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Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (Last Updated: June 14,2023) |
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Title14 Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Gasoline |
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SubTitle14-137-1_14-137-127. Radar Detecting Devices |
| Sec. 14-137-1. [Repealed] |
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Latest version.
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Repealed March 9, 2006. |
| Sec. 14-137-2. [Repealed] |
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Repealed November 14, 1967. |
| Sec. 14-137-3. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 27, 1972. |
| Sec. 14-137-4. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective April 21, 1970; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-5. [Repealed] |
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Latest version.
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective April 12, 1970; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-6. [Repealed] |
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Latest version.
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective April 12, 1970; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-7. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective April 12, 1970; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-8. Definitions |
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(a) "Camper module" as used herein shall mean any unit designed for private living purposes without motive power to be either temporarily or permanently mounted on or in a motor vehicle. (b) "Motor home" as used herein shall mean any self-propelled motor vehicle so constructed as to provide private living facilities within the permanent structure of the motor vehicle. (e) All other terms shall be defined as provided by law. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-9. Weight limitation |
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After January 1, 1973, no person shall operate any motor home or motor vehicle with a camper module installed thereon, nor shall the owner or lessee of any motor home or motor vehicle with a camper module installed thereon allow such motor vehicle to be operated on any public highway or bridge, when the combined weight of vehicle and load exceeds by two per cent or more the gross vehicle weight established for the motor vehicle by the manufacturer of such motor vehicle. No motor vehicle shall be used on the highway or loaded so that the weight on the wheels of any axle is less than 20 per cent of the gross weight of the vehicle and load. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be in violation of section 14-267 of the general statutes. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-10. Registration |
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Effective January 1, 1973, any motor vehicle registered as a camper or combination motor vehicle or for which a "camper" or "combination" registration is renewed shall be issued a registration listing the gross vehicle weight of such motor vehicle. The gross vehicle weight indicated on a "camper" or "combination" registration shall not exceed the maximum as established by the manufacturer. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-11. Restrictions |
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No motor vehicle on which a camper module has been installed shall be operated on the highway if by the installation of such camper module the structural integrity or safe operation of such motor vehicle is impaired. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-12. Notice of regulations |
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All licensed motor vehicle dealers who sell campers or pickup trucks upon which camper modules are to be installed shall provide each purchaser of such vehicle with a copy of these regulations. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-13. Safety requirements |
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After January 1, 1973, all motor homes and camper units consisting of a camper module installed on a motor vehicle for use on the highway shall comply with the following structural standards. (a) The installation of all plumbing, heating and electrical systems shall conform to standards ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A119.2 and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 501C, copyright 1970, or ANSI A119.1 and NFPA 501B, copyright 1971, whichever is applicable. (b) The glazing in a camper module or motor home shall meet the standards for motor vehicle glazing as provided in section 14-100-1 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies. (c) Each camper module must be secured to the frame of the motor vehicle on which it is installed by means of structurally sound, suitably designed fastening equipment capable of holding the camper module firmly in place on the motor vehicle under all possible vehicle operating maneuvers. (d) All entrance and exit doors, door latches and strikes shall have sufficient strength and be installed in such a manner that any possible movement of personnel or equipment within the motor home or camper module against the door will not cause the door to open or rupture. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-14. Supplemental equipment |
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No motor home or motor vehicle on which a camper module has been installed shall be operated in this state after January 1, 1973, unless the living area of such unit is equipped with the following: (a) At least one dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher charged in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Such fire extinguisher shall display the listing designation of a nationally recognized testing laboratory. (b) Fuel burning heating appliances, refrigerators and ranges shall be equipped with venting devices conforming to standards NFPA 501C and ANSI A119.2, copyright 1970, or NFPA 501B and ANSI A119.1, copyright 1971, whichever is applicable. |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-15. Enforcement |
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(a) Any person violating any provision of sections 14-137-9, 14-137-10, 14-137-11, 14-137-13 or 14-137-14 shall be subject to the provisions of section 14-111 of the Connecticut general statutes relating to the suspension or revocation of motor vehicle operator licenses, suspension or revocation of motor vehicle registrations and, in the event such person is a non-resident, to the provision of said statute relating to the suspension or revocation of non-resident operating privileges. (b) A violation of sections 14-137-9, 14-137-10, 14-137-11, 14-137-13 or 14-137-14 shall be considered an equipment violation and any motor vehicle inspector or police officer issuing a citation for any such violation shall issue to the violator a "Warning ticket" (form P-2) and observe the procedures set forth in section 14-103 of the Connecticut general statutes pertaining to the issuance of a "warning of defective equipment" |
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(Effective August 16, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-16. Description of organization |
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The Department of Motor Vehicles, which derives its duties and authority primarily from Title 14 of the General Statutes, is composed of the following five divisions: Management Services, Dealers and Repairers, Registration and Title, Driver Licensing and Auto Emissions. The Department has as its primary function the protection of life and property through the administration and enforcement of the motor vehicle laws and regulations. This is accomplished through the licensing, disciplining, education and regulation of motor vehicle operators and owners. The areas of responsibility of each of the five divisions are: Management services: A service unit providing assistance to operating divisions in the areas of administrative and fiscal services, personnel, communications, engineering, data processing, adjudications, legal and other support activities. Dealers and repairers: Licenses persons providing certain automotive services and products within the state. Investigates and prosecutes complaints regarding alleged violations by such licensees. Provides for registration of vehicles used in the conduct of licensees business. Registration and title: Issues motor vehicle registrations, operator licenses and title certificates and records security interests in motor vehicles. Issues and renews motorboat registrations. Driver licensing: Determines the qualifications of person to operate or register motor vehicles. Inspects motor vehicles for compliance with applicable law. In addition the Driver Licensing Division provides services to handicapped operators and courses for driver improvement. Auto emissions: Monitors the operation of official emissions inspection stations. Licenses and monitors fleet inspection stations. Issues waivers for vehicles requiring an unreasonable cost of repair to bring into compliance with standards. Issues commissioner's certificate in cases where vehicles cannot be presented for inspection as scheduled. |
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(Effective June 17, 1980) |
| Sec. 14-137-17. Commissioner |
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The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has the overall responsibility of the operations of the department. In carrying out his responsibilities the Commissioner may delegate certain of his functions to a division of the Department, an individual division chief, adjudicator or an inspector. |
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(Effective October 17, 1974) |
| Sec. 14-137-18. Official address |
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All communications should be addressed to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109, unless otherwise specifically indicated. |
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(Effective October 17, 1974) |
| Sec. 14-137-19. Public inspection |
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In addition to publication of the adoption, amendment or repeal of regulations pursuant to Subsection (a) of Section 4-167 of the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act as amended, a compilation of all regulations, policy statements, final orders, decisions and opinions are available for public inspection at the office of the Commissioner. |
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(Effective October 17, 1974) |
| Sec. 14-137-20. Course and method of operations; rules of practice for procedures available |
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(a) Management Services Division: (1) As it relates the public, the Data Processing Section's function may be found in connection with its responsibilities under the provisions of Section 14-163 of the General Statutes, which requires the furnishing of information to tax assessors with respect to the names and addresses of owners of motor vehicles and snowmobiles residing in their respective towns. Such information is furnished by the use of data processing cards or magnetic tape having a lay out, as outlined in Motor Vehicle Department forms. (2) The Handicapped Driver Training Unit instructs persons with relatively severe handicaps in the operation of a motor vehicle. Examines handicapped drivers for licensing and may determine adaptive equipment needed on vehicles operated by such licensees. Medical certificates on motor vehicle form P-40 are used. (3) Furnishing copies of records-Under the provisions of Sections 14-3, 14-192, 52-62, 52-63 and Public Act Number 73-549, the division collects fees for records furnished to the public by other divisions of the department, using various Motor Vehicle Department forms and correspondence for this purpose. (4) The Traffic Records Unit is responsible for the design and implementation of a data-processing based Traffic Records Information System, which will aid in the formulation and evaluation of problem-solving approaches aimed at reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes. A number of summary-level statistical reports, dealing with such areas as reportable accidents, vehicles registered and operators licensed, are available to the public. (5) The Pupil Transportation Administrator is responsible for developing and implementing the Federal Pupil Transportation Safety Standard #17 in Connecticut at the state and local level and acts as liaison between individual communities and the Federal government. He formulates programs and assists local communities in various areas of pupil transportation and develops research study statistics for use by the state and local communities. (6) Hearings - The Adjudications Unit provides for notices and conduct of hearings pursuant to procedures adopted by the Department as required with respect to the following matters: a. Dealer and Repairer alleged violations b. Fatalities, under the provisions of Section 14-111(c) of the General Statutes c. License suspensions d. License reinstatements e. Possession of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle f. Accident Security matters g. Other departmental hearing matters (b) Dealers and Repairers Division: (1) This division issues the following licenses: a. Motor Vehicle Manufacturer, under Section 14-67a of the Connecticut General Statutes b. New Car Dealer, under Section 14-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes c. Used Car Dealer, under Section 14-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes d. Repairer, under Section 14-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes e. Limited Repairer, under Section 14-52 of the Connecticut General Statutes f. Retail Gasoline Dealer, under Section 14-319 of the Connecticut General Statutes g. Motor Vehicle Junkyard, under Section 21-16 of the Connecticut General Statutes h. Snowmobile Dealers and ATV Dealers, under Section 14-383 of the Connecticut General Statutes (2) The division issues motor vehicle auction permits, junk registrations and official motor vehicle inspection station permits. (3) The division issues to all applicants detailed procedure containing instructions regarding required experience, qualifications, equipment and facilities necessary for the type of license applied for, together with the necessary application forms for such information, in accordance with the statutes cited, to which reference may be had. (4) The division determines whether or not a proposed site will imperil the safety of the public, as