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New Automotive and Driving Laws in Connecticut

The new year has kicked-off. It is a given that new laws will coincide with this as well. It is important to know the new driver’s license registration laws, existing car seat laws, and cellular phone laws. Be “in the know”, and stay away from fines if at all possible, and obey the law. Start your new year with the knowledge to keep you safe and secure.

NEW 2020 CONNECTICUT LAW

NEW LICENSING AND REGISTATION CHANGES

Less Trips to the Connecticut DMV

• Drivers can to renew licenses every eight (8) years instead of six (6) years.
• Vehicle registrations can be renewed every three (3) years instead of two (2).
• The initial driver’s license will also have an expiration period of seven years (7).

OTHER IMPORTANT 2020 AUTOMOBILE RELATED LAWS TO KEEP IN MIND

SEAT BELT LAWS

 Connecticut assesses penalties of a minimum of $50 for any violation of the seatbelt law, but they also have the option of charging additional penalties if they feel it is necessary.

• Fines can be expensive for not wearing a seat belt for children and adults
• If you do not properly follow the child seat belt law you may be required to take a course for child safety at the DMV, and failure could lead to two (2) months license suspension. 

CAR SEAT LAWS

• If you are over the age of 16 and are riding in the back seat, you’re not required to wear a seatbelt. If you are under the age of 16 you are required by law to be properly secured in a seat belt no matter where you are sitting, front or back.
• If you are lighter than 60lbs and under the age of 8 you child must be securely placed in a booster seat as well as a seat belt. Medical exemptions may apply if a written note is secured from a doctor.

REAR FACING CAR SEATS

• Infants under two (2) years of age and under 30 pounds are to be placed in a rear facing seat.
• Always check your car seat’s manufacturer. Each car seat weight and height recommendations may be different. 

FRONT FACING CAR SEATS 

Children who have reached five years of age or 40 pounds it is recommended that you are using a DOT-approved booster seat that is one of the following two types:

• Children may range from two (2) to four (4) and 30 to 39 pounds.
• Always check your car seat’s manufacturer. Each car seat weight and height recommendations may be different.

BOOSTER SEATS

• Children ranging from five (5) to seven (7) and 40 to 59 pounds
• A full-back booster seat, which protects the child’s head and neck and can be used whether or not you have proper headrests in your vehicle.
• A backless booster seat, which should only be used if you have proper headrests because it does not protect the child’s head and neck area.

Also keep these facts in mind to keep you child safe and comfortable when using one since each child may have a different weight, height and build:

• Always use a lap and shoulder belt, never just a lap belt, to secure the booster seat.
• Make sure the shoulder belt fits snugly over the child’s chest area and never the neck.
• Make sure the lap belt fits across the thigh area, never the abdomen.

DRIVING AND CELL PHONE LAW IN CONNECTCUT

Don’t be a distracted driver. Save lives and don’t text and drive. Texting and driving is a moving violation in the state of Connecticut and also may increase your insurance rates.

• Adult drivers (18 and older) must use hands-free devices while talking on cell phones or using a “mobile electronic device.”
• Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones or other mobile electronic device while driving – with or without hands-free devices. Possible license suspension.

Towne Body Shop is a trusted collision repair shop in Fairfield County and surrounding areas. We’re located at 1298 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT. If you are in need of our collision repair services please contact usonline or call 203.375.5288, Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm.  Regardless of your repair, we will be happy to work with you and provide you a free estimate, as well as full insurance claims assistance, for the services you may need.