| 45 | 57 | | |
|---|
| 46 | 58 | | "V"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, or any vehicle that requires an "A" or "F" endorsement; |
|---|
| 47 | 59 | | |
|---|
| 48 | 60 | | "A"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in an activity vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, or any vehicle that requires an "F" endorsement; and |
|---|
| 49 | 61 | | |
|---|
| 50 | 62 | | "F"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in a taxicab, motor vehicle in livery service, service bus or motor bus. |
|---|
| 51 | 63 | | |
|---|
| 52 | 64 | | The commissioner may establish one or more endorsements or restrictions on class D licenses, in accordance with regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. |
|---|
| 53 | 65 | | |
|---|
| 54 | 66 | | (d) A license of any class that contains the designation "Q" indicates eligibility to operate fire apparatus. A "Q" endorsement shall signify that the holder has been trained to operate fire apparatus in accordance with standards established by the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. No such endorsement shall be issued to any person until he or she demonstrates personally to the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, including the Connecticut Fire Academy, any regional fire school or the chief local fire official of any municipality as defined in section 7-323j, by means of testing in a representative vehicle that such person possesses the skills necessary for operation of fire apparatus. |
|---|
| 55 | 67 | | |
|---|
| 56 | 68 | | (e) No person shall operate a motor vehicle in violation of the classification of the license issued to such person. |
|---|
| 57 | 69 | | |
|---|
| 58 | 70 | | (f) No employer shall knowingly require or permit an employee who is acting within the scope of such employee's employment to operate a motor vehicle in violation of the classification of such employee's license. |
|---|
| 59 | 71 | | |
|---|
| 60 | 72 | | (g) (1) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (e) of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined fifty dollars and, for a subsequent offense, be guilty of a class D misdemeanor. |
|---|
| 61 | 73 | | |
|---|
| 62 | 74 | | (2) Any employer who violates subsection (f) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for a first violation and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars for a second or subsequent violation. |
|---|
| 63 | 75 | | |
|---|
| 64 | 76 | | (h) The revocation, suspension or withdrawal of, or refusal to issue or renew an "S" endorsement, or any endorsement described in subsection (c) of this section, shall prohibit the licensee from operating any public service passenger vehicle for which a public passenger endorsement is required under this section. During the period of such revocation, suspension or withdrawal of, or after a refusal to issue or renew an "S" endorsement, or any endorsement described in subsection (c) of this section, the commissioner shall not issue any other public passenger endorsement to such licensee. |
|---|
| 65 | 77 | | |
|---|
| 66 | 78 | | Sec. 4. Section 14-36d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 67 | 79 | | |
|---|
| 68 | 80 | | (a) The commissioner may acquire, by lease or purchase, and install at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles and at such other locations where operator's licenses are issued or renewed, such equipment as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. |
|---|
| 69 | 81 | | |
|---|
| 70 | 82 | | (b) The commissioner may provide for the renewal of any motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card without personal appearance of the license or card holder, in circumstances where the holder is a member of the armed forces, is temporarily residing outside of this state for business or educational purposes, or in other circumstances where, in the judgment of the commissioner, such personal appearance would be impractical or pose a significant hardship. The commissioner shall decline to issue any such renewal without personal appearance if the commissioner is not satisfied as to the reasons why the applicant cannot personally appear, if the commissioner does not have the applicant's color photograph or digital image on file, if satisfactory evidence of the identity of the applicant has not been presented, or if the commissioner has reason to believe that the applicant is no longer a legal resident of this state. |
|---|
| 71 | 83 | | |
|---|
| 72 | 84 | | (c) The commissioner may issue or renew any license, any instruction permit or an identity card issued or renewed pursuant to this title or section 1-1h by any method that the commissioner deems to be secure and efficient. If the commissioner determines that an applicant has met all conditions for such issuance or renewal, the commissioner may require that such license, instruction permit or identity card be produced at a centralized location and mailed to the applicant. The commissioner may issue a temporary license, instruction permit or identity card for use by the applicant for the period prior to the applicant's receipt of the permanent license, instruction permit or identity card. Such temporary license, instruction permit or identity card shall have an expiration date not later than thirty days after the date of issuance and shall remain valid until the earlier of such expiration date or the date the applicant receives such license, instruction permit or identity card. |
|---|
| 73 | 85 | | |
|---|
| 74 | 86 | | [(c)] (d) The commissioner may adopt regulations to provide for the renewal of the motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity card of any person not identified in subsection (b) of this section by mail or by electronic communication with the Department of Motor Vehicles. |
|---|
| 75 | 87 | | |
|---|
| 76 | 88 | | Sec. 5. Section 14-44 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 77 | 89 | | |
|---|
| 78 | 90 | | (a) (1) No person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle used for passenger transportation on any public highway of this state until such person has obtained a commercial driver's license with a public passenger endorsement, as defined in section 14-1, from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, except a nonresident who holds such license with such endorsement issued by another state. (2) No person shall operate a school bus until such person has obtained a commercial driver's license with a school bus endorsement, except that a person who holds such a license without such endorsements may operate a school bus without passengers for the purpose of road testing or moving the vehicle. (3) No person shall operate a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, taxicab, motor vehicle in livery service, motor bus or service bus until such person has obtained an operator's license of the proper classification bearing an appropriate public passenger endorsement from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, issued in accordance with the provisions of this section and section 14-36a, as amended by this act, except that a person who holds an operator's license without such endorsement may operate any such vehicle without passengers for the purpose of road testing or moving the vehicle. |
