Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106
AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, REVISIONS TO THE MOTOR
VEHICLE STATUTES AND PEER -TO-PEER CAR SHARING.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Subsection (e) of section 1-1h of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(e) Any person who misrepresents his or her age or practices any
other deceit in the procurement of an identity card, or uses or exhibits
an identity card belonging to any other person, shall be guilty of a class
D misdemeanor and shall have such identity card revoked by the
commissioner.
Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 14-50b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(a) Any person (1) whose operator's license or [right] privilege to
operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked by
the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, [or] (2) who has been disqualified
from operating a commercial motor vehicle, or (3) whose identity card,
issued under section 1-1h, as amended by this act, has been revoked due Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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to misrepresentation or deceit, shall pay a restoration fee of one hundred
seventy-five dollars to said commissioner prior to the issuance to such
person of a new operator's license or identity card or the restoration of
such operator's license or [such] privilege to operate a motor vehicle or
commercial motor vehicle. Such restoration fee shall be in addition to
any other fees provided by law. The commissioner shall deposit fifty
dollars of such fee in a separate nonlapsing school bus seat belt account
which shall be established within the General Fund.
Sec. 3. Subsection (b) of section 14-11c of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(b) The Motor Carrier Advisory Council shall consist of the following
voting members: The Commissioners of Transportation, Motor
Vehicles, [Public Safety] Emergency Services and Public Protection,
Revenue Services, Economic and Community Development and Energy
and Environmental Protection, or their designees, and any other
commissioner of a state agency, or such commissioner's designee,
invited to participate. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or the
commissioner's designee shall organize and serve as chairperson of the
council. The council shall only make recommendations or take actions
by a unanimous vote of all members present and voting. The council
may make recommendations as the council deems appropriate to the
United States Congress, the Governor or the General Assembly.
Sec. 4. Section 14-15d of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may require any person, firm
or corporation, who in the opinion of the commissioner is qualified and
who is engaged in the business of filing applications for the issuance of
a certificate of registration or a certificate of title for motor vehicles with
the Department of Motor Vehicles, to file such applications Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 3 of 86
electronically if the commissioner determines that such person, firm or
corporation files, on average, seven or more such applications each
month. A qualified person, firm or corporation shall, [within] not later
than ten days [from] after the electronic issuance of such registration,
submit to the commissioner an application together with all necessary
documents required to register the vehicle with the department. Any
such person, firm or corporation that fails or refuses to file such
application electronically upon the request of the commissioner shall
pay a twenty-five-dollar fee to the commissioner for each application
submitted. The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance
with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this
section.
Sec. 5. Section 14-21z of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(a) On and after [January 1, 2020] July 1, 2021, the Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles shall issue Save Our Lakes commemorative number
plates of a design to enhance public awareness of the state's effort to
preserve and protect the state's lakes, rivers and ponds from aquatic
invasive species and cyanobacteria blooms. Said design shall be
determined by agreement between the Commissioner of Energy and
Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. No
use shall be made of such plates except as official registration marker
plates.
(b) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall [establish, by
regulations adopted in accordance with chapter 54, a fee to be charged]
charge a fee of sixty dollars for a Save Our Lakes commemorative
number [plates] plate, with letters and numbers selected by the
commissioner, in addition to the regular fee or fees prescribed for the
registration of a motor vehicle. [The fee shall be for such number plates
with letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may establish a higher Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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fee for: (1) Such number plates which contain letters in place of numbers
as authorized by section 14-49, in addition to the fee or fees prescribed
for plates issued under said section; and (2) such number plates which
are low number plates, in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to
the fee or fees prescribed for plates issued under said section. The
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall establish, by regulations adopted
in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, an additional voluntary
lakes and ponds preservation donation, which shall be deposited in the
Connecticut Lakes and Ponds Preservation account established under
section 14-21aa. All fees established and collected pursuant to this
section shall be deposited in said account.] The commissioner shall
deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an account controlled by the
Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for the cost of producing,
issuing, renewing and replacing such commemorative number plates,
and forty-five dollars of such fee into the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and
Ponds Preservation account established under section 14-21aa, as
amended by this act.
(2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee of eighty
dollars for a Save Our Lakes commemorative number plate that (A)
contains any combination of letters or numbers as requested by the
registrant as authorized by section 14-49, as amended by this act, or (B)
is a low number plate in accordance with section 14-160, in addition to
the fee or fees prescribed for number plates issued under said sections.
The commissioner shall deposit fifteen dollars of such fee into an
account controlled by the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used for
the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing such
commemorative number plates, and sixty-five dollars of such fee into
the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account.
(c) Except as provided by subsection (d) of this section, no additional
renewal fee shall be charged for renewal of registration for any motor
vehicle bearing Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates which Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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contain letters in place of numbers, or low number plates, in excess of
the renewal fee for Save Our Lakes commemorative number plates with
letters and numbers selected by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
No transfer fee shall be charged for transfer of an existing registration
to or from a registration with Save Our Lakes commemorative number
plates.
(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may request an additional
voluntary donation of fifteen dollars at the time of registration renewal
for any motor vehicle bearing a Save Our Lakes commemorative
number plate. Five dollars of the donation may be dedicated to the
administrative costs of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Ten dollars
of such donation shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and
Ponds Preservation account established under section 14-21aa, as
amended by this act. [The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in
consultation with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection, shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of
chapter 54, to establish standards and procedures for the issuance,
renewal and replacement of Save Our Lakes commemorative number
plates.]
Sec. 6. Section 14-21aa of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(a) There is established an account to be known as the "Connecticut
Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account". The Connecticut Lakes,
Rivers and Ponds Preservation account shall be a separate, nonlapsing
account of the General Fund. Any moneys required by law to be
deposited in the account shall be deposited in and credited to the
Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. The account
shall be available to the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection for (1) restoration and rehabilitation of lakes, rivers and
ponds in the state; (2) programs of the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection for the eradication of aquatic invasive species Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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and cyanobacteria blooms; (3) education and public outreach programs
to enhance the public's understanding of the need to protect and
preserve the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (4) allocation of grants to
state and municipal agencies and not-for-profit organizations to
conduct research and to provide public education and public awareness
to enhance understanding and management of the natural resources of
the state's lakes, rivers and ponds; (5) provision of funds for all services
that support the protection and conservation of the state's lakes, rivers
and ponds; and (6) reimbursement of the Department of Motor Vehicles
for the cost of producing, issuing, renewing and replacing Save Our
Lakes commemorative number plates, including administrative
expenses, pursuant to section 14-21z, as amended by this act.
(b) The [commissioner] Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection may receive private donations to the Connecticut Lakes,
Rivers and Ponds Preservation account and any such receipts shall be
deposited in the account.
(c) The [commissioner] Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection may provide for the reproduction and marketing of the Save
Our Lakes commemorative number plate image for use on clothing,
recreational equipment, posters, mementoes, or other products or
programs deemed by the commissioner to be suitable as a means of
supporting the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation
account. Any funds received by the commissioner from such marketing
shall be deposited in the Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds
Preservation account.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, not less than
eighty per cent of any funds deposited into the Connecticut Lakes,
Rivers and Ponds Preservation account pursuant to section 14-21bb
shall be utilized for the purposes described in subdivisions (2) to (4),
inclusive, of subsection (a) of this section. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 7 of 86
Sec. 7. Section 14-25c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue distinctive
registration marker plates to each motor vehicle, except a taxicab or
motor vehicle in livery service, that is used as a student transportation
vehicle, as defined in section 14-212. Each such registration of a student
transportation vehicle shall be issued for a period of one year and,
subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of section 14-103, may be
renewed by the owner, in accordance with schedules established by the
commissioner. The fee for such registration or for any renewal thereof
shall be determined as follows: (1) In the case of any such motor vehicle
designed as a service bus, the fee shall be one-half of the fee prescribed
for the registration of a service bus, in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (p) of section 14-49, and (2) in the case of any such motor
vehicle designed as a passenger motor vehicle, the fee shall be one-half
of the fee prescribed for the biennial combination registration of a
passenger motor vehicle or one-third of the fee prescribed for the
triennial combination registration of a passenger motor vehicle, in
accordance with the provisions of subdivision (1) of subsection [(a)] (e)
of section 14-49, as amended by this act.
