Connecticut Traffic Violation Records

In Connecticut, traffic violation records are maintained by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), while court-related traffic case records are held by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Traffic violation records in the state include violations such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence (DUI).

According to recent data, approximately 4.74% of drivers in Connecticut have a prior speeding violation, which is one of the lowest in the United States and well below the national average of 10.54%.

In order to reduce instances of speeding and traffic violations, Connecticut operates under a point system that tracks traffic infractions. Points are assessed based on the severity of the offense, such as 1-3 points for speeding and 5 points for reckless driving. If a driver accumulates 10 or more points within a 24-month period, their driver's license may be suspended by the DMV.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Connecticut?

Traffic violation records are generally considered public records in Connecticut. However, access is limited by the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which restricts the release of personal information such as driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, and addresses. The public may also access case-level information of traffic crimes maintained in the court through the Connecticut Judicial Branch's online court case look-up system. Physical copies of such records may be obtained by submitting a request to the office of the court clerk maintaining the record.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Connecticut?

You may use the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Centralized Infractions Bureau ticket search tool to look up traffic tickets in the state. To perform the search, you must provide the ticket number and check digit. If you have lost your ticket, you may call the CIB at (860) 263-2750 or email Centralized.InfractionsBureau@jud.ct.gov.

Some third-party websites also provide tools for the public to look up traffic ticket information online. Therefore, you may use any reliable third-party public record look-up website, such as publicrecord.us, to find Connecticut traffic ticket information.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Connecticut offers the following methods for traffic fine payment:

• Online: You may pay your traffic fine online with a credit card via the Connecticut Judicial Branch CIB online portal.
• By mail: You may mail the amount due by check or money order to the CIB, P.O. Box 5044, Hartford, CT 06102-5044

When submitting your payment, be sure to include your ticket or the Failure to Respond Notice for proper processing. Use the self-addressed envelope provided with your ticket. If you do not have the envelope, send your full payment to the address above. Make checks or money orders payable to "Clerk of Superior Court" and write your ticket number on the payment.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain your driving record from the Connecticut DMV online, in person, or by mail. Online access is available via the Connecticut DMV portal. Your name, date of birth, street address, driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card will be required to complete a request on the DMV portal.

If you prefer an in-person request, you must schedule an appointment with a DMV location to submit your request. At the DMV office, you must bring a photo ID, submit a completed record request form, and pay an $8 fee per DMV transaction in addition to the application fee.

To complete the process by mail, submit a completed Form J-23 or records request form, a copy of your photo ID, and a form or check of the relevant fee to:

The fee for a Connecticut driving record is $20. The record contains a three-year history of any convictions of moving violations, any points against your license, and any other convictions mandated by law.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Connecticut?

A Connecticut moving violation occurs when a state traffic law is broken while the vehicle is in motion. These typically carry higher penalties and may result in points on your license, insurance increases, or license suspension. Common Moving Violations in Connecticut:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating

Non-moving violations typically occur when a vehicle is stationary or when the offense is not related to driving behavior, such as documentation or equipment issues. These usually do not add points to a driving record but may carry fines or require corrective action. Common Non-Moving Violations in Connecticut:

• Parking in a no-parking zone
• Expired registration or license plates
• Failure to display a valid emissions sticker
• Faulty headlights or brake lights

How Long Does an OUI Stay on Your Record in Connecticut?

​An OUI conviction stays on a person's driving record for 10 years. Drunk-driving arrest and fatality rates are low in Connecticut compared to other states in the nation. Connecticut records 238 OUI arrests and 4.83 OUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

Penalties for an OUI conviction in Connecticut include the following:

• First-time OUI conviction
• License Suspension: 45-day license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): After the suspension period, the driver must install an IID for one year in any vehicle they operate.
• Fines: Between $500 and $1,000.
• Jail Time: Up to six months in jail, with a mandatory minimum of two days, or 100 hours of community service in lieu of jail time.
• Alcohol Education Program: The court may order the offender to attend and complete a state-approved alcohol education or substance abuse treatment program.
• Second conviction within 10 years
• License Suspension: 45-day suspension, followed by a three-year IID requirement.
• During the first year of this period, the driver is allowed to operate a vehicle only to and from work, school, or an alcohol treatment program.
• Fines: Between $1,000 and $4,000.
• Jail Time: 120 days to two years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 120 consecutive days.
• Probation: Required, with at least 100 hours of community service.
• Third or further offense:
• Permanent Revocation of Driver's License: There is no automatic right to license reinstatement. After two years, the individual may request a hearing to apply for reconsideration.
• Fines: Between $2,000 and $8,000.
• Jail Time: One to three years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of one year.
• Probation: With at least 100 hours of community service.
• Mandatory Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Program.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Connecticut?

