Connecticut Driving Records

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) stands out through several practices and innovations in its records management. The CT DMV manages driving records, verifying their accuracy and accessibility, which promotes road safety and regulatory compliance.

Connecticut driving records provide a detailed history of a driver's infractions, license points, and other driving-related convictions necessary for individuals and companies. Public access to these records is governed by Connecticut State Law, Title 14, Section 14-10, which delineates the lawful uses of personal information in DMV records.

However, public access is limited, as personal details like photographs and contact information are protected under the Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

Types of Driving Records Available in Connecticut

The CT DMV offers two types of driving records:

Certified Driving Records

Certified driving records in Connecticut are official documents used for legal and formal purposes. These records include information on moving violations, license points, suspensions, revocations, and other driving-related convictions.

Obtaining a certified driving record from the CT DMV typically costs $20. Certified driving records are essential for court proceedings, employment screenings, and insurance assessments.

Driving Abstracts

Driving abstracts are summarized versions of a driving record, usually used for personal reference. The cost for obtaining a driving abstract is generally the same as a certified record, around $20, as they are often requested through similar processes at the DMV.

Driving abstracts are useful for individuals who want to monitor their driving history without needing a formal certified document.

How To Request a Connecticut Driving History Report?

Obtaining a driving history report in Connecticut is a practical way for individuals to review their driving records. Drivers can request their records through the methods below: 

Online

Most current or past Connecticut driver's license holders can request their driving history online through the CT.Gov Portal. 

After completing the request and paying the fee, a copy of the driving history will be available for download and can be printed at their convenience.

By Mail

Connecticut driver's license holders can request a certified copy of their driving history by completing the “Copy Records Request” or Form J-23. The completed form, a $20 check payable to "DMV," and a copy of the requestor’s photo identification should be mailed to the address below:

Department of Motor Vehicles

60 State Street

Wethersfield, CT 06161

Once the request is processed, a certified copy of the driving history will be mailed to the requestor within 2-3 weeks.

In Person

Connecticut drivers can request a certified copy of their driving history in person by using the appointment scheduler portal at various DMV locations. Individuals should first print and complete the necessary documents to request a driving history in person, including Form J-23. 

As mentioned earlier, the fee for requesting a driving history is $20, but additional convenience fees may apply at certain locations, such as AAA offices and Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union.

Uses of Connecticut Driving Records

Driving records in Connecticut serve multiple important functions, and they are governed by specific state laws and regulations to ensure their proper use and accessibility.

Employment Screening

Employers in Connecticut commonly use driving records as part of the pre-employment screening process. These records help employers assess the driving history of potential hires, particularly for positions that require driving as a core responsibility. 

Connecticut law requires that employers comply with specific regulations when using driving records, such as verifying that the information is accurate and up-to-date, as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-51.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

Driving records are often used in legal proceedings to provide evidence of a driver's history. They are also essential for compliance with state and federal regulations, especially for commercial drivers who must maintain specific standards. 

Personal Monitoring

Individuals in Connecticut can access their driving records to verify accuracy and monitor their driving history. This proactive approach helps drivers verify that their records are correct and can aid in maintaining favorable insurance rates.

Understanding Connecticut Driving Laws

Navigating the roads of Connecticut requires a solid understanding of the state's driving laws, which are designed to maintain the safety and well-being of all road users.

Key Driving Laws

Connecticut residents must adhere to various driving laws to guarantee road safety and compliance. Examples of these laws include:

Speed Limits

Connecticut enforces specific speed limits based on the type of road and area. Urban areas typically have lower speed limits compared to rural highways. The standard speed limits are: 

• Residential areas: 25 miles per hour (mph)
• Certain Highways: 55 mph
• Rural interstates: Up to 65 mph

Speeding violations can result in fines ranging from $200 to $500, depending on the severity and location of the offense.

Seat Belt Laws

All drivers and passengers in Connecticut are required to wear seat belts, including those in the back seat. This law applies to all motor vehicle occupants aged 16 and older. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $92. The seat belt law uses secondary enforcement, meaning a driver can only be stopped for another violation before being cited for not wearing a seatbelt.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Regulations

Connecticut has strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI). The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

Penalties for DUI include fines, license suspension, and mandatory participation in alcohol education programs. First-time offenders may face a 45-day license suspension and must install an ignition interlock device.

Distracted Driving

The use of handheld mobile devices while driving is prohibited. The law includes text and the use of other electronic devices. Violations can result in fines that start at $100 for the first offense, increasing with subsequent violations. The fine for a third or subsequent violation can be as high as $625.

Requirements for Residents, New Residents, and Foreign Nationals

Connecticut's rules and regulations for driving requirements vary depending on a resident, a new resident, or a foreign national. Each group must meet specific criteria to operate a vehicle legally.

Connecticut Residents

Residents must apply for a Connecticut driver's license through the DMV. The process includes a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road test. Applicants must also complete an eight-hour Drug and Alcohol Safety Program (DASP) and fulfill additional training requirements.

To register a vehicle, residents must visit a DMV hub or branch office by appointment. Required documents include proof of ownership, a completed Application for Registration and Certificate of Title (Form H-13B), proof of insurance, and an acceptable form of identification.

New Residents

New residents have 90 days from establishing residency to transfer their out-of-state driver's license to Connecticut.

Applicants must complete the Application for a Non-Commercial Driver’s License (Form R-229), pay the application fee of $40 and a license fee of $84, and pass a vision test. The registration process involves proof of ownership, such as a title or bill of sale, and proof of insurance that meets Connecticut's minimum coverage requirements.

Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals can drive in Connecticut for up to one year using their valid home country license. However, an International Driver's Permit is required if the license isn't in English or Spanish. The IDP is not a replacement for the original license and must be presented together. If the stay exceeds one year, obtain a Connecticut driver's license. 

The Points System in Connecticut

Connecticut's point system promotes safe driving by assigning points to a driver's record upon conviction of traffic violations. Points are assessed after a driver is convicted of a traffic violation, not merely charged or ticketed.

Point Allocation and Consequences 

Various traffic offenses result in assigning points on a driver's record. Some common examples include the following:

• Speeding: 1 point
• Improper turns and failure to signal: 1 point
• Disobeying stop signs: 2 points
• Driving while impaired and tailgating: 3 points
• Passing a stopped school bus: 4 points
• Negligent homicide with a motor vehicle: 5 points

If drivers accumulate too many points within a specified period, they may face penalties such as mandatory driver retraining programs or their driver's license suspension. If a driver’s record accumulates ten or more points, the license may be suspended for 30 days.

Point Reduction Options

In Connecticut, drivers have two options to reduce points on their driving record, which can help prevent suspension and mitigate the impact on insurance rates. These options include:

• Operator Retraining Program
• Defensive Driving Course

Upon the completion of the program or course, drivers receive a certificate that must be submitted to the DMV to confirm compliance and reduce points on their record.

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Connecticut

Recognizing the differences between criminal and civil offenses can help drivers better understand the potential legal and financial implications of their actions on the road.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses are serious violations that often endanger public safety and carry significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential imprisonment. Some examples are discussed below:

Reckless Driving

According to Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-222, reckless driving is defined as driving at a speed that endangers the life of another person or driving faster than 85 mph.

For a first offense, penalties include a fine between $100 and $300, up to 30 days in jail, and a license suspension of 30 to 90 days. For subsequent offenses, the fine can increase to $600, with up to one year in jail and a license suspension of at least 90 days.

DUI Offenses

DUI is a serious criminal offense in Connecticut, governed by Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-227. It involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or 0.02% for drivers under 21. For a first DUI offense, penalties include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and a 45-day license suspension.

Manslaughter and Misconduct with a Motor Vehicle

Manslaughter in the second degree with a motor vehicle, as defined under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-56, occurs when a driver causes the death of another person while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. 

Meanwhile, misconduct with a motor vehicle, as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-57, involves causing the death of another person through criminal negligence while operating a motor vehicle. 

Penalties for these offenses include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Connecticut are primarily traffic infractions that result in monetary penalties and may add points to a driver's record. Below are some examples:

Improper Turns

Improper turns are a common civil driving offense in Connecticut. They occur when drivers fail to adhere to the legal requirements for making turns at intersections or other designated areas, as outlined in Connecticut General Statutes Sections 14-242 and 14-241.

Violations for improper turns can vary but generally range from $75 to $150, depending on the specific circumstances and location of the offense.

Speeding

Speeding is one of Connecticut's most common civil driving offenses, and it is addressed under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-219. Minor speeding violations typically result in fines. The base fine for speeding can range from $100 to $150, depending on how much the driver exceeds the posted speed limit.

Connecticut Driving Statistics and Goals

Connecticut has been actively addressing road safety challenges by analyzing traffic fatality trends and setting goals to reduce accidents and improve road safety.

Driving Statistics

According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, traffic fatality trends have changed significantly in Connecticut over recent years.

In 2023, Connecticut saw a decline in traffic-related fatalities, with preliminary data indicating at least 316 roadway deaths, down from 360 in 2022. 

Motorcyclists accounted for 62 deaths, a slight decrease from 66 in 2022. Pedestrian fatalities dropped significantly from 70 in 2022 to 49 in 2023, marking the lowest number since at least 2018.

State officials have identified negligent behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence as primary contributors to these fatalities.

Goals for Improving Road Safety in Connecticut

The primary goal is to decrease the number of fatalities and severe injuries on Connecticut's roadways by addressing key factors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding. 

Through the Highway Safety Office (HSO), the DMV coordinates efforts to reduce impaired driving incidents. This includes funding for DUI enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and training programs for law enforcement to identify better and manage impaired drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Driving Records

Here are the most commonly asked questions about driving records in Connecticut:

Can a Person Expunge or Seal a Traffic Violation on a CT Driving Record?

In Connecticut, individuals may petition to expunge or seal certain traffic violations from their driving records. While courts can typically expunge infractions and misdemeanors, felony violations are more challenging. Minors often have a higher chance of successfully expunging traffic violations.

How Long Do Violations Stay on CT Driving Record?

Most traffic violations remain on Connecticut's driving record for three years. However, more serious offenses, such as DUIs, can stay on record for up to ten years. Points from traffic violations remain on record for 24 months from the date they are assessed.

Helpful Links and Resources

Here are some helpful links and resources for CT drivers:

• Connecticut Highway Safety Office - Traffic Safety Programs: https://portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs
• Connecticut DMV Online Services: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/dmv-online-services
• Connecticut Driver's Manual: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/ct-drivers-manuals/ct-drivers-manual-2023
• Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center: https://www.cti.uconn.edu/cti/CTSRC_Home.asp
• Reinstatement of a CT driver’s license after a suspension: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension?language=en_US

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Counties in Connecticut

• Fairfield
• Hartford
• Litchfield
• Middlesex
• New Haven
• New London
• Tolland
• Windham