required by Sections 14-53 and 14-320 of the General Statutes. (5) The division determines the qualifications for and issues the following vehicle registrations: a. Snowmobile Dealer b. All Terrain Vehicle Dealer c. Motor Vehicle Wrecker d. New Car Dealer e. Used Car Dealer f. Repairer g. Limited Repairer h. Transporter i. Junkyard j. Manufacturer k. Special Dealers l. Motorcycle Dealers (6) The division investigates complaints against licensees; takes administrative action when statutory or regulatory violations are found; enforces compliance with licensing laws and regulations. (7) Appeals to court are provided from these proceedings in the following sections of the General Statutes; Section 4-183, 14-57, 14-66, 14-324 and 14-331 among others. (c) Registration and Title Division: (1) Application for registration, certificate of title, operator's license, and parkway toll plates may be made at all offices of the department. Learners' permits are available where appropriate by law. (2) The owner of a motor vehicle must sign the application for the certificate of title and such form must contain (1) name, residence and mail address of the owner (2) a description of the vehicle (3) date of purchase (4) any further information the Commissioner reasonably requires to identify the vehicle. The applicant must also submit documentary evidence to establish ownership of the vehicle (Section 14-171 of the General Statutes). Provisions for appeals are made in Sections 14-194 and 14-195 of the General Statutes. (3) To obtain a registration the vehicle owner must file with the department a signed application containing such information as the Commissioner shall require and submit proof of ownership and payment of sales tax if due (Section 14-12 and Section 12-431 of the General Statutes) . (4) An operator's license application approved by the Driver Licensing Division must be signed and presented with proper fee to obtain a new operator's license under Section 14-36 of the General Statutes. (5) To obtain a parkway toll plate the registered owner of a motor vehicle must sign an application for such plate and must have the vehicle registered in this state as provided in Section 14-155 of the General Statutes. (6) Leasing licenses may be obtained at the Wethersfield Office and require a signed application and proof of financial responsibility placed on file under the terms of Section 14-15 of the General Statutes. (7) Automobile club licenses are also issued at the Wethersfield Office as required by Section 14-67 of the General Statutes. To obtain an automobile club license it is required that an application, surety bond, and information concerning services performed be placed on file with the Department. (8) To obtain a boat registration the owner must file with the department a signed application containing such information as the commissioner may require. (9) To obtain any of the above registrations, titles or licenses the fees provided for in the Statutes cited must be paid. (10) Upon presentation of the above mentioned applications and fees the transactions will be processed provided all requirements of statutes and regulations have been satisfied. (11) Under the provisions of Section 14-12(b) of the General Statutes the commissioner may appoint qualified licensed motor vehicle dealers to issue new registrations for passenger vehicles and certain trucks at the time of sale by such dealer. (12) Pursuant to the requirements of Section 14-253 of the General Statutes parking privilege cards are issued to handicapped and disabled licensees, upon submission of medical certification. (d) Driver Licensing Division: (1) Motor Vehicle Inspections. The division following departmental procedures established pursuant to the requirements of law, conducts inspections of school buses, public service vehicles, vehicles ten or more years old, composite vehicles, ambulances and out-of-state vehicles. (2) Financial responsibility. a. Proof of financial responsibility is required of any persons convicted of violations of laws cited in Section 14-112 of the General Statutes. b. Proof of financial responsibility is required of an uninsured motorist involved in a reportable accident. (3) Warnings and Public Complaints. a. This division processes and accounts for warnings related to: 1) Defective equipment warnings, as provided in Section 14-103 of the General Statutes, using various department forms. 2) Moving violation warnings are processed and filed for further reference. (4) Accident Security. a. This division assimilates reports and information relating to reportable accidents; separates all uninsured operators involved in accidents; evaluates cases for the amount of bond required in each such accident; determines through a departmental procedure the possibility of a judgment being rendered against uninsured motorists; arranges for informal hearing procedure where requested, using departmental questionnaires and forms. b. This Division arranges for formal hearings by hearing officers and processes refunding of deposits not claimed, using affidavits and forms provided by the department, all as provided by Sections 14-113 through 14-133 of the General Statutes, to which reference may be had. (5) Driver Licensing. a. Upon completion of personal data sheet and application, this division examines all applicants for knowledge of law, vision and ability to operate, requiring medical certificates where necessary Examinations are given in English, Spanish and several other foreign languages. b. The division issues public service licenses to qualified licensed operators of good moral character, after fingerprinting and investigation in accord with Section 14-44 of the General Statutes. Special appeal provisions are provided in Section 14-44 of the General Statutes. (6) Miscellaneous Permits. a. This division also, upon proper application, issues permits for the following items, as required in the statutes cited: 1) Flashing light permits under Section 14-96p and 14-96q of the General Statutes. 2) Siren permits, as provided in subsection (d) of Section 14-80. 3) Motor vehicle racing permits as provided by Section 14-164 (7) Driving Schools. The division provides for the licensing of commercial driving schools as required by Section 14-69 of the General Statutes and the licensing and training of commercial driving school instructors, as provided for by Section 14-73 of the General Statutes, all upon written applications provided by the department, including necessary insurance and other data found necessary by the Commissioner and provided for on forms furnished for that purpose. (8) Enforcement authority. This division, using uniform traffic ticket and uniform warning forms enforces motor vehicle laws. (9) Driver improvement courses. Conducts driver improvement clinics for motor vehicle licensees meeting departmental criteria. (e) Auto Emissions Division: (1) Periodically monitor official emissions inspection stations to verify proper procedures are being followed regarding testing of vehicles, record keeping and calibration of vehicle testing equipment. (2) Licenses and monitors official emissions fleet inspection stations to verify proper procedures are being followed regarding testing of vehicles, record keeping and maintenance and calibration of testing equipment. (3) The division will issue a waiver of compliance to owners of vehicles that cannot pass the minimum standards and will require a cost of $70.00 or more to repair (excluding air pollution control devices) to meet the standards an estimate of cost of repairs must be presented verifying the $70.00 minimum will be exceeded. A low emissions tune-up can be prescribed as a condition of waiver. (4) Vehicles that can not be presented for inspection in accordance with the schedule established by the commissioner may apply for a commissioners certificate which will delay the inspection until such time as is reasonably convenient for the vehicle to be presented. A letter of request stating the reason for inconvenience and the date it would be convenient should be mailed to the division's office in Wethersfield. |
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(Effective June 17, 1980) |
| Sec. 14-137-21. Petition for declaratory ruling |
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The Department of Motor Vehicles will accept a petition for declaratory ruling as to the applicability of any statute or regulation administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles in the following form: 1. A petition stating the factual background of the issue must be in writing and include or have attached thereto a certificate indicating the manner in which and the date on which it is being filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles at the main office in Wethersfield, Connecticut. 2. The petition shall be signed by the petitioner and shall include his address for purposes of reply. 3. A petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on any party who he has reason to believe may not otherwise have knowledge thereof and may fairly have an interest therein. The petition or certificate shall indicate such service therein. 4. The petition shall state clearly the question of applicability upon which it seeks a ruling. 5. The petition shall state the position of the petitioner with respect to the question of applicability. 6. The petition may include an argument in support of the position of the petitioner with such legal citation as may be appropriate. |
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(Effective October 17, 1974) |
| Sec. 14-137-22. Petition for requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of regulation |
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The Department of Motor Vehicles will accept petitions requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of a regulation of said Department in the following form: 1. A petition must be in writing and include or have attached thereto a certificate indicating the manner in which and the date on which it is being filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles at the main office in Wethersfield, Connecticut. 2. The petition shall be signed by the petitioner and shall include his address for purposes of reply. 3. A petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on any party who he has reason to believe may not otherwise have knowledge thereof and may fairly have an interest therein. The petition or certificate shall indicate such service therein. 4. The petition shall clearly state the language to be promulgated, amended or repealed. The same petition may include matter to be promulgated as well as matter to be amended as well as matter to be repealed. 5. The petition may include a statement of facts and arguments in support thereof. Where the requirements of the paragraph have been complied with, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall promptly rule on such petition. |
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(Effective October 17, 1974) |
| Sec. 14-137-23. [Repealed] |
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Repealed August 4, 1988. |
| Sec. 14-137-24. Definitions |
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(a) "Suspension System" of a vehicle is that assembly of mechanical, structural, pneumatic and hydraulic members which provides a flexible support between the ground or roadway and the engine, load and passenger carrying structure of the vehicle. (b) "Spring Rate" is the change of load, or force, on a spring member required to produce unit deflection of the spring member at the location of the applied load or force. (c) "Shock Absorber" is a generic term which is commonly applied to hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms used for the purpose of damping or suppressing oscilatory motion of vehicle bodies. (d) "Wheel Track" is the lateral distance between the centers of the tire contact of the outermost tires mounted on wheels on the same axle. |
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(Effective October 24, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-25. Limitations |
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Each "passenger motor vehicle" as defined in subdivision (35) of section 14-1 of the General Statutes operating on the highways of this state shall be equipped with a suspension system that complies with the following: (a) Vehicle suspension configuration. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a suspension system consisting of the basic elements originally provided by the vehicle manufacturer and geometrically arranged in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. No suspension system component shall be replaced unless such replacement component meets or exceeds the quality and performance standards established by the vehicle manufacturer and the safe operating characteristics of the vehicle on which such replacement component is installed are not adversely affected by such installation. (b) Height adjustment limitations. No additional devices shall be installed or equipment substitutions made at any location on any motor vehicle when such installation or addition either: (1) Raises the sprung portion of the vehicle in excess of four (4) inches above the vehicle's unladen height as established by the vehicle manufacturer; or, (2) Lowers any part of the sprung portion of the vehicle so as to reduce the vertical clearance, between the sprung portion of the vehicle and a level surface on which it rests unladen, to less than four (4) inches. (c) Spring replacement limitation. No suspension springs which have a load carrying capacity or spring rate below that specified by the vehicle manufacturer shall be installed on any vehicle. (d) Shock absorber mounting limitation. No shock absorber shall be installed in any manner which will allow it to reach its extreme stroke limitation while the vehicle is being operated. (e) Tires – Limitation. All tires on the same axle or on axles which are less than six feet apart must be of the same tire size with respect to diameter and maximum width. Each such tire shall have a load carrying capacity specified by the tire manufacturer in excess of the intended maximum axle load divided by the number of tires on the axle. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 571.109 shall apply in establishing the load capabilities of tires. (f) Wheel track distance. No modification of a vehicle suspension system geometry shall result in any reduction of such vehicle's wheel track distance. |
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(Effective August 29, 1990) |
| Sec. 14-137-26. Penalty |
