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Teenager Driver’s License Restrictions in Connecticut

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One of the biggest thrills in a teenager’s life is the ability to drive. Driving provides freedom and adventure, the ability to meet up with friends, and a practical way to get back and forth without being dependent upon you or the school bus.

However, despite all of the good benefits that come with teenage driving, there can be bad results too. Teenage drivers are inexperienced. Teenagers can be impulsive, and they may not be fully aware of the risks of aggressive driving. Some teens approach driving on the roads like it is the same as one of their video games. This can have disastrous – sadly even fatal – consequences.

What are the Restrictions on My Teen’s Driving?

In our experience, the police are always watching teenage drivers. If the police believe that your teen driver has committed a traffic offense, they will stop your teenager’s vehicle, and will issue a motor vehicle infraction ticket. Infractions are not arrests; however, they have costly money fines for penalties.

In addition to having to deal with court penalties, your teenager will face DMV penalties against their license if they are caught (A) using a cell phone while driving; (B) speeding more than 20 miles over the speed limit; (C) driving recklessly (which means driving too dangerously under the circumstances); and (D) street racing.

For a first offense, your teen’s license will be suspended:

  • Use of Cell Phone and/or Texting 30 day suspension;
  • Speeding (more than 20 miles over) 60 day suspension;
  • Reckless Driving Six month suspension; and
  • Street Racing Six month suspension.

If your teenager offends a second time, the suspension periods increase, as do the court penalties.

Does My Teen Have the Same Driving Abilities That I Do?

The short answer to this is: NO. Teenage licenses also have other restrictions:

  1. No driving of commercial, public service or van pool vehicles until 18 years-old.
  2. All passengers must use seatbelts until 18 years-old.
  3. No use of cell phones at all (even hands-free) until 18 years-old.
  4. Until they turn 18 years-old, teen drivers have a curfew:

(a)        No driving from 11pm to 5am;

(b)       Limited exceptions for school, work, religious activities, and medical necessity.

  1. No passengers during their first six months of licensed driving, except:

(a)        parents and legal guardians;

(b)       professional driving instructors; and

(c)        driving instructors who are over 20 years-old, with a valid license for at least

four years, and who have not had their license suspended within last four years.

  1. Immediate family members (siblings) can be passengers during their second six months.
  2. After one year of licensed driving, teenage drivers can transport any passenger (friends).

Make sure that you discuss these rules and with your teenage driver. Your child just got their license – they don’t want to risk losing it!

Getting Help

If your teen was caught violating their license restrictions, it is a good idea to contact a juvenile defense lawyer. While this is just a motor vehicle violation, it can have unfortunate consequences for your child. A lawyer can tell you more and help your family.