Connecticut Hands Free Driving Laws

2010 Update - Texting Bill Signed by Governor Rell

Connecticut Senate Bill 427 has been has been signed by Governor Rell. The new law prohibits text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.

Specifically:

"An operator of a motor vehicle who types, sends or reads a text message with a hand-held mobile telephone or mobile electronic device while such vehicle is in motion shall be in violation.."

The fine for a first offense will be $100 and a second offense will cost $150 and subsequent offenses will cost the texting offender $200.

The new Law goes into effect on October 1st, 2010.

To read the new bill for your self please go to the Connecticut Legislative website and read Senate Bill 427 .

2009 Update - New Cell Phone Law

Connecticut - House Bill 6410 - House Bill 6410, titled;

"An Act Concerning The Use Of Hand-Held Mobile Telephones By Members Of The Armed Forces While Operating A Motor Vehicle"

Allows military personnel to use a hand held mobile device (such as a Cell Phone) while operating a military vehicle and performing "official" duties.

To read the details of the new law, please go to Connecticut House Bill 6410

Starting August 1st 2008, teen drivers 16 or 17 years old can have their license suspended for using a cell phone or any electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Connecticut's new law "An Act Concerning Teenage Drivers" (Substitute House Bill No. 5748) increases penalties for teen drivers for a number of different driving offenses.

If a teen driver is ticketed for using a cell phone or text messaging the following penalties will be applied.

First Offense: 30 Day License Suspension and a $125 License Restoration Fee Plus Court Fines.

Second and All Subsequent Offenses: A 6 Month Suspension or Until the teen driver reaches the age of 18, whichever is longer. $125 license restoration fee, plus Court Fines.

*For More Information on Connecticut Teen Driving Laws Please Visit the Link Below*

Connecticut Teen Driving Laws

Connecticut House Bill 6722

House Bill 6722 (HB6722) was enacted on October 1st, 2005. This hands-free legislation requires drivers, 18 years of age and older, to use a hands-free accessory while using a cellular telephone or any mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers under 18 years of age are prohibited from using any type of cell phone or electronic device even with a hands-free accessory.

School bus drivers may not use a cell-phone or any other electronic device when the bus is moving. This includes any type of hands-free device. The only exception to this law is using a cell phone or other electronic devices in a emergency situation.

HB 6722 defines a mobile electronic device as any hand-held or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more people, including devices for text messaging or paging, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, video games, DVD players or equipment on which digital photographs can be taken or transmitted.

There are many choices for hands-free communication. Bluetooth Headsets and car-kits are two options for hands-free communication. Wired headsets are also a cost effective solution to hands-free cell-phone communication. If you are interested in reading about the available hands-free options, please read our article on "Being Hands-Free"

Read About Hands-Free Legislation at the State of Connecticut Website.

Other Connecticut Information on this Website

Connecticut SR22 and Automobile Insurance

Connecticut Drunk Driving Laws, Penalties & Fines

Connecticut Teen Driving Laws and Insurance Requirements