received from other member jurisdictions. Electronic transmission.
• Section 14-111p - Validity of reports or records received from members of the Driver License Compact.
• Section 14-111q - Hearing.
• Section 14-112 - Proof of financial responsibility.
• Section 14-112a - Online Insurance Verification System.
• Section 14-113 to 14-115 - Financial responsibility of motor vehicle owners and operators required after accident; definitions. Administration by Motor Vehicle Commissioner; hearings; appeals. Abstract of operating record.
• Section 14-115a - Request for document from motor vehicle record.
• Section 14-116 to 14-128 - Accident reports. Determination of amount of security; suspension of license and registration; exceptions; liability policy or bond. Release in behalf of minor. Exceptions. Duration of suspension. Unlicensed or nonresident operators; reciprocity. Amount of security, reduction. Custody, use and return of deposits. Evidence inadmissible in damage actions. Suspension pending disposition of judgment. Transfer of registration or ownership during suspension. Return of license or registration to commissioner. Governmental and public service vehicles exempt.
• Section 14-129 - Self-insurance.
• Section 14-130 - Transferred to Chapter 700, Part II, Sec. 38a-337.
• Section 14-131 to 14-133 - Discharge in bankruptcy not to release judgment debtor. Relief under other statutes. Penalties.
• Section 14-134 - Appeals from commissioner.
• Section 14-135 - Attorney General to act when commissioner is disqualified.
• Section 14-136 - First complaint.
• Section 14-137 - Authority to make regulations and certify or limit the use of devices and equipment.
• Section 14-137a - Point system for motor vehicle violations.
• Section 14-138 - State police to assist.
• Section 14-139 - Conviction to be endorsed on license.
• Section 14-140 - Release on own recognizance. Report of failure to appear or to pay fine or fee, surcharge or cost. Reciprocal agreements. Opening of judgment.
• Section 14-140a - Automobile club bail bond certificates, when acceptable as bail.
• Section 14-141 - Courts to report convictions and other dispositions to commissioner.
• Section 14-142 - Proceedings against negligent court clerk.
• Section 14-143 - Expenses in unsuccessful prosecutions by state police.
• Section 14-144 - No fees for arrests for motor vehicle violations.

PART VII GENERAL PROVISIONS

• Section 14-145 - Towing or removal of motor vehicle from private property. Use of a wheel-locking device. Regulations. Prohibition re issuance of parking citation. Exemption. Penalty.
• Section 14-145a - Towing, removal or use of wheel-locking device prohibited except upon express instruction of property owner or lessee or for repossession. Rebate prohibited.
• Section 14-145b - Storage and release of motor vehicles that have been towed or rendered immovable.
• Section 14-145c - Liability of property owner, lessee or lending institution for improper towing or removal of motor vehicle or use of a wheel-locking device.
• Section 14-145d - Notification to chief of police required prior to use of wheel-locking device.
• Section 14-146 - Objects not to be thrown at motor vehicles.
• Section 14-147 - Improper use of marker, registration or license.
• Section 14-147a - Theft or illegal possession of number plate or sticker.
• Section 14-148 - Abandoned markers.
• Section 14-149 - Mutilated or removed vehicle identification, factory or engine number. Discovery of vehicle reported as stolen or of vehicle or major component part with mutilated or missing identification, engine or factory number. Disposition of vehicle or part held in custody. Penalty. Fee.
• Section 14-149a - Ownership or operation of a chop shop. Penalty.
• Section 14-150 - Abandoned or unregistered motor vehicles and motor vehicles which are a menace to traffic. Notice. Removal. Storage. Hearing. Lien. Affidavit of compliance. Sale. Regulations re title to abandoned motor vehicles and re disposal of motor homes or recreational vehicles abandoned at campgrounds.
• Section 14-150a - Removal of abandoned motor vehicles by municipalities. Notice.
• Section 14-150b - Municipal Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund.
• Section 14-151 - State marshals and constables to enforce law concerning abandoned motor vehicles.
• Section 14-151a - Report by owner or person in lawful possession of theft of motor vehicle. Regulations re uniform procedure. Report as condition precedent to settling insurance claim.
• Section 14-152 - Report by law enforcement agencies of theft or recovery of motor vehicle.
• Section 14-153 - Renting of motor vehicles.
• Section 14-153a - Exemption. Penalty.
• Section 14-153b - Proof of credit.
• Section 14-154 - Liability of owner for damage caused by rented or leased car.
• Section 14-154a - Liability of owner for damage caused by rented or leased motor vehicle. Exceptions.
• Section 14-155 - Fines and forfeitures to be paid to commissioner.
• Section 14-156 - Receipts of Department of Motor Vehicles to be credited to Special Transportation Fund.
• Section 14-156a - Payment of State Police Department expenditures from Highway Fund.
• Section 14-157 - Transferred to Chapter 164, Sec. 10-24a.
• Section 14-158 - Fines and forfeitures paid to commissioner to be receipts of General Fund.
• Section 14-159 - Refund of money paid to commissioner.
• Section 14-160 - Reservation of marker plate numbers. Additional fee for low numbers.
• Section 14-161 - Impersonation of inspector or agent.
• Section 14-162 - Ordinances.
• Section 14-163 - Commissioner to provide lists of motor vehicle and snowmobile owners to town assessors. Disclosure by assessor or tax collector prohibited.
• Section 14-163a - Driving on ice.
• Section 14-163b - Motor vehicles formerly used as ambulances.
• Section 14-163c - Motor carrier safety regulations for intrastate or interstate commerce. Variations or exemptions. Enforcement powers of police officers and motor vehicle inspectors.
• Section 14-163d - Vehicles in intrastate or interstate commerce. Evidence of security requirements or insurance. Suspension of registration.
• Section 14-163e - Periodic inspection of certain vehicles or combinations.
• Section 14-163f - Eligibility for commercial motor vehicle services contracts with state or municipalities.
• Section 14-163g - Transportation of hazardous materials. Applicable federal regulations. Enforcement powers of motor vehicle inspectors and police officers.
• Section 14-164 - General penalty.
• Section 14-164a. (Formerly Sec. 29-143) - Motor vehicle racing.