Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut defines distracted driving as any act of a person while driving a vehicle that is not related to driving. These include visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. Here are some examples:

• Looking away from the road
• Taking your hands behind the wheel
• Drawing your attention to something other than driving

In the state of Connecticut, drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are prohibited from using a mobile phone or mobile device. This includes mobile phones and hands-free devices.

Drivers over the age of 18 are prohibited from using mobile phones. However, they can use Bluetooth, a wired headset, a car kit, or a hands-free phone. If a police officer sees you with a mobile phone to your ear, he will assume that you are on the phone, so be careful when you are driving. The only exceptions to this law are emergencies.

Drivers of all ages are not allowed to send text messages while driving using a portable mobile phone. This includes reading, typing or sending a text message. If you are over 18, you are allowed to send text messages using the speakerphone feature. An emergency is also an exception to this law.

Законодательство

• Drivers aged 16 to 17 cannot use a mobile device at all, including sending text messages.
• Drivers aged 18 and over may use a hands-free mobile phone, including text messaging.

Penalties for using a portable cell phone

• First violation - $125.
• Second violation - $250.
• Third and subsequent violations - $400.

Text message penalties

• First violation - $100.
• Second and third offenses - $200.

Punishments for teenagers

• The first violation is a 30-day license suspension, a $125 license reinstatement fee, and court fines.
• The second and later violations include license suspension for six months or until the driver is 18 years of age, a $125 license reinstatement fee, and court fines.

Connecticut Police can stop a driver for violating any of the above laws and nothing else. Fines and penalties in Connecticut are hefty, so it's important to pay close attention to the various laws depending on the age group you're in. For your safety and the safety of others, it is best not to take your eyes off the road.