Speeding violations are common traffic violations in Connecticut. Anyone going over the speed limits set in the state may be punished with hefty fines, points on their license, and potential jail time. Standard speed limits in the state include the following:

• Urban areas and residential zones: 25 mph
• School zones during school hours: 20-25 mph
• Two-lane rural highways: 45-55 mph
• Divided highways: 55-65 mph
• Interstate highways (urban): 55 mph
• Interstate highways (rural): 65 mph

Fines associated with speeding in Connecticut include the following:

• Up to 9 mph over the limit: $162
• 10-14 mph over the limit: $167-$187
• 15-19 mph over the limit: $191-$210
• 20-21 mph over the limit: $216-$220
• 22 or more mph over the limit: $226 or more

Note that fines are doubled in school and construction zones. Also, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 85 mph or more, putting their passengers at risk, face reckless driving charges rather than a standard speeding ticket. Reckless driving carries a penalty of a $328 fine.

In addition, points are also added to a driver's license for speeding violations. Examples are:

• 1-14 mph over: 1 point
• 15-30 mph over: 2 points
• Over 30 mph: 3 points

Accumulating 10 points within two years leads to license suspension.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Connecticut?

A speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record for three years in Connecticut.

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may contest a Connecticut traffic ticket using the following defenses:

• Faulty Speed-Detection Equipment: You may argue that the radar or laser gun used to clock your speed was not properly calibrated or maintained, leading to an inaccurate reading.
• Mistaken Identity or Vehicle: If the officer stopped the wrong car, especially in cases involving multiple vehicles, it may be possible to claim mistaken identity.
• Justified Emergency: You may claim that you had to violate a traffic law to avoid greater harm, such as speeding to escape a dangerous situation or to get someone to emergency care.
• Inadequate or Obscured Signage: If the speed limit or traffic regulation signs were missing, damaged, or not visible due to weather or foliage, you may argue that you were not properly informed.
• Officer's Observation Was Inaccurate or Subjective: This defense applies to violations like running a red light or improper lane changes, where you may challenge the officer's perspective or recollection of the incident.

While many minor traffic tickets may be handled without legal representation, there are several situations in which hiring a lawyer is strongly advised. These include when:

• You are facing criminal charges or a misdemeanor
• You have multiple violations or prior offenses
• Your driver's license is at risk of suspension or revocation
• You are a commercial driver. CDL holders face stricter rules and greater consequences for traffic violations

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

As a member of both the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), Connecticut participates in agreements that allow states to share information and enforce traffic laws across state lines. Therefore, if you get a traffic ticket in another DLC member state, the state will report the violation to your home state, and Connecticut (your home state) may assess points or penalties on your driving record as if the violation occurred in-state.

Under the NRVC, if you get a moving violation in another member state and fail to pay or respond to the ticket, the state that issued the ticket will notify Connecticut. In response, Connecticut may suspend your license until the matter is resolved.

You may contest an out-of-state traffic ticket using the following defenses.

• Procedural Errors: If the officer made a mistake in how the ticket was issued (wrong date, vehicle info, or legal citation), it can be challenged in court.
• Inaccurate Speed Detection: Like in-state tickets, you can challenge the accuracy or calibration of radar or lidar equipment, or how the officer assessed your speed.
• No Clear Signage or Unfamiliar Local Laws: If signs were missing or not visible, or if local traffic laws were not clearly posted, it may support a defense of unintentional violation due to lack of notice.
• Justified Emergency: You may argue that you broke the law to avoid immediate harm, such as avoiding an accident or transporting someone in medical distress.
• Mistaken Identity: If the officer cited the wrong vehicle or driver (such as in dense traffic), that may be a valid defense, especially if you have dashcam footage or witnesses.

How Do Connecticut Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Connecticut adopts many standard traffic laws similar to other states across the nation, but modifies some fundamental rules to address specific local needs and circumstances. Connecticut's unique traffic laws include the following:

• All individuals who move to Connecticut from another state are required to obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.
• Connecticut has a strict law regarding cell phone use. All drivers are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while operating a vehicle. The law also restricts text messaging and other forms of electronic communication while driving.
• Drivers in Connecticut who have had their license revoked due to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol are required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.