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The commissioner may refuse to register for operation in this state any vehicle which violates the provisions of this regulation and may after due notice and hearing revoke the registration of any previously registered vehicle found in violation of any part of this regulation. |
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(Effective October 24, 1972) |
| Sec. 14-137-27. Scope |
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This procedure covers the issuance of Connecticut state vehicle license plates bearing a special marker to persons engaged as volunteer fire fighters, and is adopted under the authority of Public Act No. 87-304 and section 14-137 of the General Statutes. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-28. Definition of special marker plates |
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A special marker plate is a vehicle license plate which includes the international fire department symbol and is issued under the authority of Public Act No. 87-304. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-29. Eligibility |
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Special marker plates are issued only to parties who are currently engaged as active volunteer fire fighters for a volunteer fire department or company in the state of Connecticut, for those passenger motor, commercial motor or passenger and commercial motor vehicles registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles as owned by the volunteer firefighter. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-30. Application |
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(a) Each request for the issuance of a special marker plate shall be in writing, via an application form designated by the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The application form shall include a request for the identity of the person seeking the special marker plates and a statement showing the eligibility of the applicant to receive the plates and require the signature of the applicant and the chief executive officer of the volunteer fire department or company. (b) All requests for the issuance of special marker plates shall be submitted for approval to the commissioner of motor vehicles. Where a request for approval is rejected by the commissioner of motor vehicles, a notice clearly stating the reason for the rejection shall be sent to the chief executive officer of the volunteer fire department or company. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-31. Renewal |
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Each application for renewal of a special marker plate shall be made in writing, as provided in sections 14-22 of the General Statutes and the preceeding regulation 14-137-30. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-32. Fee |
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(a) For a special marker plate, the commissioner of motor vehicles shall charge each applicant a one time plate fee of seven dollars ($7.00). A registration renewal fee shall be charged with respect to such registration in accordance with expiration schedules established pursuant to section 14-22. (b) Upon surrendering the special marker plates, such former volunteer fire fighter is responsible for any outstanding fees that are required prior to receiving any other vehicle license plates. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-33. Revocation |
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If as a result of an investigation by the commissioner of motor vehicles or employee designated by the commissioner, he determines that a special marker vehicle license plate has been misused, he may require the holder of the plate to immediately cease use of the plate and to return the plate to the commissioner. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-34. Surrender |
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The special marker plates shall be returned to the commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles upon termination of the fire fighter's membership in the volunteer fire department or company. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-35. Overweight permit |
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Whenever a permit is issued by the Department of Transportation for the operation of an overweight motor vehicle, or combination vehicle, trailer, or object, pursuant to the provisions of section 14-270 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations adopted thereunder by the commissioner of transportation, the permanent registration of such vehicle shall have a registered gross vehicle weight equal to or greater than that stated in the overweight permit. Nothing contained herein shall affect the expiration date or any other term, condition or obligation of the permanent registration. |
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(Effective April 27, 1988; Amended December 3, 2012) |
| Sec. 14-137-36. Procedure governed |
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These rules of practice set forth the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available at the Department of Motor Vehicles in conformance with the Connecticut Uniform Administrative Procedure Act. |
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(Effective August 4, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-37. Informal procedures |
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To the extent permitted by law the following informal procedures shall be available to any person or licensee affected by any order or licensing requirement of the department: (a) Informal conferences. Informal conferences may be scheduled by the department to attempt to resolve any appropriate matter within its statutory jurisdiction. Informal conferences also may be scheduled at the request of licensees. Notification of such an informal conference may be by telephone or by regular or certified mail, in the discretion of the commissioner or other authorized official or hearing officer of the department. The notice shall contain (1) a statement of the time, date, and place of the conference; (2) a reference to the statutory sections allegedly violated, or with respect to which any question of application exists; (3) a short statement of the facts surrounding the alleged violation or intended application of the statutory section(s) by the department; and (4) a statement that the respondent or person requesting the conference may be accompanied by counsel, if he or she so desires. Informal conferences need not be recorded and transcribed. Formal rules of procedure and evidence shall not be observed. (b) Opportunity to show compliance. Unless otherwise required or authorized by statute, or by judicial order or decision, no revocation, suspension, annulment or withdrawal of a license is lawful unless prior to the institution of department proceedings, the department gave notice by mail to the holder thereof of facts or conduct which warrant the intended action, and the holder thereof was given the opportunity to show compliance with all lawful requirements for the retention of the license. (1) Notification of such compliance conference shall be by certified mail. Said notice shall contain: (A) A statement of the time, date and place of the compliance conference; (B) A reference to the statute(s) or regulation(s) allegedly violated; (C) A clear and concise factual statement sufficient to inform each respondent of the facts or practices alleged to be in violation of the law; and (D) A statement that each respondent may be respresented by counsel. (2) Compliance conferences shall be recorded but need not be transcribed, and the rules of evidence are not applicable. (3) The commissioner shall designate a hearing officer or other person to preside at such compliance conference. After said compliance conference, said designated presiding officer shall report in writing his recommendations to the commissioner. (4) Any agreement reached as a result of a compliance meeting shall not preclude the department from further proceeding against the alleged violator. |
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(Effective August 4, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-38. Hearing procedure |
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Hearings are conducted where required or authorized by statute or regulation under general authority of section 14-4a of the Connecticut General Statutes. Pursuant to section 14-4a, the commissioner may designate any person to act as a hearing officer for the motor vehicle department for the purpose of conducting hearings and rendering decisions. In any hearing where the hearing officer has been authorized by the commissioner to render a final decision, the fact of such authorization shall be noticed on the record. In any contested case in which the hearing officer assigned to conduct the hearing has not been authorized to render a final decision in the matter, this fact shall be noticed on the record at the start of the hearing and the party(ies) of record shall be notified of the identity of the individual who will render the final decision. (a) Official address. All correspondence relating to formal hearings should be addressed to: Adjudications Unit, Legal Services Division, Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109-1896. (b) Waiver of rules. Where good cause appears, the commissioner or his designee may permit deviation from these rules, except where precluded by statute or where the rights of any party would be prejudiced substantially. (c) Notice of hearings. (1) The department shall mail a notice of hearing to the last known address or the last address provided by the respondent, at least ten (10) days before the scheduled hearing, unless the respondent has received actual notice or waived the requirement of advance notice. (2) The notice shall include: (A) A statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing; (B) A statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; (C) A reference to the particular sections of the statutes and regulations involved; (D) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted. If the department or other party is unable to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved. Thereafter upon application a more definite and detailed statement shall be furnished. (d) Location of hearings. Hearings are held at 60 State Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut and at such other location or locations as the commissioner may designate. (e) Hearings to be public; maintenance of order (1) Unless otherwise provided by law, all contested case hearings shall be open to the public. (2) At any hearing, the hearing officer may direct that any recording, radio, television, or broadcasting equipment shall be placed in a stationery location or otherwise handled in such a manner as not to disturb the proceedings or, in the opinion of the hearing officer, block the aisles or exits, or jeopardize the safety of any party in the hearing room. (3) The hearing officer may order any individual, willfully interrupting the orderly conduct of a hearing, to be removed from the hearing room. (4) The hearing officer may order the hearing room to be cleared if, in his opinion, the hearing cannot be conducted in an orderly fashion and the orderly conduct of the hearing cannot be restored by the removal of the individuals who are willfully interrupting the hearing. Accredited representatives of the news media, other than those participating in the interruption of the hearing, shall be allowed to remain in the cleared hearing room and continue to observe the hearing. (5) The hearing officer may readmit an individual that had been ordered to vacate the hearing room pursuant to either subdivisions three (3) or four (4) of this section if, in the hearing officer's opinion, the individual has ceased to be disruptive and will continue to behave in an orderly manner. (f) Postponements and adjournments. (1) Only for good cause shown will a continuance be granted to any licensee upon a request made to the commissioner or his designee. (2) A continuance will be granted when, due to an emergency, a police officer scheduled to appear at a hearing is required by his superiors to be on duty. Any hearing so continued will be rescheduled to the earliest possible time after the original hearing. (3) No second continuance will be granted for the convenience of any party. An attorney for a respondent who has a conflicting court appearance may be granted a second continuance upon a request in writing, stating the name and location of the court, the date, time and case number of the conflicting court appearance. Such written request shall be directed to the attention of the Adjudications Unit, Legal Services Division, Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109-1896. (4) The requirements in subdivisions (1), (2) or (3) may be waived by the commissioner or his designee only for good cause shown. The commissioner or his designee may request written certification of the facts surrounding the request for a continuance. (5) The commissioner or his designee may reschedule a hearing or adjourn a hearing in progress to another date and time. (g) Waiver of oral hearing and personal appearance. The respondent may waive oral hearing and personal appearance and request that the matter be adjudicated on the basis of the available written and demonstrative evidence on file with the department including any evidence submitted by the respondent. (h) Adjudication in absence of a party. Where the commissioner or his designee finds that the notice of hearing has been properly served by mail and the respondent or any witness has failed to appear, the commissioner or his designee may in his or her discretion hear the case and render a decision. (i) Pre-hearing procedure in contested cases. (1) At any time after the issuance of a complaint or order and before the scheduled hearing date, and where not otherwise precluded by law, the commissioner may order or a respondent may request an informal, pre-hearing conference. The granting or denial of a request for a pre-hearing conference is within the complete discretion of the commissioner or such hearing officer as has been designated by the commissioner. (2) A pre-hearing conference may be held for any of the following purposes: (A) To narrow the scope of the issues in dispute; (B) To obtain stipulations as to matters of fact; (C) To stipulate as to the authenticity of documents which are to be offered in evidence; (D) To stipulate as to the qualifications of any expert witnesses who are to testify at the hearing; and (E) To discuss the possibility of an informal disposition of a complaint. (3) A pre-hearing conference need not be recorded, but a written record will be made of any stipulations as to matter of fact, as to the