Sec. 8. Section 14-29 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) The commissioner shall not register any motor bus, taxicab, school
bus, motor vehicle in livery service, student transportation vehicle or
service bus and no person may operate or cause to be operated upon
any public highway any such motor vehicle until the owner or lessee
thereof has procured insurance or a bond satisfactory to the
commissioner [, which insurance or bond] that shall indemnify the
insured against any legal liability for personal injury, the death of any
person or property damage, which injury, death or damage may result
from or have been caused by the use or operation of such motor vehicle Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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described in the contract of insurance or such bond. Such insurance or
bond shall not be required from (1) a municipality which the
commissioner finds has maintained sufficient financial responsibility to
meet legal liability for personal injury, death or damage resulting from
or caused by the use or operation of a service bus owned or operated by
such municipality, or (2) the owner or lessee of such class of motor
vehicle who holds a certificate of public necessity and convenience from
the Department of Transportation if such owner or lessee has procured
from the department a certificate that the department has found that
such owner or lessee is of sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal
liability for personal injury, death or property damage resulting from or
caused by the use or operation of such motor vehicle. The Department
of Transportation may issue such certificate upon presentation of
evidence of financial responsibility that is satisfactory to it.
(b) [(1)] The amount of insurance or of such bond [which] that each
such vehicle owner or lessee shall carry as insurance or indemnity
against claims for personal injury or death and legal liability resulting
from damage to the property of passengers or others for any one
accident shall be not less than [(A) fifty thousand dollars for one person
subject to that limit per person; (B) for all persons in any one accident
where the carrying capacity is seven passengers or less, one hundred
thousand dollars; (C) eight to twelve passengers, inclusive, one hundred
fifty thousand dollars; (D) thirteen to twenty passengers, inclusive, two
hundred thousand dollars; (E) twenty-one to thirty passengers,
inclusive, two hundred fifty thousand dollars; and (F) thirty-one
passengers or more, three hundred thousand dollars; and such policy or
such bond shall indemnify the insured against legal liability resulting
from damage to the property of passengers or of others to the amount
of ten thousand dollars] (1) a single limit of liability of (A) one hundred
thousand dollars, if such vehicle is designed or used to transport seven
passengers or less, or (B) seven hundred fifty thousand dollars, if such
vehicle is designed or used to transport eight to fourteen passengers Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
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without compensation; (2) the minimum amounts established in 49 CFR
Part 387, as amended from time to time, if such vehicle is designed or
used to transport eight passengers or more for compensation, or fifteen
passengers or more without compensation; (3) one million five hundred
thousand dollars, if such vehicle is operated in livery service under the
provisions of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, and designed or
used to transport fourteen passengers or less; and (4) five million
dollars, if such vehicle is operated in livery service under the provisions
of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, and designed or used to
transport fifteen passengers or more.
[(2) In lieu of the foregoing, a single limit of liability shall be allowed
as insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death
and legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers
or of others for any one accident (A) where the carrying capacity is seven
passengers or less, not less than one hundred thousand dollars; (B) eight
to twelve passengers, inclusive, not less than one hundred fifty
thousand dollars; (C) thirteen to twenty passengers, inclusive, not less
than two hundred thousand dollars; (D) twenty -one to thirty
passengers, inclusive, not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars;
and (E) thirty-one passengers or more, not less than three hundred
thousand dollars. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to (i)
a municipality which the commissioner has found to have sufficient
financial responsibility to meet legal liability for damages as provided
in subsection (a) of this section or (ii) the owner or lessees of any such
motor vehicle holding a certificate of public convenience and necessity
issued by the Department of Transportation whom the department has
found to be of sufficient financial responsibility to meet legal liability for
damages as provided in subsection (a).]
(c) (1) Any person or company issuing any such insurance or
indemnity bond shall file with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a
certificate in such form as the commissioner prescribes, and no such Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 10 of 86
insurance or bond shall lapse, expire or be cancelled while the
registration is in force until the commissioner has been given at least ten
days' written notice of an intention to cancel and until the commissioner
has accepted other insurance or another indemnity bond and has
notified the person or company seeking to cancel such insurance or
bond that such other insurance or bond has been accepted or until the
registration of such motor vehicle described in such insurance policy or
bond has been suspended or cancelled.
(2) No person or company issuing any such insurance or indemnity
bond shall issue an insurance policy or indemnity bond for a motor
vehicle specified in subsection (a) of this section for limits less than those
specified in subsection (b) [or (f)] of this section. Upon initial registration
or renewal of any such motor vehicle, the commissioner may presume
that an insurance policy or indemnity bond meets the minimum
amounts specified in said subsection (b) [or (f)] for such vehicle.
(d) Any person injured in person or property by any such motor
vehicle may apply to the commissioner for the name and description of
the insurer of the vehicle causing such injury or the name of the surety
upon any indemnity bond of any such owner or the name of the holder
of a certificate of financial responsibility.
(e) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be
fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than
one year or both.
[(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any person,
association or corporation operating a motor vehicle in livery service
under the provisions of sections 13b-101 to 13b-109, inclusive, shall carry
insurance or indemnity against claims for personal injury or death and
legal liability resulting from damage to the property of passengers or of
others for any one accident in an amount not less than one million five
hundred thousand dollars for vehicles with a seating capacity of Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 11 of 86
fourteen passengers or less and five million dollars for vehicles with a
seating capacity of fifteen passengers or more.]
Sec. 9. Section 14-36 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section and section 14-40a,
no person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public highway of this
state or private road on which a speed limit has been established in
accordance with subsection (a) of section 14-218a until such person has
obtained a motor vehicle operator's license.
(b) (1) A person eighteen years of age or older who does not hold a
motor vehicle operator's license may not operate a motor vehicle on the
public highways of the state for the purpose of instruction until such
person has applied for and obtained an adult instruction permit from
the commissioner. Such person shall not be eligible for an adult
instruction permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's
license or privilege suspended or revoked. An applicant for an adult
instruction permit shall, as a condition to receiving such permit, pass a
vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles or
submit to the commissioner the results of a vision examination
conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-
46b. Such medical professional shall certify that the applicant meets the
vision standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section
14-45a, as amended by this act. An adult instruction permit shall entitle
the holder, while such holder has the permit in his or her immediate
possession, to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways, provided
such holder is under the instruction of, and accompanied by, a person
who holds an instructor's license issued under the provisions of section
14-73 or a person twenty years of age or older who has been licensed to
operate, for at least four years preceding the instruction, a motor vehicle
of the same class as the motor vehicle being operated and who has not
had his or her motor vehicle operator's license suspended by the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 12 of 86
commissioner during the four-year period preceding the instruction.