|---|
| 79 | 91 | | |
|---|
| 80 | 92 | | (b) No operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement shall be issued or renewed in accordance with the provisions of this section or section 14-36a, as amended by this act, until the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or the commissioner's authorized representative, is satisfied that the applicant is a proper person to receive such an operator's license bearing an endorsement, holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license, or, if necessary for the class of vehicle operated, a commercial driver's license and is at least eighteen years of age. Each applicant for an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement or the renewal of such a license shall furnish the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or the commissioner's authorized representative, with satisfactory evidence, under oath, to prove that such person has no criminal record and has not been convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of section 14-227a within five years of the date of application and that no reason exists for a refusal to grant or renew such an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement. Each applicant for such an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement shall submit with the application proof satisfactory to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles that such applicant has passed a physical examination administered not more than ninety days prior to the date of application, and which is in compliance with safety regulations established from time to time by the United States Department of Transportation. Each applicant for renewal of such license shall present evidence that such applicant is in compliance with the medical qualifications established in 49 CFR 391, as amended, provided an applicant for a Class D operator's license bearing an endorsement described in subsection (c) of section 14-36a, as amended by this act, shall be deemed medically qualified if such applicant (1) controls with medication, as certified by a licensed physician, a medical condition that would otherwise deem such applicant not medically qualified, and (2) would qualify for a waiver or exemption under 49 CFR 391, as amended. Each applicant for such an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement shall be fingerprinted before the license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement is issued. |
|---|
| 81 | 93 | | |
|---|
| 82 | 94 | | (c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue, withhold, renew, suspend, cancel or revoke any public passenger endorsement required to operate a motor vehicle that transports passengers, as provided in subsection (c) of section 14-36a, as amended by this act. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, in making his or her decision, consider the age, accident and criminal record, moral character and physical condition of any such applicant or public passenger endorsement holder and such other matters as the commissioner may determine. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any such applicant or public passenger endorsement holder to furnish the statements of two or more reputable citizens, which may be required to be under oath, vouching for the good character or other qualifications of the applicant or public passenger endorsement holder. |
|---|
| 83 | 95 | | |
|---|
| 84 | 96 | | (d) Upon the arrest of any person who holds an operator's license bearing a public passenger endorsement, as defined in section 14-1, and who is charged with a felony or violation of section 53a-73a, the arresting officer or department, within forty-eight hours, shall cause a report of such arrest to be made to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The report shall be made on a form approved by said commissioner containing such information as the commissioner prescribes. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection. |
|---|
| 85 | 97 | | |
|---|
| 86 | 98 | | (e) Prior to issuing an operator's license bearing a school endorsement or bearing the appropriate type of public passenger endorsement for operation of a student transportation vehicle pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of this section, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall require each applicant to submit to state and national criminal history records checks, conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, and a check of the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k. The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection shall complete such state and national criminal history records checks required pursuant to this section within sixty days of receiving such a request for a check of such records. If notice of a state or national criminal history record is received, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may, subject to the provisions of section 46a-80, refuse to issue an operator's license bearing such public passenger endorsement and, in such case, shall immediately notify the applicant, in writing, of such refusal. If notification that the applicant is listed as a perpetrator of abuse on the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k is received, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may refuse to issue an operator's license bearing such [an] public passenger endorsement and, in such case, shall immediately notify the applicant, in writing, of such refusal. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a temporary operator's license bearing a school endorsement or bearing the appropriate type of public passenger endorsement for operation of a student transportation vehicle. |
|---|
| 87 | 99 | | |
|---|
