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Today we’re going over a few traffic laws that have taken effect this year in the state of Connecticut. You know us…we like keeping current with the ever-changing world of automobiles…
Here are the top new regulations implemented in the Constitution State for 2025.
(This list is current as of June 2025 and of course, is subject to change based on Connecticut’s right to impose any developments as they see fit.)
This bill, which is also referred to as “An Act Concerning Excessive Reckless Driving,” was passed in the Connecticut House of Representatives earlier this year. The bill now enforces specific penalties for drivers whose speed exceeds 100 MPH – which is considered reckless driving. 
The new penalties for violations of the law are distinctly more severe than previous ones, and include:
- $200-$600 fine for a first offense, up to 30 days prison sentence, or both
- Up to $1000 fine and 364 days prison sentence, or both for a subsequent offense
- Up to 48 hours of vehicle impoundment at the owner’s expense
Here we have what is called “And Act Concerning Non-Safety-Related Traffic Stops, Driving While Consuming Cannabis, and Excessive Reckless Driving.” The aim of this bill is to clarify particular statutes regarding traffic stops on account of cannabis usage, properly displayed number plates, lamps and illuminating devices, windshield matters, and registration issues.
Some penalties related to the cannabis portion of the bill are as follows:
- Drivers who smoke, inhale, or ingest cannabis face a Class C misdemeanor with up to three months in prison, a $500 fine, or both
- Passengers who smoke, inhale, or ingest cannabis face a Class D misdemeanor, a $250 fine, up to 30 days in prison, or both
It’s interesting to note that Connecticut allows for Peace Officers to stop vehicles for the above violations if the see the act happening, or if they even smell the burning of the cannabis plant
Some other updates pertinent to the new bill include:
- $250 fine for operating an unregistered vehicle
- Penalties for registrations expired for over 60 days
- Stricter suspension rules for under-18 drivers who commit certain traffic violations
Although not officially passed yet (if it becomes approved, it will pass as of July 1, 2025), this bill is “An Act Concerning Highway, Pedestrian, and Cyclist Safety.” The bill proposes some of the following updates to current Connecticut traffic and safety laws:
- Any driver or passenger of a motorcycle who is under 21 years old is obligated to wear a protective helmet
- Bicycle operators under 18 are required to wear protective helmets
- Drivers may not linger in the left lane if not used for passing
- Research and further define “electronic mobile device” as it pertains to driving
- Require reflective paint on highways
- Allow for the reporting of unsafe driving
And these are the recent developments in the world of traffic and street safety in the state of Connecticut. Remember, if you’re a resident of the Constitution State and your registration is up for renewal, we can help! Head over to our dedicated CT page and get your renewal done in a jiffy. And if you need a hand any point, we are always happy to oblige, because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
1 comment
This is a well-structured summary of Connecticut’s 2025 traffic law updates. The increased focus on excessive speeding—especially the clear thresholds and penalties—is a crucial step toward improving road safety.
It’s also notable how the legislation addresses cannabis use in vehicles, a gray area in many states. Clarifying both driver and passenger responsibilities will help reduce enforcement ambiguity and improve compliance.
As someone who follows transportation policy closely, I think these changes reflect a broader national trend: balancing personal freedom with public safety, especially through technology (e.g., speed limiters, red light cameras). Curious to see how enforcement and public education will adapt over time.