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a motor vehicle
operator's license to any person holding an adult instruction permit who
has held such permit for less than ninety days unless such person (A) is
a member of the armed forces on active duty outside the state, or (B) has
previously held a motor vehicle operator's license. (2) A person holding
a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license may operate a motor
vehicle for a period of [thirty] sixty days following such person's
establishment of residence in Connecticut, if the motor vehicle is of the
same class as that for which his or her out-of-state motor vehicle
operator's license was issued. (3) No person may cause or permit the
operation of a motor vehicle by a person under sixteen years of age.
(c) (1) A person who is sixteen or seventeen years of age and who has
not had a motor vehicle operator's license or right to operate a motor
vehicle in this state suspended or revoked may apply to the
[Commissioner of Motor Vehicles] commissioner for a youth instruction
permit. The commissioner may issue a youth instruction permit to an
applicant after the applicant has (A) passed a [vision screening and] test
as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of
the road, [has] (B) paid the fee required by subsection (v) of section 14-
49, (C) passed a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor
Vehicles or submitted to the commissioner the results of a vision
examination conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined
in section 14-46b, that certifies that the applicant meets the vision
standards established in regulations adopted pursuant to section 14-45a,
as amended by this act, and [has] (D) filed a certificate, in such form as
the commissioner prescribes, requesting or consenting to the issuance of
the youth instruction permit and the motor vehicle operator's license,
signed by [(A)] (i) one or both parents or foster parents of the applicant,
as the commissioner requires, [(B)] (ii) the legal guardian of the
applicant, [(C)] (iii) the applicant's spouse, if the spouse is eighteen years
of age or older, or [(D)] (iv) if the applicant has no qualified spouse and Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 13 of 86
such applicant's parent or foster parent or legal guardian is deceased,
incapable, domiciled outside of this state or otherwise unavailable or
unable to sign or file the certificate, the applicant's stepparent,
grandparent, or uncle or aunt by blood or marriage, provided such
person is eighteen years of age or older. The commissioner may, for the
more efficient administration of the commissioner's duties, appoint any
drivers' school licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-
69, as amended by this act, or any secondary school providing
instruction in motor vehicle operation and highway safety in accordance
with section 14-36e, as amended by this act, to issue a youth instruction
permit, subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner
may prescribe in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions
of chapter 54. Each youth instruction permit shall expire two years from
the date of issuance or on the date the holder of the permit is issued a
motor vehicle operator's license, whichever is earlier. Any holder of a
youth instruction permit who attains eighteen years of age may retain
such permit until the expiration of such permit. (2) The youth
instruction permit shall entitle the holder, while such holder has the
permit in his or her immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle on
the public highways, provided such holder is under the instruction of,
and accompanied by, a person who holds an instructor's license issued
under the provisions of section 14-73 or a person twenty years of age or
older who has been licensed to operate, for at least four years preceding
the instruction, a motor vehicle of the same class as the motor vehicle
being operated and who has not had his or her motor vehicle operator's
license suspended by the commissioner during the four-year period
preceding the instruction. (3) Unless the holder of the permit is under
the instruction of and accompanied by a person who holds an
instructor's license issued under the provisions of section 14-73, no
passenger in addition to the person providing instruction shall be
transported unless such passenger is a parent or legal guardian of the
holder of the permit. (4) The holder of a youth instruction permit who
(A) is an active member of a certified ambulance service, as defined in Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 14 of 86
section 19a-175, (B) has commenced an emergency vehicle operator's
course that conforms to the national standard curriculum developed by
the United States Department of Transportation, and (C) has had state
and national criminal history records checks conducted by the certified
ambulance service or by the municipality in which such ambulance
service is provided, shall be exempt from the provisions of subdivisions
(2) and (3) of this subsection only when such holder is [en route] driving
to or from the location of the ambulance for purposes of responding to
an emergency call. (5) The commissioner may revoke any youth
instruction permit used in violation of the limitations imposed by
subdivision (2) or (3) of this subsection.
(d) (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued to any
applicant who is sixteen or seventeen years of age unless the applicant
has held a youth instruction permit and has satisfied the requirements
specified in this subsection. The applicant shall (A) [present] submit to
the [Commissioner of Motor Vehicles] commissioner, in such manner as
the commissioner shall direct, a certificate of the successful completion
(i) in a public secondary school, a technical education and career school
or a private secondary school of a full course of study in motor vehicle
operation prepared as provided in section 14-36e, as amended by this
act, (ii) of training of similar nature provided by a licensed drivers'
school approved by the commissioner, or (iii) of home training in
accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection, including, in each
case, or by a combination of such types of training, successful
completion of: Not less than forty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-
the-road instruction for applicants to whom a youth instruction permit
is issued on or after August 1, 2008; (B) [present] submit to the
commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner shall direct, a
certificate of the successful completion of a course of not less than eight
hours relative to safe driving practices, including a minimum of four
hours on the nature and the medical, biological and physiological effects
of alcohol and drugs and their impact on the operator of a motor vehicle, Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 15 of 86
the dangers associated with the operation of a motor vehicle after the
consumption of alcohol or drugs by the operator, the problems of
alcohol and drug abuse and the penalties for alcohol and drug-related
motor vehicle violations; and (C) pass an examination which may
include a comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning
motor vehicles and the rules of the road in addition to the test required
under subsection (c) of this section and shall include an on-the-road
skills test as prescribed by the commissioner. At the time of application
and examination for a motor vehicle operator's license, an applicant
sixteen or seventeen years of age shall have held a youth instruction
permit for not less than one hundred eighty days, except that an
applicant who presents a certificate under subparagraph (A)(i) or
subparagraph (A)(ii) of this subdivision shall have held a youth
instruction permit for not less than one hundred twenty days and an
applicant who is undergoing training and instruction by the driver
training unit for persons with disabilities in accordance with the
provisions of section 14-11b shall have held such permit for the period
of time required by said unit. The [Commissioner of Motor Vehicles]
commissioner shall approve the content of the safe driving instruction
at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools. Subject to
such standards and requirements as the commissioner may impose, the
commissioner may authorize any drivers' school, licensed in good
standing in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69, as amended
by this act, or secondary school driver education program authorized
pursuant to the provisions of section 14-36e, as amended by this act, to
administer the comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws
concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, required pursuant
to subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, as part of the safe driving
practices course required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this
subdivision, and to certify to the commissioner, under oath, the results
of each such test administered. Such hours of instruction required by
this subdivision shall be included as part of or in addition to any existing
instruction programs. Any fee charged for the course required under Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 16 of 86
subparagraph (B) of this subdivision shall not exceed one hundred fifty
dollars. Any applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age who, while a
resident of another state, completed the course required in
subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, but did not complete the safe
driving course required in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, shall
complete the safe driving course. The commissioner may waive any
requirement in this subdivision, except for that in subparagraph (C) of
this subdivision, in the case of an applicant sixteen or seventeen years
of age who holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by any
other state, provided the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant has
received training and instruction of a similar nature.
(2) The commissioner may accept as evidence of sufficient training
under subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection home
training as evidenced by a written statement submitted to the
commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner directs. Such
statement shall be signed by the spouse of a married minor applicant, or
by a parent, grandparent, foster parent or legal guardian of an applicant,
[which states] and state that the applicant has obtained a youth
instruction permit and has successfully completed a driving course
taught by the person signing the statement, that the signer has had an
operator's license for at least four years preceding the date of the
statement, and that the signer has not had such license suspended by
the commissioner for at least four years preceding the date of the
statement. [or, if] If the applicant has no spouse, parent, grandparent,
foster parent or guardian so qualified and available to give the
instruction, [a] such statement may be signed by the applicant's
stepparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt, by blood or marriage, provided
the person signing the statement is qualified.