| 88 | 100 | | (f) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the commissioner shall not issue an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement to transport passengers who are students, and shall suspend any such public passenger endorsement that has been issued, to any person who has been convicted of a serious criminal offense, as determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or convicted of any provision of federal law or the law of any other state, the violation of which involves conduct that is substantially similar to a violation determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be a serious criminal offense, if any part of the sentence of such conviction has not been completed, or has been completed during the preceding five years. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection. |
|---|
| 89 | 101 | | |
|---|
| 90 | 102 | | (g) Any applicant who is refused an operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement or the renewal of such a license, or whose operator's license bearing [an] a public passenger endorsement or the renewal of such a license is withdrawn or revoked on account of a criminal record, shall be entitled to a hearing if requested in writing within twenty days. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of chapter 54 and the applicant may appeal from the final decision rendered therein in accordance with section 4-183. |
|---|
| 91 | 103 | | |
|---|
| 92 | 104 | | (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14-10, the commissioner shall furnish to any board of education or to any public or private organization that is actively engaged in providing public transportation, including the transportation of school children, a report containing the names and motor vehicle operator license numbers of each person who has been issued an operator's license with one or more public passenger endorsements, authorizing such person to transport passengers in accordance with the provisions of section 14-36a, as amended by this act, but whose license or any such public passenger endorsement has been withdrawn, suspended or revoked by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in accordance with the provisions of this section, or any other provision of this title. The report shall be issued and updated periodically in accordance with a schedule to be established by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Such report may be transmitted or otherwise made available to authorized recipients by electronic means. |
|---|
| 93 | 105 | | |
|---|
| 94 | 106 | | (i) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction. |
|---|
| 95 | 107 | | |
|---|
| 96 | 108 | | Sec. 6. Section 14-44c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 97 | 109 | | |
|---|
| 98 | 110 | | (a) The application for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, shall include the following: |
|---|
| 99 | 111 | | |
|---|
| 100 | 112 | | (1) The full name and current mailing and residence address of the person; |
|---|
| 101 | 113 | | |
|---|
| 102 | 114 | | (2) A physical description of the person, including sex, height and eye color; |
|---|
| 103 | 115 | | |
|---|
| 104 | 116 | | (3) Date of birth; |
|---|
| 105 | 117 | | |
|---|
| 106 | 118 | | (4) The applicant's Social Security number; |
|---|
| 107 | 119 | | |
|---|
| 108 | 120 | | (5) The person's statement, under oath, that [he] such person meets the requirements for qualification contained in 49 CFR 391, as amended, or does not expect to operate in interstate or foreign commerce; |
|---|
| 109 | 121 | | |
|---|
| 110 | 122 | | (6) The person's statement, under oath, that the type of vehicle in which the person has taken or intends to take the driving skills test is representative of the type of motor vehicle the person operates or intends to operate; |
|---|
| 111 | 123 | | |
|---|
| 112 | 124 | | (7) The person's statement, under oath, that [he] such person is not subject to disqualification, suspension, revocation or cancellation of operating privileges in any state, and that he or she does not hold an operator's license in any other state; |
|---|
| 113 | 125 | | |
|---|
| 114 | 126 | | (8) The person's identification of all states in which such person has been licensed to drive any type of motor vehicle during the last ten years, and the person's statement, under oath that he or she does not hold an operator's license in any other state; and |
|---|
| 115 | 127 | | |
|---|
| 116 | 128 | | (9) The person's signature, and certification of the accuracy and completeness of the application, subject to the penalties of false statement under section 53a-157b. The application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in section 14-44h. |
|---|
| 117 | 129 | | |
|---|
| 118 | 130 | | (b) No person who has been a resident of this state for thirty days may drive a commercial motor vehicle under the authority of a commercial driver's license issued by another jurisdiction. |
|---|
| 119 | 131 | | |
|---|
| 120 | 132 | | (c) At the time of application for a commercial driver's license, the applicant shall make the applicable certification, as required by 49 CFR 383.71(b), regarding the type of commerce in which such person shall engage. No commercial driver's license shall be issued to a person who fails to make such certification. |
|---|
| 121 | 133 | | |
|---|
| 122 | 134 | | [(c)] (d) In addition to other penalties provided by law, any person who knowingly falsifies information or certifications required under subsection (a) of this section shall have [his] such person's operator's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended for sixty days. |
|---|
| 123 | 135 | | |
|---|
| 124 | 136 | | Sec. 7. Subsection (b) of section 14-44e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 125 | 137 | | |
|---|
| 126 | 138 | | (b) The commissioner shall not issue a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's instruction permit to any [person who has a physical or psychobehavioral impairment that affects such person's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. In determining whether to issue a commercial driver's license in any individual case, the commissioner shall apply the standards set forth in 49 CFR 391.41, as amended.] applicant who is not physically qualified and medically certified in accordance with the standards in 49 CFR 391.41. As required by 49 CFR 383.71(h), each applicant for a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit shall provide to the commissioner a copy of a medical examiner's certificate, prepared by a medical examiner, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, indicating that such applicant is medically certified to operate a commercial motor vehicle. For each applicant who has submitted such medical certification and who has also certified, in accordance with 49 CFR 383.71(b) and subsection (c) of section 