authenticity of documents, or as to the qualifications of expert witnesses. Any such written record will be signed by each of the individual respondents or his counsel and by the commissioner or his authorized representative. (j) Informal disposition in contested cases. (1) Unless precluded by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order, or default. A respondent may agree to enter an agreement containing a consent order in lieu of a hearing on the issue(s). Such agreement may be negotiated by the respondent and the counsel for a complainant or an authorized representative of the department. The acceptance of a consent agreement and order is within the complete discretion of the commissioner, or his designee, the chief of legal services for the department. (2) A consent agreement and order shall contain: (A) An admission of all jurisdiction facts; (B) An express waiver of the right to seek judicial review or otherwise challenge or contest the validity of the order; (C) An express waiver of the requirement that the decision contain findings of fact and conclusion of law; (D) A provision that the complaint may be used in construing the terms of the order; (E) A statement that the order contained therein shall have the same force and effect as an order entered after a full hearing and shall become final when issued; (F) A statement that said order shall not be effective unless and until accepted and approved by the commissioner, or his designee, the chief of legal services for the department; (G) The signature of each respondent or his attorney and the counsel for the complainant; and (H) The signature of the commissioner or his said designee accepting and approving the consent agreement and order. (k) Motions. Parties or their attorneys may file any appropriate motion in writing in advance of the hearing, at the hearing, or after the hearing. Any appropriate oral motion may be made at the hearing. The commissioner or his designee shall rule on pre-hearing and post hearing motions or refer them to the hearing officer hearing the case. The presiding hearing officer may rule on motions at the hearing, or may in his discretion incorporate a ruling on a motion in an intermediate or final decision. (l) Witnesses, subpoenas, and production of records. All testimony shall be taken under oath or affirmation. The commissioner or his designee may subpoena witnesses and require the production of records, papers and documents. If any person disobeys such process or, having appeared in obedience thereto, refuses to answer any pertinent question put to him by or under the direction of the commissioner or his designee or to produce any records and papers pursuant thereto, the commissioner may apply to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford setting forth such disobedience to process or refusal to answer, as provided in sections 4-177b and 14-110 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (m) Rules of evidence. The following rules of evidence shall be followed in the admission of testimony and exhibits in all hearings: (1) General. Any oral, documentary or physical evidence may be received. The commissioner or his designee shall, as a matter of policy, provide for the exclusion of irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence. The commissioner or his designee shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law in Connecticut where appropriate to the conduct of the hearing. (2) Documentary evidence. Documentary evidence may be received at the discretion of the commissioner or his designee in the form of copies or excerpts, if the original is not found readily available. Upon request by any party an opportunity shall be granted to compare the copy with the original which shall be subject to production by the person offering such copies, within the provisions of section 52-180 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (n) Limiting number of witnesses. (1) To avoid unnecessary cumulative evidence, the commissioner or his designee may limit the number of witnesses or the time for testimony upon a particular issue in the course of any hearing. (2) The commissioner or his designee may permit any party to offer testimony in written form, if it will expedite the hearing. Such written testimony shall be received in evidence with the same force and effect as though it were stated orally by the witness who has given the evidence, provided that the interests of the parties will not be prejudiced substantially. Prior to its admission, such written testimony shall be subject to objections by parties. (3) Cross-examination. A party may conduct cross-examinations required for a full and true disclosure of the facts. (4) Facts noticed, scope and procedure. The department may take official notice of generally recognized technical or scientific facts within its specialized knowledge. Parties shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the material so noticed by being notified before or during the hearing, or by an appropriate reference in preliminary reports or otherwise of the material noticed. The department shall nevertheless employ its experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge in evaluating the evidence presented at the hearing for the purpose of making its findings of facts and arriving at a final decision. Where an adjudication of violation or responsibility has been determined, the records and prior decisions of the department may be considered in determining an appropriate disposition. (o) Filing of added exhibits and testimony. Upon order of the commissioner or his designee before, during or after the hearing, any party may be given an opportunity to submit additional pleadings and evidence unless the rights of any party would be substantially prejudiced. Such added exhibits and testimony shall be subject to such comment, reply and contest as due process may require. (p) Party and intervenor status in a contested case. (1) The commissioner or his designee shall grant a person status as a party in a contested case if: (A) Such person has submitted a written petition to the department and mailed copies to all parties at least five days before the date of hearing; and (B) The petition states facts that demonstrate that the person's legal rights, duties or privileges shall be specifically affected by the decision of the department in such contested case. (2) The commissioner or his designee may grant any person status as an intervenor in a contested case if: (A) Such person has submitted a written petition to the department and mailed copies to all parties at least five days before the date of hearing; and (B) The petition states facts that demonstrate that the person's participation is in the interests of justice and will not impair the orderly conduct of the proceedings. (3) The five-day requirement in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection may be waived at any time before or after commencement of the hearing by the hearing officer on a showing of good cause. (4) If a petition is granted pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection, the intervenor's participation may be limited to designated issues in accordance with the provisions of section 4-177a (d) of the Connecticut General Statutes. (q) Final decision in a contested case. (1) A final decision or order adverse to a party in a contested case shall be in writing or stated in the record. A written decision shall be signed and dated by the hearing officer authorized to render the decision. (2) In a contested case where the commissioner or his designee is to render the final decision or order, the commissioner or his designee shall give due consideration to the entire record before rendering such decision or order. (3) Parties shall be notified either personally or by mail of any decision or order. Upon request, a copy of the text of the final decision or order shall be sent by mail to each of the respondents and respondents' counsel, and to any other party of record. (4) If no written request was filed for the preparation of a transcript, a final decision may be rendered at any time following the close of the hearing in compliance with the provisions of this subsection. If a transcript was requested in writing, the final decision may be rendered within a reasonable time following preparation and availability of the transcript in compliance with the provisions of this subsection. (5) The Department shall proceed with reasonable dispatch to conclude any matter pending before it and shall render a final decision in all contested cases within ninety days following the close of evidence or the due date for the filing of briefs, whichever is later, in accordance with the provisions of section 4-180 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (r) Record and transcripts: (1) The record in a contested case shall include: (A) All pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings; (B) Evidence received or considered; (C) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon; (D) Any decision, opinion or report by the commissioner or his designee. (2) Oral proceedings or any part thereof shall be transcribed on request of any party. The requesting party shall pay the cost of such transcript or part thereof. (s) Petition for reconsideration. (1) Any petition for reconsideration of a contested case must be filed in writing within fifteen (15) days after the personal delivery or mailing of the notice of final decision. Within forty days of the personal delivery or mailing of the final decision, the department, regardless of whether a petition for reconsideration has been filed, may decide to reconsider the final decision. (2) Petitions for reconsideration shall be addressed to: Legal Services Division, Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109-1896. (t) Motion for stay pending appeal. A motion for stay of suspension, fine or other order pending appeal, should ordinarily be presented to the superior court. Alternatively, the motion may be presented to the commissioner, or to both the superior court and the commissioner. (u) Judicial appeal. Unless otherwise provided by statute or regulation, appeals from final decisions of the department are governed by applicable provisions of Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes (Uniform Administrative Procedure Act). |
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(Effective April 1, 1996; Amended January 31, 2007) |
| Sec. 14-137-39. Inconsistent regulations |
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Unless precluded by law, these regulations 14-137-36 through 14-137-39 shall take precedence over any other conflicting or inconsistent regulation pertaining to informal procedures available and to hearing procedures within the Department of Motor Vehicles. |
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(Effective August 4, 1988) |
| Sec. 14-137-40. Fees for volume searches of motor vehicle files |
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(a) Definitions (1) A suspension case file is a numbered file which contains supporting material for operator's license and/or registration suspensions, financial responsibility requirements, administrative hearings and associated correspondence and communications with the person(s) involved or his agent. (2) An accident case file is a numbered file which contains operator accident reports, police accident reports and associated correspondence and communications with the person(s) involved or his agent. (b) In accordance with Section 14-50a (b) of the General Statutes, the commissioner shall charge a fee of three dollars ($3.00) for a search of each accident case file, and a fee of three dollars ($3.00) for a search of each suspension case file, when a search of more than one hundred of such files is made by any person or firm for a business purpose. The commissioner may require prepayment of the total fee payable in connection with such a volume request. |
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(Effective November 1, 1989) |
| Sec. 14-137-41. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective August 4, 1988; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-42. Furnishing of license and registration information by telephone |
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In carrying out its responsibility to allow public inspection of its license and registration files, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall permit such inspection pursuant to Section 14-10 of the General Statutes, and shall furnish copies of requested information pursuant to Section 14-50a, during the department's normal business hours. Persons requesting such information who do not appear personally at the department must make their requests in writing accompanied by the prescribed fees. The following shall be the only exceptions to these requirements: (1) Connecticut state and municipal police departments, and officers at state institutions and departments having police powers under applicable provisions of the General Statutes, may continue to receive license and registration information through telephone inquiries by providing appropriate identification; (2) Law enforcement and other government agencies which have been assigned identification numbers by the department shall be permitted to receive license and registration information through telephone inquiries; (3) Persons calling about emergency situations shall be provided license and registration information after providing a description of the nature of this emergency; and (4) License and registration information related to any matter of immediate public interest or concern may be provided, in the discretion of the commissioner, to any public official or representative of the news media requesting such information by telephone. |
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(Effective April 20, 1990) |
| Sec. 14-137-43. Payment of fees |
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The payment of all fees to the commissioner provided for in Chapter 246 to Chapter 248, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes shall be by means of cash, personal check, or form of certified or bank draft that is immediately payable without recourse. All checks shall be: (1) completed; (2) made payable to the Department of Motor Vehicles, or other official or agency, such as the Commissioner of Revenue Services, for which the department is acting as collection agent; (3) identified to the specific transaction; and (4) shall be in the exact amount required by the transaction. No third party checks or incomplete or postdated instruments shall be accepted. No cash refunds shall be made at the main office or any branch office of the department. The commissioner retains the option to accept the use of commercial credit cards as a form of payment, provided the same shall be approved by the Office of the State Treasurer. |