(3) If the commissioner requires a written test of any applicant under
this section, the test shall be given in English or Spanish at the option of
the applicant, provided the commissioner shall require that the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 17 of 86
applicant shall have sufficient understanding of English for the
interpretation of traffic control signs.
(4) The [Commissioner of Motor Vehicles] commissioner may adopt
regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to
implement the purposes of this subsection concerning the requirements
for behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction, the content of safe
driving instruction at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary
schools, and the administration and certification of required testing.
(e) (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued until (A) the
applicant signs and [files with] submits to the commissioner, in such
manner as the commissioner directs, an application under oath, or made
subject to penalties for false statement in accordance with section 53a-
157b, and (B) the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant is sixteen
years of age or older and is a suitable person to receive the license.
(2) Except any applicant described in section 14-36m, as amended by
this act, an applicant for a new motor vehicle operator's license shall [,
in the discretion of the commissioner, file,] submit with the application
[,] a copy of such applicant's birth certificate or other prima facie
evidence, as determined by the commissioner, of date of birth and
evidence of identity.
(3) Before granting a license to any applicant who has not previously
held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license, or [who has not
operated a motor vehicle during the preceding two years] whose
Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two
years prior to the application date, the commissioner shall require the
applicant to demonstrate personally to the commissioner, a deputy, [or]
a motor vehicle inspector or an agent of the commissioner, in such
manner as the commissioner directs, that the applicant is a proper
person to operate motor vehicles of the class for which such applicant
has applied, has sufficient knowledge of the mechanism of the motor Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 18 of 86
vehicles to ensure their safe operation by him or her and has satisfactory
knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the
road. The knowledge test of an applicant for a class D motor vehicle
operator's license may be administered in such form as the
commissioner deems appropriate, including audio, electronic or written
testing. Such knowledge test shall be administered in English, Spanish
or any language spoken at home by at least one per cent of the state's
population, according to statistics prepared by the United States Census
Bureau, based on the most recent decennial census. Each such
knowledge test shall include a question concerning highway work zone
safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under
section 14-212d. Each such knowledge test shall include not less than
one question concerning distracted driving, the use of mobile
telephones and electronic devices by motor vehicle operators or the
responsibilities of motor vehicle operators under section 14-296aa. If any
such applicant has held a license from a state, territory or possession of
the United States where a similar examination is required, the
commissioner may waive part or all of the examination. If any such
applicant is (A) a veteran who applies not later than two years after the
date of discharge from the military and who, prior to such discharge,
held a military operator's license for motor vehicles of the same class as
that for which such applicant has applied, or (B) a member of the armed
forces or the National Guard who currently holds a military operator's
license for motor vehicles of the same class as that for which such
applicant has applied, the commissioner shall waive all of the
examination, except in the case of a commercial motor vehicle [licenses]
license, the commissioner shall [only] waive the driving skills test for
such applicant [who] and may, in such commissioner's discretion, waive
the knowledge test for such application, provided such applicant meets
the conditions set forth in 49 CFR 383.77, as amended from time to time.
For the purposes of this subsection, "veteran" means any person who
was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces and "armed forces" has the same Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 19 of 86
meaning as provided in section 27-103. When the commissioner is
satisfied as to the ability and competency of any applicant, the
commissioner may issue to such applicant a license, either unlimited or
containing such limitations as the commissioner deems advisable, and
specifying the class of motor vehicles which the licensee is eligible to
operate.
(4) If any applicant or operator license holder has any health problem
which might affect such person's ability to operate a motor vehicle
safely, the commissioner may require the applicant or license holder to
demonstrate personally or otherwise establish that, notwithstanding
such problem, such applicant or license holder is a proper person to
operate a motor vehicle, and the commissioner may further require a
certificate of such applicant's condition, signed by a medical authority
designated by the commissioner, which certificate shall in all cases be
treated as confidential by the commissioner. A license, containing such
limitation as the commissioner deems advisable, may be issued or
renewed in any case, but nothing in this section shall be construed to
prevent the commissioner from refusing a license, either limited or
unlimited, to any person or suspending a license of a person whom the
commissioner determines to be incapable of safely operating a motor
vehicle. Consistent with budgetary allotments, each motor vehicle
operator's license issued to or renewed by a person who is deaf or hard
of hearing shall, upon the request of such person, indicate such
impairment. Such person shall submit a certificate stating such
impairment, in such form as the commissioner may require and signed
by a licensed health care practitioner.
(5) The issuance of a motor vehicle operator's license to any applicant
who is the holder of a license issued by another state shall be subject to
the provisions of sections 14-111c and 14-111k.
(f) No person issued a limited license shall operate (1) a motor vehicle
in violation of the limitations imposed by such license, or (2) any motor Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 20 of 86
vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which such person's right to
operate is limited.
(g) The commissioner may place a restriction on the motor vehicle
operator's license of any person or on any special operator's permit
issued to any person in accordance with the provisions of section 14-37a
that restricts the holder of such license or permit to the operation of a
motor vehicle that is equipped with an approved ignition interlock
device, as defined in section 14-227j, for such time as the commissioner
shall prescribe, if such person has: (1) Been convicted for a first or second
time of a violation of subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227a,
and has served not less than forty-five days of the prescribed period of
suspension for such conviction, in accordance with the provisions of
subsections (g) and (i) of section 14-227a; (2) been ordered by the
Superior Court not to operate any motor vehicle unless it is equipped
with an approved ignition interlock device, in accordance with the
provisions of section 14-227j; (3) been granted a reversal or reduction of
such person's license suspension or revocation, in accordance with the
provisions of subsection (i) of section 14-111; (4) been issued a motor
vehicle operator's license upon the surrender of an operator's license
issued by another state and such previously held license contains a
restriction to the operation of a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition
interlock device; (5) been convicted of a violation of section 53a-56b or
53a-60d; (6) been permitted by the commissioner to be issued or to retain
an operator's license subject to reporting requirements concerning such
person's physical condition, in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (e) of this section and sections 14-45a to 14-46g, inclusive, as
amended by this act; (7) had such person's operator's license suspended
under subsection (i) of section 14-227b and has served not less than
forty-five days of the prescribed period of such suspension; (8) been
convicted for a first or second time of a violation of subsection (a) of
section 14-227m and has served not less than forty-five days of the
prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in accordance with Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 21 of 86
the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227m and subsection (i) of
section 14-227a; or (9) been convicted of a violation of subdivision (1) or
(2) of subsection (a) of section 14-227n and has served not less than forty-
five days of the prescribed period of suspension for such conviction, in
accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-227n and
subsection (i) of section 14-227a.
(h) Before issuing a motor vehicle operator's license in accordance
with this section or section 14-44c, as amended by this act, the
commissioner shall request information from the National Driver
Registry and the Commercial Driver License Information System, in
accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR section 383.73. Each driving
history record shall contain a notation of the date on which such inquiry
was made.
(i) (1) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for
a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined
not less than seventy-five dollars or more than ninety dollars and, for
any subsequent offense, shall be fined not less than two hundred fifty
dollars or more than three hundred fifty dollars or be imprisoned not
more than thirty days, or both.
(2) In addition to the penalty prescribed under subdivision (1) of this
subsection, any person who violates any provision of this section who
(A) has, prior to the commission of the present violation, committed a
violation of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, shall be fined
not more than five hundred dollars or sentenced to perform not more
than one hundred hours of community service, or (B) has, prior to the
commission of the present violation, committed two or more violations
of this section or subsection (a) of section 14-215, or any combination
thereof, shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one year, ninety
days of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner.