14-44c, as amended by this act, that such applicant operates in nonexcepted interstate commerce, the commissioner shall post a medical certification status of "certified" on the Commercial Driver's License Information System driver record for such applicant. The holder of a commercial driver's license who has not been examined and certified as qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle during the preceding twenty-four months, or a shorter period as indicated by the medical examiner submitting such certificate, shall be required to submit a new medical certificate. The commissioner shall not issue a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit to any applicant or holder who fails to submit the medical certification required by this section. If the holder of a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit fails to submit a new medical examiner's certificate before the expiration of twenty-four months or the period specified by the medical examiner, whichever is shorter, the commissioner shall, not later than sixty days after the date that such holder's medical status becomes uncertified: (1) Downgrade the commercial driver's license to a Class D operator's license; or (2) cancel the commercial driver's instruction permit. Any [person] applicant or holder who is denied a commercial driver's license or a commercial driver's instruction permit, or whose license or permit is disqualified, suspended, revoked or cancelled pursuant to this subsection shall be granted an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. |
|---|
| 127 | 139 | | |
|---|
| 128 | 140 | | Sec. 8. Subsection (h) of section 14-44e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 129 | 141 | | |
|---|
| 130 | 142 | | (h) (1) The commissioner shall deny or disqualify for a period of sixty days a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license if it is determined that an applicant or holder has provided false information on any certification the applicant or holder is required to give relative to such permit or license application. |
|---|
| 131 | 143 | | |
|---|
| 132 | 144 | | (2) If an applicant or holder is suspected of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license, such applicant or holder shall be required to schedule the commercial driver's license knowledge test and driving skills test not later than thirty days after notification by the commissioner of the suspected fraud. Failure to schedule both such tests or failure to pass both such tests shall result in disqualification of such permit or license and the applicant or holder shall be required to reapply for the permit or license. |
|---|
| 133 | 145 | | |
|---|
| 134 | 146 | | (3) Any applicant or holder convicted of fraud related to the issuance of a commercial driver's instruction permit or commercial driver's license shall have such applicant's or holder's permit or license disqualified for one year from the date of conviction and shall be required to retake such tests. |
|---|
| 135 | 147 | | |
|---|
| 136 | 148 | | Sec. 9. Subsection (d) of section 14-44g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 137 | 149 | | |
|---|
| 138 | 150 | | (d) Each person applying for the renewal of a commercial driver's license shall complete a renewal application form providing an update and, if necessary, corrections to the information required on the original application, pursuant to section 14-44c, as amended by this act. If an applicant for renewal wishes to retain a hazardous materials endorsement, he or she must pass the written test for such endorsement, and must meet the requirements of subsection (d) of section 14-44e. Upon renewal of a commercial driver's license, and at such other times as required in 49 CFR 383.71, the holder of a commercial driver's license shall make the applicable certification, as required by 49 CFR 383.71(b), regarding the type of commerce in which such holder is engaged. The commissioner shall refuse to renew the commercial driver's license of any holder who fails to make such certification, and shall downgrade the commercial driver's license to a Class D operator's license not later than sixty days after the failure of such holder to so certify. |
|---|
| 139 | 151 | | |
|---|
| 140 | 152 | | Sec. 10. Section 14-46b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 141 | 153 | | |
|---|
| 142 | 154 | | (a) There is established within the department a Motor Vehicle Operator's License Medical Advisory Board which shall advise the commissioner on the medical aspects and concerns of licensing operators of motor vehicles. The board shall consist of not less than eight members or more than fifteen members appointed by the commissioner from a list of nominees submitted by the Connecticut State Medical Society, [and] the Connecticut Association of Optometrists, and such other professional medical associations or organizations that have as members physician assistants or advanced practice registered nurses. The Connecticut State Medical Society and such other organizations shall submit nominees representing the specialties of (1) general medicine or surgery, (2) internal medicine, (3) cardiovascular medicine, (4) neurology or neurological surgery, (5) ophthalmology, (6) orthopedics, [and] (7) psychiatry, and (8) occupational medicine. The Connecticut Association of Optometrists shall submit nominees representing the specialty of optometry. |
|---|
| 143 | 155 | | |
|---|
| 144 | 156 | | (b) Initially, three members shall be appointed for a two-year term, three members for a three-year term and the remainder of the members for a four-year term. Appointments thereafter shall be for four-year terms. Any vacancy shall be filled by the commissioner for the unexpired portion of a term. The commissioner shall designate the chairman of the board. |
|---|
| 145 | 157 | | |
|---|
| 146 | 158 | | (c) Board members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses or services incurred in performing their duties, including the giving of testimony at any administrative hearing when requested by the commissioner. [Physicians] Medical professionals who are not members of the board and conduct examinations at the request of the board shall be compensated for these examinations. |
|---|
| 147 | 159 | | |
|---|
| 148 | 160 | | (d) The board shall meet at the call of the commissioner at least [twice a year] annually. Special meetings may be held to fulfill the responsibilities specified in section 14-46c, as amended by this act. |
|---|
| 149 | 161 | | |
|---|
| 150 | 162 | | (e) Any meeting of the board in which the medical condition of any individual is discussed for purposes of making a recommendation on his or her fitness to operate a motor vehicle shall be held in executive session. |