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(Effective February 24, 1989; Amended June 1, 2015) |
| Sec. 14-137-44—14-137-60. [Reserved] |
| Sec. 14-137-61. Receipt of renewal application |
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For the purpose of assessment of a late fee for renewal of motor vehicle registration in accordance with subsection (z) of section 14-49 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a registration renewal application that is properly completed and signed and includes payment of the proper fee shall be considered submitted in a timely manner if received by the department not more than five (5) calendar days after the scheduled expiration date of the registration period. |
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(Effective January 7, 1992; Amended June 1, 2015) |
| Sec. 14-137-62. Submission of application |
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(a) In accordance with the provisions of sections 14-36 and 14-44c of the Connecticut General Statutes, the commissioner shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's license or commercial driver's license to any person unless such person signs and files with the commissioner an application under oath. (b) Sections 14-137-63 through 14-137-79a of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, inclusive, set forth requirements for the contents of every such application, including the information to be contained therein, and supporting documents that must be submitted as part of the application. Such requirements pertain to the issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to: (1) Persons who hold an operator's license issued by another state or territory which is valid and unexpired; and (2) Persons who do not hold such license issued by another state or territory, or who never have held an operator's license in this state. (c) Unless the context states otherwise, the provisions of sections 14-137-62 through 14-137-79a, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies apply to applications for a commercial driver's license, issued in accordance with the provisions of section 14-44c of the Connecticut General Statutes, and applications for an identity card, issued under the authority of section 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes. (d) The provisions of sections 14-137-69 through 14-137-75, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies also pertain to applications for a duplicate motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card which is issued by the commissioner upon payment of the fee prescribed in Section 14-50a of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. (e) The provisions of sections 14-137-68 and 14-137-77 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies also pertain to the required skills, knowledge, and vision testing of applicants for operator's licenses and commercial driver's licenses. (f) Sections 14-137-62 through 14-137-79a, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies do not apply to the issuance of suppressed licenses authorized in accordance with Section 14-11a of the General Statutes and Sections 14-11a-1 through 14-11a-7, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-63. Evidence of full legal name |
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(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), the commissioner shall presume that the name of the applicant as shown on the applicant's official, unexpired passport or birth certificate, submitted as evidence of the applicant's identity, is the full legal name of the applicant, and the commissioner shall not place any other name on a motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card, unless the applicant presents an order of the superior court, or other court of competent jurisdiction, pertaining to a change of the applicant's name. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), the commissioner may accept an original or certified copy of a marriage license, certificate of dissolution of marriage, or certificate of civil union or dissolution of civil union for the purpose of establishing the applicant's full legal name to be placed on an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card issued to the applicant. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended August 31, 1999; Amended June 6, 2001; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-64. Provision of address of principal residence |
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(a) An applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license, or an identity card as provided by section 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall provide to the commissioner the address of such applicant's principal residence in this state, which address shall be imprinted on the operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card. The commissioner shall require evidence of the applicant's place of principal residence. (b) Persons who have previously been issued an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card, which does not have a residence address appearing thereon, shall be required at the time of renewal to provide the address of such person's principal residence in this state to the commissioner in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Official communications from the Department of Motor Vehicles shall thereafter be mailed to a person's residence address unless a separate mailing address is specified. Any change in the person's residence or mailing address shall be reported to the commissioner as required by section 14-45 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (c) The commissioner may verify the existence and accuracy of an applicant's address of principal residence, as provided on the application to the commissioner, and shall decline to grant the application if such information is determined to be inaccurate or false. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended December 29, 2000; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-64a. Residence of applicant for operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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(a) An applicant for a motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card as provided in section 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall be required to indicate whether he is a citizen of the United States of America. If any applicant indicates that he is not a citizen of the United States of America, the applicant shall be required to submit evidence that he is legally present in the United States and is a lawful resident of the State of Connecticut. Such evidence may consist of any currently valid document issued to the applicant by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service of the United States Department of Homeland Security. (b) If the applicant is unable to present any such document or if the document or documents presented indicate that the applicant is no longer entitled to be present in the United States, and the applicant is unable to present evidence that he or she has been granted employment authorization and duly applied for an extension of stay in the United States, the department shall decline to issue an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card to such applicant. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the commissioner may decline to issue an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card if the applicant is currently under removal proceedings, or is the subject of an outstanding warrant or warrant of removal issued by the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or the immigration status of the applicant cannot be determined. If the commissioner receives reliable information or becomes aware that a non-citizen who has been issued an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card is no longer entitled to be present in the United States, the commissioner may revoke such license or identity card. An individual subject to such revocation shall be given an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes. (d) An applicant who presents to the department a document for the purpose of identification may be required to provide to the Department a certified translation if such document is in a language other than English or Spanish. |
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(Effective June 23, 1994; Amended December 29, 2000; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-65. Licensing of person holding out-of-state operator's license or commercial driver's license. Identification. Surrender of out-of-state license |
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(a) If an applicant for a Connecticut operator's license or commercial driver's license presents to the commissioner an operator's license from another state or territory which is valid and unexpired and such operator's license or commercial driver's license includes a photograph of the applicant, such applicant must also present to the commissioner one document furnishing proof of identity as follows: (1) A birth certificate or registration of birth issued by a government entity having a raised seal thereon applied by a certifying authority; or (2) An official, unexpired passport, subject to the conditions set forth in section 14-137-67 subsection (a) (2) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. (b) In accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-111k and subsection (e) of section 14-44e of the Connecticut General Statutes, an applicant issued an operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card in this state shall be required to surrender to the commissioner the out-of-state operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card presented and any other current operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card from another state or territory in his or her possession. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-66. Certification of driving status. Commissioner may request information |
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(a) An applicant for a Connecticut operator's license or commercial driver's license who has previously been issued a license in another state or territory shall certify under penalty of false statement that his or her right or privilege to operate a motor vehicle is not presently under suspension or disqualification in any state or territory, or is not subject to suspension or disqualification at a date certain in the future in any state or territory. (b) The commissioner may at any time independently request information concerning the driving status of such person from any state or territory, or from any regional or national organization maintaining such information, and shall decline to issue or revoke and declare void the license of any person providing false information concerning his or her driving status in addition to any other penalties or sanctions required or permitted by law. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-67. Licensing of person not holding out-of-state license. Identification |
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Licensing of person not holding out-of-state license. Identification (a) If an applicant for a Connecticut operator's license does not have an operator's license from another state or territory which is valid and unexpired, or if an applicant has never held an operator's license in this state, such applicant shall present to the commissioner evidence of identity, consisting of one document from each of the following two groups or both documents from Group One, as follows: Group One (1) A birth certificate or registration of birth issued by a government entity having a raised seal thereon applied by a certifying authority; or (2) An official unexpired passport. If the passport submitted in accordance with the provisions of this subsection has not been issued by the United States government, the passport shall bear evidence showing lawful entry into the United States and acceptance for such purposes by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, or its successor agency. Group Two (1) An official, unexpired document issued by a federal or state government containing the person's signature and a photograph or computerized image of the person; (2) A military identification card or military dependent card with photograph; (3) A social security card with signature; (4) An original baptismal certificate or similar document; (5) A Connecticut pistol or firearm permit; (6) A military discharge form DD214; (7) A certificate of naturalization; (8) An original or a certified copy having a raised seal thereon of an adoption decree or order; (9) An original or a certified copy having a raised seal thereon of school records; (10) A Connecticut identity card issued on October 1, 2001 or later, in accordance with section 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes; (11) A certificate of citizenship; (12) An alien registration receipt card (resident alien card) or I-551 stamp; (13) A temporary resident card; (14) A travel document issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security; or (15) An original certificate of identification issued by the Department of Correction. (b) At least one of the documents presented to the commissioner shall include a photograph or computerized image of the applicant or have both the applicant's full legal name and date of birth. |
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(Effective August 19, 1994; Amended April 25, 2008; Amended September 7, 2016) |
| Sec. 14-137-68. Testing of applicant |