(j) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 22 of 86
accordance with chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
Sec. 10. Section 14-36d of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(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.
(b) The commissioner may [provide for the renewal of] renew or
produce a duplicate 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] if (1) the commissioner has on file a photograph or digital image
[on file, if] of the applicant that meets the specifications and standards
prescribed by the commissioner and may be used on such license or
identity card, (2) the commissioner has satisfactory evidence of the
identity of the applicant, [has not been presented, or if] (3) the
commissioner [has reason to believe] is satisfied that the applicant is [no
longer] a legal resident of this state, (4) in the case of a renewal, the
applicant personally appeared to renew such license or identity card
within the time limitations specified in state or federal law, and (5) the
applicant meets all other requirements for the renewal or duplicate
issuance of a license or identity card. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 23 of 86
(c) The commissioner may issue, [or] renew [any] or duplicate a
license, [any] an instruction permit or an identity card [issued or
renewed] pursuant to this title or section 1-1h, as amended by this act,
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 or duplication, 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 not be required to contain a photograph or digital image of
the applicant as specified in subdivision (8) of subsection (a) of section
14-36h. 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.
(d) [The commissioner may adopt regulations to provide] If the
commissioner provides for the renewal or duplicate issuance of the
motor vehicle operator's license, commercial driver's license or identity
card [of any person not identified in] without the personal appearance
of the license or card holder in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall establish
procedures to renew or issue a duplicate of such license or identity card
by mail or by electronic communication with the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Sec. 11. Section 14-36e of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) As used in this section, "classroom instruction" includes training Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 24 of 86
or instruction offered in person in a congregate setting, through distance
learning or through a combination of both in-person and distance
learning, provided such distance learning has interactive components
such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.
(b) Each local and regional board of education may provide a course
of instruction in motor vehicle operation and highway safety on a
secondary school level, which course (1) shall consist of not less than
thirty clock hours of classroom instruction offered during or after school
hours as said board of education, in its discretion, may provide,
including instruction of not less than fifteen minutes concerning the
responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under subsection (b) of
section 14-223 and the penalty for a violation of the provisions of said
subsection (b), and (2) may include behind-the-wheel instruction of up
to twenty clock hours. [Said] Such course shall be open to enrollment by
any person between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, inclusive, who is
a resident of the town or school district or whose parent, parents or legal
guardian owns property taxable in such town or school district. Any
such board of education may contract for such behind-the-wheel
instruction with a licensed drivers' school.
Sec. 12. Section 14-36f of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in
accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, governing the
establishment, conduct and scope of driver education programs in
secondary schools of this state, subject to the requirements of section 14-
36e, as amended by this act. Such regulations shall (1) permit any local
or regional board of education or private secondary school to contract
with a licensed drivers' school approved by the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles for the behind-the-wheel instruction of such driver education
program and instruction therein may be given by such school's driving
instructors who are licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, [and] Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 25 of 86
(2) require that the classroom instruction of any such driver education
program [shall] include a discussion concerning highway work zone
safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under
section 14-212d, and (3) except for instruction offered pursuant to
section 14-36j, permit a class or classroom instruction to be offered in
person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a
combination of both in-person and distance learning, provided such
distance learning has interactive components such as mandatory
interactions, participation or testing.
Sec. 13. Subsection (b) of section 14-41 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(b) The commissioner may authorize a contractor, including, but not
limited to, an automobile club or association licensed in accordance with
the provisions of section 14-67 on or before July 1, 2007, or any
municipality, to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards pursuant to
section 14-50a, renew licenses, renew identity cards issued pursuant to
section 1-1h, as amended by this act, and conduct registration
transactions. [at the office or facilities of such contractors or
municipalities.] The commissioner may authorize such contractors and
municipalities to charge a convenience fee, which shall not exceed eight
dollars, to each applicant for a license or identity card renewal or
duplication, or for a registration transaction.
Sec. 14. Section 14-44c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(a) The application for a commercial driver's license or commercial
driver's instruction permit, shall include the following:
(1) The full name and current mailing and residence address of the
person; Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 26 of 86
(2) A physical description of the person, including [sex] gender,
height and eye color;
(3) Date of birth;
(4) The applicant's Social Security number;
(5) The person's statement, under oath, that such person meets the
physical qualification standards set forth in 49 CFR 391, as amended
from time to time;
(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;
(7) The person's statement, under oath, that 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;
(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
(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.
(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.
(c) At the time of application for a commercial driver's license, the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 27 of 86
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.
(d) On and after January 6, 2023, the commissioner shall request a
driver's record from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, in accordance
with 49 CFR 382.725, as amended from time to time, for any person who
applies for, renews, transfers or upgrades a commercial driver's license.
The commissioner shall use information obtained from the Drug and
Alcohol Clearinghouse solely for the purpose of determining whether a
person is qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle and shall not
disclose such information to any person or entity not directly involved
in determining whether a person is qualified to operate a commercial
motor vehicle.
[(d)] (e) 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 such person's operator's license
or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state suspended for sixty
days.
Sec. 15. Subsection (g) of section 14-44e of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(g) The commissioner may issue a commercial driver's instruction
permit to any person who holds a valid operator's license. Such permit
may be issued for a period not exceeding one [hundred eighty days, and
may be reissued or renewed for one additional period not exceeding one
hundred eighty days, provided the reissuance or renewal of such permit
occurs within a two-year period from its initial issuance] year. Any
holder of a commercial driver's instruction permit who has not obtained
a commercial driver's license on or before the expiration date of such Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 28 of 86
[reissued or renewed] permit shall be required to retake the commercial
driver's license knowledge test and any applicable endorsement
knowledge tests. The holder of a commercial driver's instruction permit
may, unless otherwise disqualified or suspended, drive a commercial
motor vehicle if such holder is accompanied by the holder of a
commercial driver's license of the appropriate class and bearing
endorsements for the type of vehicle being driven who occupies a seat
beside the individual for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the
commercial motor vehicle. The commissioner shall not administer a
commercial driver's license driving skills test to any holder of a
commercial driver's instruction permit unless such person has held such
permit for a minimum period of fourteen days.
Sec. 16. Subsection (b) of section 14-44i of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(b) There shall be charged for each commercial driver's license
knowledge test a fee of sixteen dollars. There shall be charged for each
commercial driver's license skills test a fee of thirty dollars. There shall
be charged for each commercial driver's instruction permit a fee of [ten]
twenty dollars.
Sec. 17. Subsection (g) of section 14-44k of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(g) Any person who (1) uses any motor vehicle in the commission of
a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of a
controlled substance, or (2) uses a commercial motor vehicle in the
commission of a felony involving severe forms of trafficking in persons,
as defined in 22 USC 7102(11), as amended from time to time, shall be
disqualified for life and ineligible for reinstatement in accordance with
subsection (h) of this section. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 29 of 86
Sec. 18. Subsection (e) of section 14-49 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(e) (1) For the registration of a passenger motor vehicle used in part
for commercial purposes, except any pick-up truck having a gross
vehicle weight rating of less than twelve thousand five hundred
pounds, the commissioner shall charge a triennial fee of one hundred
thirty-two dollars and shall issue combination registration to such
vehicle. Any individual who is sixty-five years of age or older may, at
such individual's discretion, renew the combination registration of such
vehicle owned by such individual for either a one-year period or the
registration period as determined by the commissioner pursuant to
subsection (a) of section 14-22. (2) For the registration of a school bus,
the commissioner shall charge an annual fee of one hundred seven
dollars for a type I school bus and sixty-four dollars for a type II school
bus. (3) For the registration of a motor vehicle when used in part for
commercial purposes and as a passenger motor vehicle or of a motor
vehicle having a seating capacity greater than ten and not used for the
conveyance of passengers for hire, the commissioner shall charge a
biennial fee for gross weight as for commercial registration, as outlined
in section 14-47, plus the sum of fourteen dollars and shall issue
combination registration to such vehicle. (4) Each vehicle registered as
combination shall be issued a number plate bearing the word
"combination". No vehicle registered as combination may have a gross
vehicle weight rating in excess of twelve thousand five hundred
pounds. (5) For the registration of a pick-up truck having a gross vehicle
weight rating of less than twelve thousand five hundred pounds that is
not used in part for commercial purposes, the commissioner shall
charge a triennial fee for gross weight as for commercial registration, as
provided in section 14-47, plus the sum of twenty-one dollars. The
commissioner may issue passenger registration to any such vehicle with
a gross vehicle weight rating of eight thousand five hundred pounds or Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 30 of 86
less.