|---|
| 151 | 163 | | |
|---|
| 152 | 164 | | (f) As used in this section and section 14-46c, as amended by this act, "medical professional" means a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or optometrist. |
|---|
| 153 | 165 | | |
|---|
| 154 | 166 | | Sec. 11. Section 14-46c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 155 | 167 | | |
|---|
| 181 | 193 | | |
|---|
| 182 | 194 | | Sec. 17. Subsection (a) of section 14-61 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 183 | 195 | | |
|---|
| 184 | 196 | | (a) Any dealer licensed under the provisions of this subpart who in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified and sells or trades a passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, camper, camp trailer, commercial trailer, service bus, school bus or truck to a transferee who holds a current registration certificate for a passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, camper, camp trailer, commercial trailer, service bus, school bus or truck registered in this state may issue a sixty-day temporary transfer of such registration to the vehicle transferred. [with an official stamp issued by the commissioner, under regulations adopted by the commissioner, to such dealer.] The commissioner shall charge such dealer a fee of ten dollars for each new temporary dealer transfer form furnished for the purposes of this section. No dealer may make such temporary transfer of a registration unless the transferee surrenders the current registration certificate to the dealer indicating the disposition of the vehicle described thereon in the space provided on the reverse side of such certificate and unless the transferee is eighteen years of age or older. The dealer shall, within five days from the issuance of such temporary registration, submit to the commissioner an application together with all necessary documents for a permanent registration for the vehicle transferred. No such temporary registration may be issued if (1) the transferred passenger motor vehicle, motorcycle, camper, camp trailer, commercial trailer, service bus, school bus or truck is used and was not previously registered in this state, unless the inspection requirements of section 14-12 have been met, (2) such motor vehicle is ten or more years old, unless the inspection requirements of section 14-16a have been met, or (3) such motor vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, unless the inspection requirements of section 14-103a have been met. |
|---|
| 185 | 197 | | |
|---|
| 186 | 198 | | Sec. 18. Section 14-96p of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 187 | 199 | | |
|---|
| 188 | 200 | | [(a) (1) No person shall display upon any motor vehicle any light visible from the front thereof other than white, yellow or amber, or any light other than red, yellow, amber or white visible from the rear thereof, except a light used with any school bus, without a special permit from the commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-96q. Notwithstanding this subsection, no permit shall be required for motor vehicles that are (A) equipped with lights in accordance with this section and section 14-96q, (B) owned or leased by the federal government, the state of Connecticut or a Connecticut municipality, (C) registered to such governmental entity, and (D) displaying government plates. |
|---|
| 189 | 201 | | |
|---|
| 190 | 202 | | (2) Any vehicle accommodating fifteen or fewer students with disabilities may use a flashing red light or lights during the time such vehicle is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging such students with disabilities, any motor bus may carry a purple light or lights, any interstate public service vehicle may carry a green light or lights, any taxicab may carry a lunar white light or lights, and any interstate commercial motor vehicle may display green identification lights, in front thereof, as the commissioner may permit. |
|---|
| 191 | 203 | | |
|---|
| 192 | 204 | | (3) A vehicle being operated by the chief executive officer of an emergency medical service organization, as defined in section 19a-175, the first or second deputies, or if there are no deputies, the first or second assistants, of such an organization that is a municipal or volunteer or licensed organization, an ambulance, as defined in section 19a-175, a vehicle being operated by a local fire marshal or a local director of emergency management may use a flashing red light or lights or flashing white head lamps and a flashing amber light while on the way to the scene of an emergency, except that an ambulance may use flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements for the manufacture of such vehicle. The chief executive officer of each such organization shall provide annually during the month of January, on forms provided by the commissioner, such officer's name and address and the registration number on the number plate or plates of the vehicle on which the authorized red light is or white head lamps and amber light are to be used. A vehicle being operated by a member of a volunteer fire department or company or a volunteer emergency medical technician may use flashing white head lamps, provided such member or emergency medical technician is on the way to the scene of a fire or medical emergency and has received written authorization from the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality to use such head lamps. Such head lamps shall only be used within the municipality granting such authorization or from a personal residence or place of employment, if located in an adjoining municipality. Such authorization may be revoked for use of such head lamps in violation of this subdivision. |
|---|
| 193 | 205 | | |
|---|
| 194 | 206 | | (4) Flashing or revolving white lights may not be displayed upon a motor vehicle except (A) on fire emergency apparatus, (B) on motor vehicles of paid fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, and may be displayed in combination with flashing or revolving red lights, (C) on motor vehicles of volunteer fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, and may be displayed in combination with flashing or revolving red lights, (D) as a means of indicating a right or left turn, (E) in conjunction with flashing red lights on an ambulance responding to an emergency call, or (F) on the top rear of any school bus. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "students with disabilities" means students who have intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, mental disability, visual impairment, blindness, hearing impairment, deafness, speech impairment, orthopedic impairment, or another health-impairment, who by reason thereof, require special education and related services; and the term "flashing white lights" shall not include the simultaneous flashing of head lamps. |