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(a) In addition to any other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or commercial driver's license in this state imposed by law, in order to ensure that an applicant who does not hold a license issued by another state, as described in subsection (a) of Section 14-137-67 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, can safely operate motor vehicles of the class for which the applicant has applied, has sufficient knowledge of motor vehicles to ensure safe operation and has satisfactory knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles, such applicant shall be required by the commissioner to take and pass a vision test, a knowledge test, and a driving skills test including an on-the-road driving test. (b) In addition to any other requirements for obtaining an operator's license or commercial driver's license in this state imposed by law, in order to ensure that an applicant who holds a valid and unexpired license issued by another state, as described in section 14-137-65 subsection (a) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, can safely operate motor vehicles of the class for which the applicant has applied, such applicant shall be required to take and pass a vision test. In addition, the commissioner may require any such applicant to take and pass a driving skills test including an on-the-road driving test. (c) Unless otherwise directed by the commissioner, any applicant who fails the knowledge test or the on-the-road skills test shall not be admitted for a re-examination until after thirty days from the date of such failure, and in the case of an applicant who fails for a second time, a re-examination shall not be permitted until after sixty days from the date of such second failure. The commissioner may require any applicant who has failed an examination two or more times to present evidence of the successful completion of a course of driver education, taken in a licensed commercial school or secondary school program, following the most recent failure of an examination, before such applicant is admitted for re-examination. (d) The commissioner may accept an application for renewal of an operator's license and may waive the on-the-road driving test in the case of any applicant who presents satisfactory evidence that he or she has previously held a Connecticut operator's license that has been expired for a period of two years or less from the date of application. (e) All applicants for a commercial driver's license shall be required to successfully complete knowledge and skills testing in accordance with the provisions of section 14-44e of the Connecticut General Statutes and the applicable provisions of Title 49, Part 383 of the Code of Federal Regulations. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended November 2, 2004; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-69. Issuance of duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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Except in the case of a damaged original license as provided in section 14-137-74 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, a duplicate operator's license, duplicate commercial driver's license or duplicate identity card, shall be issued only to a person whose operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card has been lost, stolen or destroyed. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-70. Submission of application. Duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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Except in the case of a damaged original license, commercial driver's license or identity card as provided in section 14-137-74 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, an applicant for a duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card shall state the circumstances surrounding the loss or destruction of the prior operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, or that such circumstances are unknown, shall certify compliance with this regulation, and shall subscribe the application under penalty of false statement as provided in sections 14-110 and 53a-157b of the Connecticut General Statutes. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-71. Requirements for application for duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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(a) An applicant may apply in person for a duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card at any branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles. (b) The applicant must pay the fee required in sections 14-50a(2) or 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended. (c) A photograph or computerized image of the applicant will be taken by the department prior to issuance of the duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card, unless a computerized image is already on file. (d) An applicant, who does not have a computerized image on file, shall be required to submit satisfactory evidence of identity and date of birth as provided in sections 14-137-65 and 14-137-75 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended August 31, 1999; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-72. Operator's license or commercial driver's license under suspension |
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A duplicate license shall not be issued to any person whose operator's license, commercial driver's license, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state, has been revoked, withdrawn, suspended, or disqualified. Any such person whose operator's license, commercial driver's license, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been revoked, withdrawn, suspended, or disqualified, who obtains or attempts to obtain a duplicate license, shall commit an infraction, and shall be reported to the appropriate prosecuting authority. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-73. Discovery of original operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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If a person, having obtained a duplicate operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, in accordance with sections 14-137-69 through 14-137-75, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, finds or otherwise comes into possession of the operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, that was alleged to be lost, stolen or destroyed, such person shall surrender such original operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, to the department within three (3) business days. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-74. Replacement of damaged operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card |
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The commissioner shall issue a duplicate license, commercial driver's license or identity card, to an applicant whose current operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, has been accidentally damaged, mutilated or otherwise rendered illegible. Such applicant shall be required to submit an application, surrender the current operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card, and comply with the requirements of section 14-137-71 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-75. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-76. [Repealed] |
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Repealed June 11, 2014. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008; Repealed June 11, 2014) |
| Sec. 14-137-77. Health standards |
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Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the commissioner to deny an operator's license or commercial driver's license to any person who does not meet the health standards specified in regulations promulgated by the commissioner in accordance with sections 14-36 (i) and 14-45a of the Connecticut General Statutes or Title 49, Part 391 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as applicable. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-78. Competence of person |
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No provision of sections 14-137-62 through 14-137-77, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall be construed to limit the authority of the commissioner under Chapter 246 of the Connecticut General Statutes to ensure that before issuing a motor vehicle operator's license or commercial driver's license or duplicate operator's license or commercial driver's license to any person, such person has the ability and competence to operate a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle safely on the highways of this state. |
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(Effective December 3, 1991; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-79. [Repealed] |
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Repealed April 25, 2008. |
| Sec. 14-137-79a. Request for social security number |
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(a) In order to assist the Department of Motor Vehicles in maintaining its driver records and providing accurate driver identification, the Department shall require each applicant for an operator's license, commercial driver's license, or identity card pursuant to section 1-1h of the Connecticut General Statutes to furnish his or her social security account number. (b) The Department shall not disclose to a third party the social security account number of a holder of a license or identity card, except as follows: (1) to another agency of government for use by that agency in carrying out its functions, if such agency is authorized by law to utilize social security account numbers; (2) with the express permission of the license or identity card holder; or (3) as may otherwise be authorized by law for a law enforcement purpose. (c) If an applicant is not eligible to receive a social security account number, the Department shall require a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that the applicant is not eligible. |
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(Effective November 30, 1995; Amended April 25, 2008) |
| Sec. 14-137-80. [Reserved] |
| Sec. 14-137-81. Child restraint systems for ambulances |
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Any ambulance which transports a child six years of age and under or weighing less than sixty pounds on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to use a child restraint system meeting the standards of section 14-100a-1 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, or if the child is seven years of age or older and weighing sixty or more pounds, shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt in accordance with subsection (d) of section 14-100a of the Connecticut General Statutes. This section shall not apply where it is medically inadvisable to use any such restraint system or seat safety belt, or where the child is being transported as a patient in the patient compartment of the ambulance. |
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(Effective February 3, 1993; Amended September 7, 2016) |
| Sec. 14-137-82. Suspension of operator's license for history of unsafe operation |
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(a) Pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 14-111 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles is authorized to suspend or revoke any operator's license issued under the provisions of any statute relating to motor vehicles for any cause that said commissioner deems sufficient. All orders made by the commissioner under Section 14-111 (a) shall find their sanction in conduct which if persisted in by the operator of a motor vehicle, would, in general, evoke a reasonable apprehension of danger resulting to the operator himself and to others lawfully upon the public highways. (b) Each holder of a motor vehicle operator's license shall be deemed to have engaged in conduct in the manner of operation of a motor vehicle that is unsafe, and that, if continued, will cause an unreasonable danger to such license holder and to others lawfully upon the public highways if such license holder: (1) Has a driving record on file with the commissioner which contains convictions for three (3) unsafe moving traffic violations as hereinafter defined in subsection (d); and (2) Is convicted of one (1) such additional unsafe moving traffic violation within two (2) years of the date of conviction for the first such unsafe traffic violation. (c) Any such license holder who engages in such conduct shall be subject to a suspension of such holder's operator's license for a period of thirty (30) days. (d) An unsafe moving traffic violation is a conviction of a violation of one of the following Connecticut statutes: (1) Sec. 14-218a. Traveling unreasonably fast. (2) Sec. 14-219. Speeding. (3) Sec. 14-223 (a). Disobeying orders of officer. (4) Sec. 14-224 (c). Wagering, speed record. (5) Sec. 14-231. Vehicles in opposite directions to pass on right. (6) Sec. 14-232. Passing. (7) Sec. 14-233. Passing on right. (8) Sec. 14-234. Determination of no-passing zones. (9) Sec. 14-235. Vehicle not to be driven on left side of highway on curve or upgrade. (10) Sec. 14-237. Driving on divided highways. (11) Sec. 14-238. Controlled-access highways. (12) Sec. 14-238a. Illegal entry on limited access highway. (13) Sec. 14-239. One-way streets. Rotaries or roundabouts. (14) Sec. 14-240. Failure to drive reasonable distance apart. (15) Sec. 14-240a. Failure to drive reasonable distance apart, intent to harass. (16) Sec. 14-241. Turns. (17) Sec. 14-242. Turns restricted. (18) Sec. 14-243. Starting or backing a vehicle. (19) Sec. 14-244. Signals. (20) Sec. 14-245. Intersection. Right-of-way. (21) Sec. 14-246a. Right-of-way at junction of highways. (22) Sec. 14-247. Right-of-way at driveway or private road. (23) Sec. 14-247a. Right-of-way yielded by one emerging from alley, driveway, or building. (24) Sec. 14-249. Stopping at grade crossings. (25) Sec. 14-250. Certain motor vehicles to stop at railroad crossing. (26) Sec. 14-279. Passing stopped school bus. (27) Sec. 14-281a. Operation of school bus at unreasonable speed. (28) Sec. 14-283. Rights of emergency vehicles. Obstruction of. (29) Sec. 14-296aa. Use of hand held mobile telephones and mobile electronic devices. (30) Sec. 14-299. Failure to obey control signals. (31) Sec. 14-300. Crosswalks. Pedestrian-control signals. (32) Sec. 14-301. Failure to obey stop sign. (33) Sec. 14-303. Designation of one-way streets. (e) Prior to the imposition of such suspension the license holder shall be given an opportunity for a hearing on the proposed suspension of such holder's license, but such hearing shall be limited to the identity of such license holder, and whether such license holder has in fact been convicted of four (4) such serious violations within a two (2) year period. (f) For the purpose of this regulation, the terms "conviction" or "convicted" shall be as defined in subdivision (21) of subsection (a) of Section 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and shall include payment of a fine to the Centralized Infraction Bureau in accordance with Section 51-164n of the Connecticut General Statutes. |
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(Effective July 27, 1993; Amended July 26, 2012) |
| Sec. 14-137-83. Skills test requirements |