Sec. 19. Section 14-52 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) No person, firm or corporation may engage in the business of the
buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or
the repairing of any motor vehicle without having been issued either a
new car dealer's, a used car dealer's, a repairer's or a limited repairer's
license. The license fee for each such license, payable to the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, shall be as follows: (1) New motor
vehicle dealer, seven hundred dollars; (2) used motor vehicle dealer, five
hundred sixty dollars; and (3) repairer or limited repairer, three
hundred forty dollars. Each such license shall be renewed biennially
according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner so as
to effect staggered renewal of all such licenses. If the adoption of a
staggered system results in the expiration of any license more or less
than one year from its issuance, the commissioner may charge a
prorated amount for such license fee. Not less than forty-five days prior
to the date of expiration of each such license, the commissioner shall
send or transmit to each licensee, in a manner determined by the
commissioner, an application for renewal. Any licensee which has not
filed the application for renewal accompanied by the prescribed fee
prior to the date of expiration of its license shall cease to engage in
business. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after
the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred
dollars. The commissioner shall not renew any license under this
subsection which has expired for more than forty-five days.
(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each
applicant for a repairer's or a limited repairer's license shall furnish [a
cash bond or] a surety bond in the amount of five thousand dollars.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each applicant Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 31 of 86
for a new car dealer's or a used car dealer's license shall furnish [a cash
bond or] a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars.
(3) Each applicant for a leasing or rental license issued pursuant to
section 14-15, who is engaged in the leasing or renting of motor vehicles
for periods of thirty days or more shall furnish [a cash bond or] a surety
bond in the amount of ten thousand dollars.
(4) Each such bond required under subdivisions (1) to (3), inclusive,
of this subsection shall be conditioned upon the applicant or licensee
complying with the provisions of any state or federal law or regulation
relating to the conduct of such business and provided as indemnity for
any loss sustained by any customer by reason of any acts of the licensee
constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of the license or such
licensee going out of business. Each [cash bond shall be deposited with
the commissioner and each] surety bond shall be executed in the name
of the state of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved customer, but
the penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the
commissioner after a hearing held before said commissioner in
accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. For purposes of this
subdivision, "customer" does not include (A) any person, firm or
corporation that finances a licensed dealer's motor vehicle inventory, or
(B) any licensed dealer, in such person's capacity as a dealer, who buys
motor vehicles from or sells motor vehicles to another licensed dealer.
(5) The commissioner shall assess an administrative fee of two
hundred dollars against any licensee for failing to provide proof of bond
renewal or replacement on or before the date of the expiration of the
existing bond. Such fee shall be in addition to the license suspension or
revocation penalties and the civil penalties to which the licensee is
subject pursuant to section 14-64.
(c) The commissioner may request information from any applicant
for a repairer's license or used car dealer's license concerning the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 32 of 86
financial status and ability of such applicant to comply with the
requirements of this subpart and the regulations adopted thereunder.
The commissioner shall review such information to determine if the
applicant has sufficient financial resources to conduct the business in a
manner consistent with the reasonable security and protection of its
customers in regard to the duties and responsibilities imposed by the
provisions of this subpart and the regulations adopted thereunder. The
commissioner may refuse to issue a license if the applicant fails to
provide any such information requested or, if, after review by the
commissioner, the commissioner is not satisfied as to such applicant's
financial status. The commissioner may, in any case deemed
appropriate, grant a license on condition that the applicant post [a cash
bond or] a surety bond, in accordance with the provisions of subsection
(b) of this section, in an amount prescribed by the commissioner that is
greater than the minimum amount required by the applicable
provisions of said subsection (b). Any applicant aggrieved by any
decision of the commissioner made pursuant to this subsection shall be
afforded an opportunity for hearing in accordance with the provisions
of chapter 54. The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance
with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of this subsection.
(d) Any person, firm or corporation engaging in the business of the
buying, selling, offering for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or of
the repairing of any motor vehicle without a license shall be guilty of a
class B misdemeanor.
(e) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall transmit to the
Commissioner of Revenue Services and the Commissioner of Energy
and Environmental Protection a summary of any complaint that the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles receives alleging that a person, firm or
corporation is engaging in the business of the buying, selling, offering
for sale or brokerage of any motor vehicle or of the repairing of any
motor vehicle without a license. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 33 of 86
Sec. 20. Section 14-52a of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(a) The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, refuse to grant
or renew a license to a person, firm or corporation to engage in the
business of selling or repairing motor vehicles pursuant to the
provisions of section 14-52, as amended by this act, if the applicant for,
or holder of, such a license, or an officer or major stockholder, if the
applicant or licensee is a firm or corporation, has been found liable in a
civil action for odometer fraud or operating a dealer, repairer or motor
vehicle recycler business without a license, convicted of a violation of
any provision of laws pertaining to the business of a motor vehicle
dealer or repairer, including a motor vehicle recycler, or convicted of
any violation of any provision of laws involving fraud, larceny or
deprivation or misappropriation of property, in the courts of the United
States or [of] any state. Each applicant for such a license shall submit to
[a] state and national criminal history records [check] checks, conducted
in accordance with section 29-17a and based on the applicant's name
and date of birth, not more than thirty days before such application is
made and provide the results of such records check to the Department
of Motor Vehicles. The commissioner may require a person, firm or
corporation to submit its application electronically. Upon renewal of
such license, [such] a licensee shall make full disclosure of any such civil
judgment or conviction under penalty of false statement.
(b) The commissioner shall not, after notice and hearing, grant or
renew a license to an applicant [or licensee] for or the holder of a used
car dealer's license that is delinquent in the payment of sales tax in
connection with a business from which it is or was obligated to remit
sales tax, as reported to the commissioner by the Department of
Revenue Services.