|---|
| 195 | 207 | | |
|---|
| 196 | 208 | | (b) A blue light may not be illuminated upon a motor vehicle, except that a vehicle being operated by an active member of a volunteer fire department or company or an active member of an organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company who has been authorized in writing by the chief executive officer of such department or company may use such a light, including a flashing blue light, while on the way to the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring his or her services. Such authorization may be revoked by such officer or his or her successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer fire department or company or organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company shall certify annually during the month of January, on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members whom he or she has authorized to use a blue light as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number on the number plate or plates of the vehicle on which the authorized blue light is to be used. |
|---|
| 197 | 209 | | |
|---|
| 198 | 210 | | (c) A flashing green light may not be used upon a motor vehicle, except that a vehicle being operated by an active member of a volunteer ambulance association or company who has been authorized in writing by the chief executive officer of such association or company may use such a light while on the way to the scene of an emergency requiring his or her services. Such authorization may be revoked by such officer or his or her successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer ambulance association or company shall certify annually during the month of January, on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members whom he or she has authorized to use a green light as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number on the number plate or plates of the vehicle on which the authorized green light is to be used. |
|---|
| 199 | 211 | | |
|---|
| 200 | 212 | | (d) Use of lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction.] |
|---|
| 201 | 213 | | |
|---|
| 202 | 214 | | (a) Except as provided in section 14-96q, as amended by this act, no person shall display upon any motor vehicle or equipment: (1) Any light visible from the front of such motor vehicle or equipment other than white, yellow or amber; (2) any light visible from the rear of such motor vehicle or equipment other than red, yellow, amber or white; or (3) any red light visible from directly in front of the center of such motor vehicle or equipment. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a taxicab shall display the dome light or lights required by regulations that have been adopted by the Commissioner of Transportation under the authority of section 13b-96. |
|---|
| 203 | 215 | | |
|---|
| 204 | 216 | | (b) Except as provided in section 14-96q, as amended by this act, flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles, except: (1) Red and yellow lights when used for the purpose of receiving or discharging students on school buses; (2) white lights that are located on the top rear of school buses; (3) when such lights are used as a means for indicating a right or left turn; or (4) when such lights are used in any manner to indicate (A) a disabled vehicle that is stopped in a hazardous location on the highway, or in close proximity thereto, (B) a motor vehicle that is unable to maintain the minimum speed of forty miles per hour on a limited access divided highway because of the grade of such highway, (C) a motor vehicle that is operating at such slow speed as to obstruct or endanger following traffic on any highway, or (D) a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, accommodating fifteen or fewer students with disabilities that is receiving or discharging such students. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "students with disabilities" means students who have intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, mental disability, visual impairment, blindness, hearing impairment, deafness, speech impairment, orthopedic impairment or another health impairment who, by reason thereof, require special education and related services. |
|---|
| 205 | 217 | | |
|---|
| 206 | 218 | | (c) Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps or auxiliary driving lamps, that projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power shall be so directed that no part of the beam strikes the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle. |
|---|
| 207 | 219 | | |
|---|
| 208 | 220 | | (d) Use of lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction. |
|---|
| 209 | 221 | | |
|---|
| 210 | 222 | | Sec. 19. Section 14-96q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 211 | 223 | | |
|---|
| 212 | 224 | | [(a) Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps or auxiliary driving lamps, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candle power shall be so directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle. |
|---|
| 213 | 225 | | |
|---|
| 214 | 226 | | (b) No person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red light visible from directly in front of the center thereof. The provisions of this subsection and subsection (c) shall not apply to authorized emergency and maintenance vehicles. |
|---|
| 215 | 227 | | |
|---|
