Connecticut State Troopers were busy over the Thanksgiving weekend. According to a statement the agency recently issued, troopers made 50 driving under the influence arrests from Wednesday at midnight until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. State troopers stepped up their enforcement of Connecticut roads during the long weekend, also reporting 501 violations issued for speeding, 118 violations issued for seat belt violations, and another 559 violations issued for other hazardous driving behaviors. Hazardous violations include following too closely and using a cell phone while driving.  

With the holiday season in full swing, drivers should be aware that law enforcement will continue to be out in full force between now and the New Year holiday, continuing to arrest drivers they suspect of DUI and issuing violations for traffic infractions.

DUI Arrests

In Connecticut, a driver will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. Penalties for drunk driving convictions in Connecticut are harsh. A first offense conviction will result in a license suspension and could also lead to either jail time or community service. There are also fines that will be ordered.

Truck drivers are required to follow strict regulations related to the operation of commercial vehicles. Some of the most important of these regulations address the amount of cargo a commercial truck is allowed to carry. Weight limits are based on the number of axles on a truck and trailer, and truck drivers are required to have their trucks weighed regularly to ensure that they are in compliance with these limits. Drivers who are charged with overweight truck violations will need to understand the specific penalties they may face and how these penalties may affect their ability to continue driving a commercial vehicle.

Fines and Other Penalties for Overweight Violations

Most of the time, the amount that a driver will be fined will be based on how far their truck is over the weight limit. The fines are charged as follows:

• Less than 5 percent overweight - $3 per 100 pounds over the weight limit, with no minimum fine

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Most drivers are likely to be pulled over by a police officer and issued a traffic ticket at some point during their lives. Even the safest driver can make a mistake and commit a traffic violation. Most of the time, traffic tickets will result in fines, and they may lead to increased car insurance rates. However, drivers should be aware that if they receive multiple traffic tickets within a certain period of time, they could potentially face the suspension of their driver’s license. By understanding how the points added to their driving record for different types of traffic violations can lead to a license suspension, drivers can make sure they are taking the right steps to avoid the loss of their driving privileges.

The Connecticut Driver’s License Points System

When a person is convicted of a traffic violation, a certain number of points will be added to their driving record. Some examples of the number of points that will be added for different violations include:

• Speeding - One point
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way street - One point
• Illegal turns or failure to use a turn signal - One point
• Using a hand-held electronic device or texting while driving - One point
• Failure to use a child seat belt or safety restraints - Two points
• Speeding or other violations of safety laws in a highway work zone - Two points
• Failing to obey a traffic signal or stop sign - Two points
• Illegal passing - Three points
• Failure to maintain a reasonable distance from other vehicles (tailgating) - Three points
• Failure to give the right of way to a pedestrian - Three points
• Passing a stopped school bus when red lights are flashing - Four points
• Vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide while operating a motor vehicle - Five points

Once points are assessed due to a conviction for a traffic violation, they will remain on a person’s driving record for 24 months. If a person accumulates six points, they will receive a notice warning them of a potential driver’s license suspension. If a person accumulates 10 points, their driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days. If a person receives a traffic violation that causes them to have a point total of 10 or more for a second time within five years, their license will be suspended until their point total falls below 10.

Originally published: July 29, 2018 -- Updated: June 3, 2021

UPDATE: Drivers who use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving may be subject to traffic violations as described below. However, distracted driving may also result in criminal charges if it leads to an accident that causes a person’s death.

Connecticut law does not specifically define the offense of causing a fatality due to using a cell phone or texting while driving. Depending on the circumstances of a case, a person may be charged with multiple types of criminal offenses:

Most adults have received at least one or two traffic citations in their lifetime. They may have driven above the speed limit, run a red light, or failed to stop fully at a stop sign. While traffic violations are typically considered minor offenses, the consequences can be significant. Penalties for traffic infractions may include stiff fines, and, if you have accumulated too many demerit points, suspension of your driver’s license. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket, you may wonder what your options are for challenging the ticket, or if it is in your best interests to contest the ticket by pleading not guilty.

Is My Ticket Worth Fighting?

Many people do not realize that they have the option to contest a traffic ticket. Others understand that this option is available but assume that the time and energy needed to challenge the traffic violation is simply not worth it. If you are questioning whether or not to plead not guilty to your traffic violation, consider the following:

• Did you actually commit the offense that you have been accused of?
• Do you have any evidence you can use to prove your innocence?
• Will paying the fine cause you considerable financial stress?
• Will the ticket lead to a significant increase in your car insurance payment?
• Are you facing suspension of your driver’s license?

If you did not commit the traffic infraction, the ticket will create a significant financial burden, or you are facing license suspension or other significant consequences, it may be a good idea to contest the ticket.