Sec. 21. Subsection (a) of section 14-69 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 34 of 86
2021):
(a) No person shall engage in the business of conducting a drivers'
school without being licensed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
An application for a license shall be in writing and shall contain such
information as the commissioner requires. Each applicant for a license
shall be fingerprinted before such application is approved. The
commissioner shall subject each applicant for a license 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. If any such applicant has a
criminal record or is listed on the state child abuse and neglect registry,
the commissioner shall make a determination of whether to issue a
license to conduct a drivers' school in accordance with the standards and
procedures set forth in section 14-44 and the regulations adopted
pursuant to said section. If the application is approved, the applicant
shall be granted a license upon the payment of a fee of seven hundred
dollars and a deposit with the commissioner of [cash or] a bond of a
surety company authorized to do business in this state, conditioned on
the faithful performance by the applicant of any contract to furnish
instruction, in either case in such amount as the commissioner may
require, such [cash or] bond to be held by the commissioner to satisfy
any execution issued against such school in a cause arising out of failure
of such school to perform such contract. For each additional place of
business of such school, the commissioner shall charge a fee of one
hundred seventy-six dollars, except if the licensee opens an additional
place of business with one year or less remaining on the term of its
license, the commissioner shall charge a fee of eighty-eight dollars for
each such additional place of business for the year or any part thereof
remaining on the term of such license. No license shall be required in
the case of any board of education, or any public, private or parochial
school, which conducts a course in driver education established in
accordance with sections 14-36e, as amended by this act, and 14-36f, as Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 35 of 86
amended by this act. A license so issued shall be valid for two years. The
commissioner shall issue a license certificate or certificates to each
licensee, one of which shall be displayed in each place of business of the
licensee. In case of the loss, mutilation or destruction of a certificate, the
commissioner shall issue a duplicate upon proof of the facts and the
payment of a fee of twenty dollars.
Sec. 22. Section 14-78 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the
provisions of chapter 54, [for (1)] regarding the conduct of drivers'
schools and instructor license requirements. Such regulations shall (1)
establish the conduct of drivers' schools, including, but not limited to,
requirements as to the inspection of the vehicles used by the drivers'
schools in the conduct of their business, instructional standards and
procedures, including instruction of not less than fifteen minutes
concerning the responsibilities of an operator of a motor vehicle under
subsection (b) of section 14-223 and the penalty for a violation of the
provisions of said subsection, [(b),] instruction concerning highway
work zone safety and the responsibilities of an operator of a motor
vehicle under section 14-212d, the administration of a test at the
conclusion of each class, the posting of rates charged for instruction, and
the general form in which records [shall be kept] concerning persons
under instruction and those who have completed their course of
instruction [, and (2) the establishment of] shall be kept and, when
required, the method of transmission to the commissioner, (2) except as
required pursuant to section 14-36j, as amended by this act, permit a
class or classroom instruction to be offered in person in a congregate
setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-
person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has
interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or
testing, and (3) establish the requirements for a person to receive a Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 36 of 86
license as an instructor in accordance with section 14-73. On and after
October 1, 2010, the commissioner shall not issue a license that is limited
to classroom instruction. Any person who was issued such limited
license prior to October 1, 2010, may maintain and renew such license.
Sec. 23. Subsection (b) of section 14-111g of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(b) The retraining program shall be taught by a designee of the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or by an instructor approved by the
commissioner and shall (1) review principles of motor vehicle operation,
(2) develop alternative attitudes for those attitudes contributing to
aggressive driving behavior, and (3) emphasize the need to practice safe
driving behavior. The retraining program shall be offered by the
Department of Motor Vehicles or by any other organization certified by
the commissioner to conduct such program in person in a congregate
setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-
person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has
interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or
testing. Any drivers' school, as defined in section 14-68, that meets the
licensure requirements of part IV of this chapter shall be eligible to seek
certification to offer the motor vehicle operator's retraining program.
The commissioner shall determine the number of program providers
necessary to serve the needs of the public. Each organization or drivers'
school seeking certification or recertification to conduct such retraining
program shall submit an application to the department in such form as
the commissioner shall require and an application fee of three hundred
fifty dollars. Each such applicant shall: (A) Be registered to do business
in this state and continuously maintain good standing with the office of
the Secretary of the State; (B) file and continuously maintain a surety
bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Such bond shall be
conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of any state or federal Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 37 of 86
law or regulation concerning the conduct of an operator retraining
program and provided as indemnity for any loss or expense sustained
by either the state or any person by reason of any acts or omissions of
the program provider. Such bond shall be executed in the name of the
State of Connecticut for the benefit of any aggrieved party, but the
penalty of the bond shall not be invoked except upon order of the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles after a hearing held before the
commissioner in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54; (C) have
a permanent place of business in this state where all operator retraining
program records shall be maintained and accessible to the commissioner
during normal business hours; (D) submit for approval by the
commissioner a detailed curriculum and lesson plan, including any
changes to such curriculum and lesson plan, which shall be used in each
operator retraining class; and (E) electronically transmit information
concerning enrollment and class completion to the commissioner at
such times and in such form as the commissioner shall prescribe. Prior
to the certification of an applicant, the commissioner shall investigate
the applicant's character, driving history and criminal history. If the
applicant is a business entity, such investigation shall include the
principals and officers of such entity. The applicant shall submit to the
commissioner any information pertaining to current or past criminal or
civil actions. The certification of a program provider by the
commissioner shall not be transferable and shall be valid for a two-year
period. Recertification of a provider shall be at the discretion of the
commissioner and in such form and manner determined by the
commissioner.
Sec. 24. Subsection (c) of section 14-164c of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(c) The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with
chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section. Such regulations Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 38 of 86
shall include provision for a periodic inspection of air pollution control
equipment and compliance with or waiver of exhaust emission
standards or compliance with or waiver of on-board diagnostic
standards or other standards defined by the Commissioner of Energy
and Environmental Protection and approved by the Administrator of
the United States Environmental Protection Agency, compliance with or
waiver of, air pollution control system integrity standards defined by
the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and
compliance with or waiver of purge system standards defined by the
Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. Such
regulations may provide for an inspection procedure using an on-board
diagnostic information system for all 1996 model year and newer motor
vehicles. Such regulations shall apply to all motor vehicles registered or
which will be registered in this state, and to all motor vehicles sold by a
dealer licensed in this state as required by subsection (n) of this section,
except: (1) Vehicles having a gross weight of more than ten thousand
pounds; (2) vehicles powered by electricity; (3) bicycles with motors
attached; (4) motorcycles; (5) vehicles operating with a temporary
registration; (6) vehicles manufactured twenty-five or more years ago;
(7) new vehicles at the time of initial registration; (8) vehicles registered
but not designed primarily for highway use; (9) farm vehicles, as
defined in subsection (q) of section 14-49; (10) diesel-powered type II
school buses; (11) a vehicle operated by a licensed dealer or repairer
either to or from a location of the purchase or sale of such vehicle or for
the purpose of obtaining an official emissions or safety inspection; (12)
vehicles that have met the inspection requirements of section 14-103a
and are registered by the commissioner as composite vehicles; (13)
electric bicycles, as defined in section 14-1; or (14) electric foot scooters,
as defined in section 14-1. On and after July 1, 2002, such regulations
shall exempt from the periodic inspection requirement any vehicle four
or less model years of age, beginning with model year 2003 and the
previous three model years, provided that such exemption shall lapse
upon a finding by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 39 of 86
Protection Agency or by the Secretary of the United States Department
of Transportation that such exemption causes the state to violate
applicable federal environmental or transportation planning
requirements. Notwithstanding any provisions of this subsection, the
commissioner may require an initial emissions inspection and
compliance or waiver prior to registration of a new motor vehicle. If the
Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection finds that it is
necessary to inspect motor vehicles which are exempt under subdivision
(1) or (4) of this subsection, or motor vehicles that are four or less model
years of age in order to achieve compliance with federal law concerning
emission reduction requirements, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54,
to require the inspection of motorcycles, designated motor vehicles
having a gross weight of more than ten thousand pounds or motor
vehicles four or less model years of age.