| 216 | 228 | | (c) Flashing lights are prohibited on motor vehicles other than school buses, except (1) as a means for indicating a right or left turn, (2) flashing blue lights used by members of volunteer or civil preparedness fire companies, as provided by subsection (b) of section 14-96p, (3) on certain emergency and maintenance vehicles by special permit from the commissioner, (4) flashing or revolving yellow lights on (A) wreckers registered pursuant to section 14-66, or (B) vehicles of carriers in rural mail-delivery service or vehicles transporting or escorting any vehicle or load or combinations of vehicles or vehicles and load which is or are either oversize or overweight, or both, and operated or traveling under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270, (5) flashing red lights (A) on a motor vehicle accommodating fifteen or fewer handicapped students used only during the time such vehicle is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging such handicapped students, (B) used by members of the fire police on a stationary vehicle as a warning signal during traffic directing operations at the scene of a fire, (C) on rescue vehicles, (D) used by chief executive officers of emergency medical service organizations as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-96p, (E) ambulances, as defined in section 19a-175, or (F) used by local fire marshals or directors of emergency management, (6) flashing green lights used by members of volunteer ambulance associations or companies as provided in subsection (c) of section 14-96p, or (7) flashing white lights or flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements for the manufacture of an ambulance used in conjunction with flashing red lights or flashing head lamps and a flashing amber light on an ambulance responding to an emergency call. The prohibitions in this section shall not prevent the operator of a motor vehicle who while traveling on a limited access divided highway, because of the grade, is unable to maintain the minimum speed of forty miles per hour, or who while traveling on any other highway is operating such motor vehicle at such slow speed as to obstruct or endanger following traffic, or the operator of a disabled vehicle stopped on a hazardous location on the highway, or in close proximity thereto, from flashing lights, installed on the vehicle primarily for other purposes, in any manner that the operator selects so as to indicate that such vehicle is traveling slowly, obstructing traffic or is disabled and is a hazard to be avoided. The commissioner is authorized, at such commissioner's discretion, to issue special permits for the use of flashing or revolving lights on emergency vehicles, on escort vehicles, on maintenance vehicles and on other vehicles that display lights for which a permit is required, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 14-96p, provided any person, firm or corporation other than the state or any metropolitan district, town, city or borough shall pay an annual permit fee for each such vehicle, provided vehicles not registered in this state used for transporting or escorting any vehicle or load or combinations of vehicles or vehicles and load which is or are either oversize or overweight, or both, when operating under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270, shall not require such permit. Such annual permit fee shall be twenty dollars. If the commissioner issues a special permit to any ambulance, such permit shall be issued at the time of registration and of each renewal of registration. |
|---|
| 217 | 229 | | |
|---|
| 218 | 230 | | (d) Use of lamps and flashing lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction.] |
|---|
| 219 | 231 | | |
|---|
| 220 | 232 | | (a) A permit is required for the use of colored or flashing lights on all motor vehicles or equipment specified in this section except: (1) Motor vehicles not registered in this state used for transporting or escorting any vehicle or load, or combinations thereof, which is either oversize or overweight, or both, when operating under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270; or (2) motor vehicles or equipment that are (A) equipped with lights in accordance with this section, (B) owned or leased by the federal government, the state of Connecticut, or any other state, commonwealth or local municipality, and (C) registered to such governmental entity. When used in this section the term "flashing" shall be considered to include the term "revolving". |
|---|
| 221 | 233 | | |
|---|
| 222 | 234 | | (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or such other person specifically identified in this section, is authorized to issue permits for the use of colored or flashing lights on vehicles in accordance with this section, at the commissioner's or such person's discretion. Any person, firm or corporation other than the state or any metropolitan district, town, city or borough shall pay an annual permit fee of twenty dollars to the commissioner for each such vehicle. |
|---|
| 223 | 235 | | |
|---|
| 224 | 236 | | (c) A blue light or lights, including flashing blue lights, may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a volunteer fire department or company or an active member of an organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company who has been issued a permit by the chief executive officer of such department or company to use such a light while on the way to or at the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring such member's services. Such permit shall be on a form provided by the commissioner and may be revoked by such chief executive officer or successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer fire department or company or organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company shall keep on file the forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members who have been authorized to use flashing blue lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number of the motor vehicle on which authorized flashing blue lights are to be used. |
|---|
| 225 | 237 | | |
|---|
| 226 | 238 | | (d) A green light or lights, including flashing green lights, may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a volunteer ambulance association or company who has been issued a permit by the chief executive officer of such association or company to use such a light, while on the way to or at the scene of an emergency requiring such member's services. Such permit shall be on a form provided by the commissioner and may be revoked by such chief executive officer or successor. The chief executive officer of each volunteer ambulance association or company shall keep on file on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of members who have been authorized to use flashing green lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate the registration number of the vehicle on which the authorized flashing green lights are to be used. |
|---|
| 227 | 239 | | |
|---|
| 228 | 240 | | (e) The commissioner may issue a permit for a red light or lights, including flashing red lights, which may be used on a motor vehicle or equipment (1) used by paid fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, (2) used by volunteer fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, (3) used by members of the fire police on a stationary vehicle as a warning signal during traffic directing operations at the scene of a fire or emergency, (4) used by chief executive officers of emergency medical service organizations, as defined in section 19a-175, the first or second deputies, or if there are no deputies, the first or second assistants, of such an organization that is a municipal or volunteer or licensed organization, (5) used by local fire marshals, or (6) used by directors of emergency management. |