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(a) Prior to issuing a motor vehicle operator's license to any person permitting operation of any motor vehicle identified in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, as authorized in accordance with sections 14-36 and 14-36a of the general statutes, shall require that such person demonstrate personally that he is competent to operate such a motor vehicle, and shall require such person to take and pass an on-the-road skills test. The test shall be administered by an inspector of the department of motor vehicles in a representative vehicle under typical driving conditions, and in accordance with standards prescribed by the commissioner. Such vehicle shall be provided by the operator and shall meet all legal requirements for highway operation. (b) The skills test shall be required prior to licensing for operation of a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1(a)(11) of the general statutes and for which a skills test is required by the provisions of section 14-44e of the general statutes. (c) Any person who does not pass the skills test shall be entitled to request and take at least one (1) additional test, and may, in the discretion of the commissioner, be permitted to take further tests upon condition that such person will undergo such additional training as the commissioner prescribes. (d) This section shall not be construed to apply to proficiency testing for operators of school buses, as conducted in accordance with the requirements of subsection (b) of section 14-276a of the general statutes. |
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(Effective January 26, 1996) |
| Sec. 14-137-84—14-137-98. [Reserved] |
| Sec. 14-137-99. Lighting requirements for motor vehicles |
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Any motor vehicle equipped with lamps or other lighting devices required under the provisions of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 571.108, as amended, but not otherwise required by any provision of Title 14 of the Connecticut General Statutes, shall have and maintain such lamps or lighting devices in proper operating condition when operating on the highways of this state. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-100. Miscellaneous lighting devices for motor vehicles |
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Unless a lighting device is specifically required for a motor vehicle in accordance with Sections 14-96a through 14-96aa of the General Statutes, or is required for a motor vehicle in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Specification (FMVSS) #108, or is otherwise permitted by law, any illuminating device for a motor vehicle shall conform to the specifications in Sections 14-96a-3 to 14-96a-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-101. Allowable colors |
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Any light visible from a motor vehicle shall not be of a color except as follows: (a) Any light visible from the front of the vehicle shall be white, yellow or amber; (b) Any light visible from the forwardmost edge of the rear tire of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle shall be amber or yellow; (c) Any light visible from the forwardmost edge of the rear tire of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle shall be red; and (d) Any light visible from the rear of the vehicle shall be red or amber. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-102. Definition of colors |
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Allowable colors specified in Sec. 14-96a-3 shall comply with the color definitions in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standard J578 MAY 88 for the colors red, yellow (amber), selective yellow, white (achromatic) or white to yellow. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-103. Luminous intensity |
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The luminous intensity of a lighting device in accordance with Sec. 14-96a-2 which is not required or permitted lighting shall not exceed three hundred (300) candela unless an SAE or FMVSS standard exists for the device permitting a different intensity in a specified direction. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-104. Certification |
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Unless a lighting device is required or permitted by law as specified in Sec. 14-96a-2, a lighting device used in connection with a motor vehicle shall be certified for use by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-137 (b) of the General Statutes. |
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(Effective July 25, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-105. Headlamp modulator for motorcycles |
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A motorcycle headlamp which is constructed and operated in conformance with the provisions of the Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 571.108, as amended, shall not be considered a flashing light and may be used on the highways of this state. |
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(Effective August 19, 1994) |
| Sec. 14-137-106. [Reserved] |
| Sec. 14-137-107. Definitions |
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As used in Sections 14-137-107 to 14-137-109, inclusive, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: (1) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of motor vehicles or his designee; (2) "DMV" means the department of motor vehicles; (3) "Market value" means the average trade-in value, appearing in the current month's issue of the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide, Eastern Edition; (4) "Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 14-1 of the general statutes; (5) "Storage facility" means a registered place of storage for motor vehicles for which a schedule of storage charges has been filed by a tower, in accordance with section 14-66 of the general statutes; (6) "Tower" means a person, firm or corporation licensed as a dealer or repairer and engaged in the business of towing or transporting motor vehicles for compensation, as provided in accordance with section 14-66 of the general statutes; (7) "VIN" means the motor vehicle identification number; |
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(Adopted effective December 8, 1997) |
| Sec. 14-137-108. Notice to police and owner concerning non-consensual tow of a motor vehicle from private property, and notice upon sale or disposition |
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(a) When a motor vehicle which has been left, without authorization, on private property, is towed or removed by a tower upon request of the owner or lessee in possession of the property, the tower or storage facility shall notify the local police department in the time required by section 14-145 of the general statutes. Such notice may be given by telephone if the tower or storage facility maintains a written record including the name of the person contacted. The vehicle shall be completely identified including make, model, year, color, and, to the extent available, its registration number, VIN, and the name and address of the registered owner and/or lessee. (b) No operator of a storage facility shall charge a storage fee for the time that a motor vehicle is stored prior to giving the notification to the local police department in accordance with subsection (a). (c) If the motor vehicle towed from private property is not claimed within forty-eight (48) hours, the tower or storage facility shall complete the designated portions of DMV Form "Motor Vehicle Notice of Tow" and shall mail a copy of the said Form by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner and to all lienholders of record. (d) If the motor vehicle is not claimed by its owner or lessee within the time periods specified in subsection (e) of section 14-150 of the general statutes, the tower or the storage facility where such motor vehicle is stored may sell or dispose of it in accordance with the provisions of subsections (g), (h) and (i) of section 14-150 of the general statutes. Notification shall include notice to the motor vehicle owner, to all lienholders of record, and to the commissioner. Notice of intent to sell shall be provided to the commissioner by returning, with the signature of the tower or storage facility under penalty of false statement, the DMV Form "Notice of Intent to Sell". The notice to the commissioner shall include evidence that notice has been given by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner and to all lienholders of record at least five (5) days before the date of sale. Upon receipt of such notice of intent, the commissioner shall make such notice available as a public record. (e) Any tower or storage facility which sells a motor vehicle in accordance with this section shall report such sale to the commissioner as provided in section 14-150-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The tower or storage facility shall also issue to the purchaser of the motor vehicle a completed and executed DMV Form "Affidavit of Compliance". DMV shall not register or title any such motor vehicle sold by a tower or storage facility unless the application for registration and title is accompanied by the duly executed "Affidavit of Compliance". |
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(Adopted effective December 8, 1997) |
| Sec. 14-137-109. Value of motor vehicle |
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The commissioner shall require any tower or storage facility which files with the commissioner a DMV Form "Notice of Intent to Sell" to state on such form the market value of the motor vehicle which it intends to sell, where such value is greater than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Such statement shall be under penalty of false statement. If the tower or storage facility claims that the market value is not an accurate estimate of the value of the motor vehicle, then a reasonable estimate of current market value may be provided together with a statement of the facts on which such estimate is based. |
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(Adopted effective December 8, 1997) |
| Sec. 14-137-110. Definitions |
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As used in Sections 14-137-110 to 14-137-111, inclusive, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: (1) "Bailee" means a bailee for hire of a motor vehicle; (2) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or his designee; (3) "DMV" means the Department of Motor Vehicles; (4) "Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 14-1 of the general statutes; (5) "VIN" means the motor vehicle identification number. |
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(Adopted effective December 8, 1997) |
| Sec. 14-137-111. Notice to owner of motor vehicle upon sale or intent to sell by bailee for hire |
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(a) If a bailee for hire claims to have a lien on a motor vehicle, and the lien has not been dissolved upon the substitution of a bond with surety as provided by subsection (a) of section 49-61 of the general statutes, and if the bailee proposes to sell the motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of said section 49-61, the bailee shall give written notice to the commissioner and pay the fee as provided in subsection (b) of said section 49-61. The notice to the commissioner shall be by certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall include completion and filing of the DMV Form "Notice of Intent to Sell" by the bailee, and the mailing or delivery of such DMV form to the commissioner. The commissioner shall make such notice available as a public record. (b) Compliance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not relieve a bailee from providing notice to the owner and/or lessee of record of the motor vehicle, and to any lienholder as recorded on the certificate of title of the motor vehicle, upon advertising of the motor vehicle for sale, and from complying with all other requirements of subsection (d) of section 49-61 of the general statutes. The DMV shall, upon request by a bailee by telephone, immediately provide to such bailee such title and/or registration information regarding any bailed motor vehicle as may be permitted by law and necessary for providing such notice to the owner and/or lessee of record and to any or all lienholders of record. The bailee shall maintain in its files a record including the date of such request and such information including VIN provided by the bailee to the DMV. (c) Upon sale of the motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of section 49-61 of the general statutes, the bailee shall issue to the purchaser(s) thereof the DMV Form "Affidavit of Compliance". The bailee may be required to provide to the commissioner evidence that the provisions of subsection (d) of section 49-61 have been fulfilled. The commissioner shall not issue registration or title for a motor vehicle which has been sold in accordance with the provisions of this section unless the application is accompanied by the duly executed "Affidavit of Compliance". (d) Any sale found to be in violation of the notice requirements of Section 49-61 of the general statutes and this regulation shall be void. |
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(Adopted effective December 8, 1997) |
| Sec. 14-137-112—14-137-114. [Reserved] |
| Sec. 14-137-115. Credit card not required |
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As provided in section 14-153b of the general statutes, no person, firm or corporation licensed in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-15 of the General Statutes and engaged in the business of renting or leasing passenger motor vehicles, as defined in subsection (59) of subsection (a) of Section 14-1 of the General Statutes, without drivers, for periods of thirty (30) days or less, shall require any customer to show proof that he holds a card provided by a credit card issuer as a condition to the rental of a passenger motor vehicle. |
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(Adopted effective May 4, 1998) |
| Sec. 14-137-116. Identification and deposit |
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Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14-137-115, a licensee may require from a customer both suitable identification in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-137-117, and a reasonable deposit in accordance with the provisions of Section 14-137-118. |
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(Adopted effective May 4, 1998) |
| Sec. 14-137-117. Suitable identification |
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In addition to a current operator's license, a licensee may require a customer to provide one other form of identification as proof of such customer's current residence address. Prior to acceptance of an operator's license as suitable identification, the licensee shall be permitted to perform a status check on such license with the department of motor vehicles, or any agent of or contractor with such department. |
