Update: When Can Traffic Violations Lead to a License Suspension in Connecticut?

 Posted on January 12, 2023 in Traffic Violations

Originally published: July 28, 2021 -- Updated: January 12, 2023

Update: It is almost inevitable that a driver will be stopped by a police officer at some point in their driving lifetime for some type of traffic infraction. Unfortunately, if a driver has a history of receiving traffic violations, they may begin to accumulate points on their driving record and these points can eventually lead to the suspension of driving privileges, as explained below.

There have been changes to two of the items listed below – failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians and seat belt use – that recently went into effect in Connecticut that every driver should be aware of.

New Pedestrian Safety Law

Under the new law, Public Act No. 21-28, pedestrians are now able to just step on the curb of a crosswalk and give drivers a hand signal to let them know they want to cross the street. Drivers are now required to yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is in any portion of a crosswalk – including just having an object the pedestrian is using (i.e., cane, wheelchair, leashed dog) enter the crosswalk. Prior to this change, a driver was required to stop if the pedestrian was physically in the crosswalk.

New Seat Belt Requirement

Another law that recently had changes that could result in stiff fines – and potential points – is the change in seat belt requirements. Under the new law, everyone inside a vehicle is required to buckle up, including any adult in the back seat. Up until this recent change, drivers, front seat passengers, and anyone in the back seat between the ages of 4 to 16, (children under 4 years of age are required to be in a child safety seat), were required to wear a seat belt. Now, everyone in the back seat – from 4 years old and up – is required to wear a seat belt.

Due to the potential impact points can have on both a person’s driving record and insurance premiums, it is beneficial to speak to a Fairfield County traffic violations attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner should you receive a traffic citation. Call 203-348-5846 for more information.

Sources:

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/state-officials-to-discuss-new-rear-seatbelt-law/2590856/

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00028-R00HB-05429-PA.PDF

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.

Contact Our Fairfield County Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer

To prevent a potential license suspension, drivers may need to determine their options for defending against traffic violations or having a traffic ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser violation. If you have been charged with a traffic violation that could affect your license, The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can help you understand your best options, and we will work to minimize the consequences you may face. Contact our Stamford traffic ticket defense attorney at 203-348-5846 to arrange your free consultation and get legal help with your case.

Source:

https://eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Browse/RCSA/Title_14Subtitle_14-137a_HTML/