|---|
| 229 | 241 | | |
|---|
| 230 | 242 | | (f) The commissioner may issue a permit for a yellow or amber light or lights, including flashing yellow or amber lights, which may be used on motor vehicles or equipment that are (1) specified in subsection (e) of this section, (2) maintenance vehicles as defined in section 14-1, or (3) vehicles transporting or escorting any vehicle or load or combinations thereof, which is or are either oversize or overweight, or both, and being operated or traveling under a permit issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270. A yellow or amber light or lights, including flashing yellow or amber lights, may be used without obtaining a permit from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles on wreckers registered pursuant to section 14-66, or on vehicles of carriers in rural mail delivery service. |
|---|
| 231 | 243 | | |
|---|
| 232 | 244 | | (g) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue a permit for a white light or lights, including flashing white lights, which may be used on a motor vehicle or equipment as specified in subdivision (1), (2), (4), (5) or (6) of subsection (e) of this section. A vehicle being operated by a member of a volunteer fire department or company or a volunteer emergency medical technician may use flashing white head lamps, provided such member or emergency medical technician is on the way to the scene of a fire or medical emergency and has received written authorization from the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality to use such head lamps. Such head lamps shall only be used within the municipality granting such authorization or from a personal residence or place of employment, if located in an adjoining municipality. Such authorization may be revoked for use of such head lamps in violation of this subdivision. For the purposes of this subsection, the term "flashing white lights" shall not include the simultaneous flashing of head lamps. |
|---|
| 233 | 245 | | |
|---|
| 234 | 246 | | (h) The commissioner may issue a permit for emergency vehicles, as defined in subsection (a) of section 14-283, to use a blue, red, yellow, or white light or lights, including flashing lights or any combination thereof. |
|---|
| 235 | 247 | | |
|---|
| 236 | 248 | | (i) The commissioner may issue a permit for ambulances, as defined in section 19a-175, which may, in addition to the flashing lights allowed in subsection (h) of this section, use flashing lights of other colors specified by federal requirements for the manufacture of an ambulance. If the commissioner issues a permit for any ambulance, such permit shall be issued at the time of registration and upon each renewal of such registration. |
|---|
| 237 | 249 | | |
|---|
| 238 | 250 | | (j) Use of colored and flashing lights except as authorized by this section shall be an infraction. |
|---|
| 239 | 251 | | |
|---|
| 240 | 252 | | Sec. 20. Subsection (f) of section 14-112 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 241 | 253 | | |
|---|
| 242 | 254 | | (f) Any operator or any registrant whose operator's license or certificate of registration has been suspended as herein provided or whose policy of liability insurance or surety bond has been cancelled or who fails to furnish additional evidence of financial responsibility upon request of the commissioner, shall immediately return to the commissioner [his operator's license or] such operator's certificate of registration and the number plate or plates issued thereunder. [If any person fails to return to the commissioner the operator's license or certificate of registration and the number plate or plates issued thereunder as provided herein, the commissioner shall forthwith direct any motor vehicle inspector, state policeman or other police officer to secure possession thereof and to return the same to the office of the commissioner.] Failure to return such [operator's license or such] certificate and such number plate or plates shall be an infraction. |
|---|
| 243 | 255 | | |
|---|
| 244 | 256 | | Sec. 21. Section 14-178 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 245 | 257 | | |
|---|
| 246 | 258 | | (a) If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if none, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the commissioner, shall promptly make application for and may obtain a replacement upon furnishing information, including personal identification acceptable and satisfactory to the commissioner. The replacement certificate of title shall contain the legend "This is a replacement [certificate] title and may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate." Except as provided in subsection (b) of section 14-175, the commissioner shall present or mail the replacement certificate to the first lienholder named in the replacement certificate or, if none, to the owner. |
|---|
| 247 | 259 | | |
|---|
| 248 | 260 | | [(b) The commissioner shall not issue a new certificate of title to a transferee upon application made on a replacement until fifteen days after receipt of the application.] |
|---|
| 249 | 261 | | |
|---|
| 250 | 262 | | [(c)] (b) A person recovering an original certificate of title for which a replacement has been issued shall promptly surrender the original certificate to the commissioner. |
|---|
| 251 | 263 | | |
|---|
| 252 | 264 | | Sec. 22. Section 14-293b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2015): |
|---|
| 253 | 265 | | |
|---|
| 254 | 266 | | (a) [The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 specifying the responsibilities of an operator of a vehicle when] When an operator of a motor vehicle is approaching a person riding a horse on a public highway, [which responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the obligation to] such operator shall reduce speed appropriately or [to] stop, if necessary, to avoid endangering the equestrian or frightening or striking the horse. |
|---|
| 255 | 267 | | |
|---|
| 256 | 268 | | (b) No operator of a motor vehicle in the vicinity of an equestrian and horse may blow a horn or cause loud or unusual noises, in a manner to startle or frighten the horse. |
|---|
| 257 | 269 | | |
|---|
| 258 | 270 | | (c) A statement concerning such responsibilities shall be [printed in the] included in the agency's instruction manual for motor vehicle operation. [at the time of the next revision of such manual.] |
|---|
| 259 | 271 | | |
|---|