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(Adopted effective May 4, 1998; Amended February 6, 2009) |
| Sec. 14-137-118. Deposit |
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A licensee may, as a condition of rental, require a customer to provide a reasonable deposit, which deposit shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or one and one half (1½) times the anticipated cost of the rental, whichever is the greater amount. |
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(Adopted effective May 4, 1998) |
| Sec. 14-137-119. Conditions. Waiting period |
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(a) Except as provided in Sections 14-137-115 through 14-137-119, inclusive, no licensee shall impose any additional fees or conditions on customers who do not show proof of holding a card provided by a credit card issuer that are not equally imposed on customers who do show proof of holding such card. In the event there is any waiting period associated with the policies of a licensee for customers who do not show proof of holding a card provided by a credit card issuer to obtain a motor vehicle rental, such waiting period shall be deemed an additional condition if it exceeds one (1) business day. (b) Nothing in sections 14-137-115 to 14-137-119, inclusive, shall be construed to prohibit a licensee from denying a motor vehicle rental to a customer in the ordinary course of business provided such denial is not a consequence of a customer not showing proof of holding a credit card. |
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(Adopted effective May 4, 1998) |
| Sec. 14-137-120. Requirements and procedures |
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(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a temporary registration, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-12 of the Connecticut General Statutes, to any truck with a gross motor vehicle weight rating in excess of 18,000 pounds, or commercial trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs. except in accordance with the requirements of this section. (b) Upon completion of the application for registration (DMV Form H-13), presentation of evidence of mandatory, minimum security coverage, and payment of the fee prescribed by subsection (n) of section 14-49 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the applicant shall be issued a distinctive temporary commercial registration marker plate. No such temporary marker plate shall entitle the motor vehicle to be used for commercial operations or be operated with a load. Each such temporary marker plate shall bear the legend "Inspection Only" and the expiration date of the registration period, which shall not exceed ten (10) days from the date of issue. Such registration and marker plate shall authorize the motor vehicle to be operated on any public highway solely for one or more of the following: (i) operation of the motor vehicle to or from the place of sale or transfer, or to or from a plant, construction site or other job location, or (ii) obtaining repairs or installation of new or replacement vehicle equipment or components, or (iii) obtaining a safety inspection in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. (c) Each motor vehicle that is issued an "Inspection Only" temporary marker plate shall, prior to the expiration of such plate, be presented for a safety inspection conducted by the staff of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The inspection shall be scheduled by appointment, or in accordance with a regular schedule of days, hours and locations for commercial motor vehicle inspections, such as may be published by the Department. The inspection shall be conducted using the standards for a North American Standard "Level 1" Inspection as published by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. If the motor vehicle fails inspection, the owner shall be entitled to obtain one (1) additional temporary registration for inspection purposes, upon payment of the appropriate registration fee as mandated by section 14-49(n) of the Connecticut General Statutes. (d) The owner of each motor vehicle who meets the application requirements of subsection (b) of this section and whose vehicle passes inspection in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall be entitled, upon payment of the appropriate registration fee, as mandated by section 14-49(n) of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the administrative fee required by the provisions of section 14-12s of the Connecticut General Statutes, to obtain an unrestricted temporary registration valid for a period of up to sixty (60) days. No additional temporary registration shall be issued to any such motor vehicle unless it passes another safety inspection in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of this section. |
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(Adopted effective May 2, 2007) |
| Sec. 14-137-121. Nonresident operators. Reciprocity |
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In accordance with the provisions of sections 14-39 and 14-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and subject to the exceptions stated therein, any nonresident sixteen (16) years of age or older, including any person who is admitted to the United States as a temporary visitor, may operate any registered motor vehicle on the highways of this state, provided that such nonresident is the holder of a motor vehicle operator's license issued by any state or territory of the United States, or by any country that is a member of a currently valid agreement entered into with the United States that provides for the reciprocal extension of driving privileges. Such motor vehicle operator's license shall be in the possession of such nonresident and must be current and valid according to its terms. If such motor vehicle operator's license is in any language besides English or Spanish, or if it has not been issued by a territory of Canada, it shall be accompanied by an English translation and certified under the form of an International Driving Permit, in accordance with Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949), unless the validity of the license is readily ascertainable by law enforcement personnel without the benefit of such official translation. |
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(Adopted effective December 7, 2004) |
| Sec. 14-137-122. Accuracy of name and address information on motor vehicle registrations |
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(a) As used in this section, "individual" means a natural person who is not licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles to engage in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles, or licensed as a motor vehicle dealer, repairer or recycler. (b) If any individual is the holder of five or more motor vehicle registrations issued in his or her name, either individually or jointly with other named owners, the commissioner may require such individual to furnish a statement under oath, and made subject to the penalties provided by sections 14-110 and 53a-157b of the Connecticut General Statutes that such individual is the owner of the motor vehicles registered and of any additional motor vehicle for which an application for registration is made. If the individual declines to furnish such a statement under oath, or if the commissioner is not satisfied as to the ownership of the motor vehicles registered or sought to be registered, the commissioner may suspend or revoke any or all of the registrations bearing the name of such individual, and may refuse to issue any new registration. (c) If any application made by an individual for a motor vehicle registration contains a street address that appears on five or more other active registrations that have been issued in the names of other individuals, the commissioner may, unless the applicant provides an apartment number or unit number and attests that he or she resides in an apartment or other type of dwelling space that contains more than five residential units, require the applicant to furnish a statement under oath, and made subject to the penalties provided by sections 14-110 and 53a-157b of the Connecticut General Statutes that such street address is the present and actual residence of the applicant . If the individual declines to furnish such a statement under oath, the commissioner may refuse to grant the application. (d) If the commissioner takes an action authorized under the provisions of subsections (b) or (c) of this section, any person who claims to be aggrieved by such action shall be given an opportunity for an administrative hearing, conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. At such hearing the respondent shall have the opportunity to show cause why his or her motor vehicle registration should be granted or why registrations issued in his or her name should not be suspended or revoked. Any such showing shall include the presentation of evidence that the respondent is the owner and is in possession of each motor vehicle that is registered in his or her name, and that the address given on the application or contained on the registration is a bona fide residence or business address. |
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(Adopted effective July 19, 2005) |
| Sec. 14-137-123. Definitions |
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As used in sections 14-137-123 and 14-137-124 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies: (1) ‘‘Fifth wheel’’ shall have the same meaning as provided in 49 CFR 393.5; (2) ‘‘Trailer’’ includes camp trailers, commercial trailers, pole trailers, semitrailers, utility trailers, and all trailers as each is defined in section 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes; and (3) ‘‘Trailer hitch or coupling’’ means the device that is used to securely attach the trailer to the towing vehicle. |
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(Adopted effective March 2, 2010; Amended June 1, 2015) |
| Sec. 14-137-124. Towing of trailers |
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Latest version.
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(a) Every trailer hitch or coupling, used as a means of attaching a trailer to the towing vehicle, shall be properly and securely mounted, be structurally adequate and properly rated for the weight drawn. In addition to the trailer hitch or coupling, every trailer, with the exception of a semitrailer drawn by a tractor or truck tractor by means of a fifth wheel, shall be connected to the frame of the towing vehicle by means of a safety chain, chains, cables or equivalent safety device which shall be of sufficient strength to control the trailer in the event of a failure of the regular trailer hitch or coupling. Every trailer while being drawn upon the public highways in this state shall be so attached to the vehicle drawing such trailer as to prevent the wheels of said trailer from being deflected more than six inches from the path of the towing vehicle’s wheels. (b) Each motor vehicle used for towing a trailer shall be equipped with two external mirrors, so located and adjusted on such vehicle as to give the operator thereof a clear reflected view of the highway directly to the rear of or on a line parallel to the left and right sides of the body of such motor vehicle. |
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(Adopted effective March 2, 2010; Amended June 1, 2015) |
| Sec. 14-137-125. Definitions |
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Latest version.
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As used in Sections 14-137-125 through 14-137-127, inclusive, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings: "Chassis" means the frame, suspension and related components, including the axles that support the body of a motor vehicle. "Federal Certification Label" means the label containing the manufacturer's name, vehicle identification number, vehicle type, gross vehicle weight rating and gross axle weight ratings as required under the provisions of 49 CFR Part 567. "Manufacturer" means any alterer, completed vehicle manufacturer, or final-stage manufacturer registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as required under the provisions of 49 CFR Part 566 and who is required to affix a Federal Certification Label to an applicable motor vehicle under the provisions of 49 CFR Part 567. "Motor Vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in Section 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes, having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more. |
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(Effective December 3, 2012) |
| Sec. 14-137-126. Requirements |
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Latest version.
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1. The Federal Certification Label shall be affixed to each applicable motor vehicle as required under the provisions of 49 CFR Part 567, legible, and maintained in good condition. 2. If repair work to a motor vehicle will damage the required label, prior to performing said repairs, the label shall be photographed and the photograph shall be maintained with the motor vehicle's registration until such time that a replacement label is affixed to the motor vehicle. The replacement label shall be affixed to the motor vehicle within three (3) months of completion of said repairs. 3. If any motor vehicle which has been manufactured in two or more stages or has been altered under the provisions of 49 CFR Part 567 is missing the Federal Certification Label affixed to said motor vehicle by a manufacturer or a photograph of the original label is not available, the motor vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and gross axle weight ratings shall revert to those established by the original manufacturer of the chassis and shall exclude any extra axles not originally installed on the chassis. |
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(Effective December 3, 2012) |
| Sec. 14-137-127. Penalty |
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Latest version.
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Any person operating a motor vehicle without the required Federal Certification Label as described in Section 14-137-126 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall be deemed to have committed a violation of section 14-137 of the Connecticut General Statutes and shall be subject to a penalty as prescribed by law. |
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(Effective December 3, 2012) |