Sec. 25. Subdivision (1) of subsection (k) of section 14-164c of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):
(k) (1) The commissioner, with approval of the Secretary of the Office
of Policy and Management, shall establish, and from time to time
modify, the inspection fees, not to exceed twenty dollars for each
biennial inspection or reinspection required pursuant to this chapter for
inspections performed at official emissions inspection stations. Such
fees shall be paid in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. If the
costs to the state of the emissions inspection program, including
administrative costs and payments to any independent contractor,
exceed the income from such fees, such excess costs shall be borne by
the state. Any person whose vehicle has been inspected at an official
emissions inspection station shall, if such vehicle is found not to comply
with any required standards, have the vehicle repaired and have the
right within sixty consecutive calendar days to return such vehicle to Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 40 of 86
the same official emissions inspection station for one reinspection
without charge, provided, where the sixtieth day falls on a Sunday, legal
holiday or a day on which the commissioner has established that special
circumstances or conditions exist that have caused emissions inspection
to be impracticable, such person may return such vehicle for
reinspection on the next day. The commissioner shall assess a late fee of
twenty dollars against the owner of a motor vehicle that has not
presented such motor vehicle for an emissions inspection within thirty
days following the expiration date of the assigned inspection period, or
that has not presented such motor vehicle for a reinspection within sixty
days following a test failure, or both. The commissioner may waive such
late fee when it is proven to the commissioner's satisfaction that the
failure to have the vehicle inspected within thirty days of the assigned
inspection period or during the sixty-day reinspection period was due
to exigent circumstances. If ownership of the motor vehicle has been
transferred, the new owner shall have such motor vehicle inspected
within thirty days of the registration of such motor vehicle. The
commissioner may specify a longer period for all new owners to achieve
compliance after a transfer of ownership if circumstances require
closure or limited operations of the Department of Motor Vehicles or
emissions inspection stations. After the expiration of such thirty-day
period, or the period specified by the commissioner, the commissioner
shall require the payment of the late fee specified in this subdivision. If
the thirtieth day falls on a Sunday, legal holiday or a day on which the
commissioner has established that special circumstances or conditions
exist that have caused emissions inspection to be impracticable, such
vehicle may be inspected on the next day and no late fee shall be
assessed.
Sec. 26. Subsection (a) of section 14-227b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021): Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 41 of 86
(a) Any person who operates a motor vehicle in this state shall be
deemed to have given such person's consent to a chemical analysis of
such person's blood, breath or urine and, if such person is a minor, such
person's parent or parents or guardian shall also be deemed to have
given their consent. As used in this section, "motor vehicle" includes a
snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle, as such terms are defined in section
14-379.
Sec. 27. Subsection (a) of section 14-276a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in
accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, establishing a procedure
for the safety training of school bus operators and operators of student
transportation vehicles. Such regulations shall provide for minimum
proficiency requirements for school bus operators. The safety training
administered by the commissioner shall conform to the minimum
requirements of number 17 of the National Highway Safety Standards.
Such safety training shall include instruction relative to the location,
contents and use of the first aid kit in the motor vehicle. A class or
classroom instruction may be offered in person in a congregate setting,
through distance learning or through a combination of both in-person
and distance learning, provided such distance learning has interactive
components such as mandatory interactions, participation or testing.
Sec. 28. Subsection (c) of section 14-276a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(c) Any town or regional school district may require its school bus
operators to have completed a safety training course in the operation of
school buses, consisting of a minimum of ten hours of behind-the-wheel
instruction and three hours of classroom instruction. Classroom Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 42 of 86
instruction shall include instruction offered in person in a congregate
setting, through distance learning or through a combination of both in-
person and distance learning, provided such distance learning has
interactive components such as mandatory interactions, participation or
testing.
Sec. 29. Subsection (e) of section 15-144 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(e) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit marine
dealers, as defined in section 15-141, to assign registration numbers and
issue [temporary] certificates of number upon the sale or transfer of a
vessel. The dealer shall within ten days from the issuance of such
[temporary] certificate submit to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
an application together with all necessary documents, information and
fees [for a permanent] corresponding to the certificate of number issued
for the vessel transfer.
(2) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may permit such marine
dealers to issue [temporary] certificates of decal upon the sale or transfer
of a documented vessel. The dealer shall within ten days from the
issuance of such [temporary] certificate submit to the Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles an application together with all necessary documents,
information and fees [for a permanent] corresponding to the certificate
of decal [with respect to] issued for such vessel.
(3) [On and after March 1, 2005, the] The Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles shall permit marine dealers [, as defined in section 15-141,] to
submit the applications and documents required under subdivisions (1)
and (2) of this subsection by electronic means. [Said] The commissioner
[shall] may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry
out the provisions of this subdivision. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 43 of 86
Sec. 30. Section 14-12 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) No motor vehicle shall be operated, towed or parked on any
highway, except as otherwise expressly provided, unless it is registered
with the commissioner, provided any motor vehicle may be towed for
repairs or necessary work if it bears the [markers] number plates of a
licensed and registered dealer, manufacturer or repairer and provided
any motor vehicle which is validly registered in another state may, for a
period of [sixty] ninety days following establishment by the owner of
residence in this state, be operated on any highway without first being
registered with the commissioner. Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, (1) a person commits an infraction if such person (A)
registers a motor vehicle he or she does not own, or (B) operates, allows
the operation of, parks or allows the parking of an unregistered motor
vehicle on any highway, or (2) a resident of this state who operates or
parks a motor vehicle such resident owns with [marker] number plates
issued by another state on any highway shall be fined [one thousand]
two hundred fifty dollars, except that the fine shall be suspended for a
first time violator who presents proof of registration for the motor
vehicle subsequent to the violation but prior to the imposition of a fine.
If the owner of a motor vehicle previously registered with the
commissioner, the registration of which expired not more than thirty
days previously, operates, allows the operation of, parks or allows that
parking of such a motor vehicle, such owner shall be fined the amount
designated for the infraction of failure to renew a registration, but the
right to retain his or her operator's license shall not be affected. No
operator other than the owner shall be subject to penalty for the
operation or parking of such a previously registered motor vehicle. As
used in this subsection, the term "unregistered motor vehicle" includes
any vehicle that is not eligible for registration by the commissioner due
to the absence of necessary equipment or other characteristics of the
vehicle that make it unsuitable for highway operation, unless the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 44 of 86
operation of such vehicle is expressly permitted by another provision of
this chapter or chapter 248.
(b) To obtain a motor vehicle registration, except as provided in
subsection (c) of this section, the owner shall [file in the office of] submit
to the commissioner an application signed by [him] such owner and
containing such information and proof of ownership as the
commissioner may require. The application shall be made [on blanks
furnished by the commissioner. The blanks shall be] in such form and
contain such provisions and information as the commissioner may
determine.
(c) (1) The commissioner may, for the more efficient administration
of the commissioner's duties, appoint licensed dealers meeting
qualifications established by the commissioner pursuant to regulations
adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to (A) issue
new registrations for passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles, campers,
camp trailers, commercial trailers, service buses, school buses, trucks or
other vehicle types as determined by the commissioner, [when they are
sold by a licensed dealer. The commissioner shall charge such dealer a
fee of ten dollars for each new dealer issue form furnished for the
purposes of this subsection] and (B) renew such registrations for such
vehicle types. A person [purchasing] registering or renewing the
registration of a motor vehicle or other vehicle type as determined by
the commissioner from a dealer so appointed [and registering such
vehicle pursuant to this section] shall file an application with the dealer
and pay, to the dealer, [a fee] the registration fee in accordance with the
provisions of section 14-49, as amended by this act, and any other
applicable fees. The commissioner may authorize such dealer to retain
a service fee paid by the person registering or renewing the registration
of a motor vehicle under this subsection. The commissioner shall
establish the maximum service fee that such dealer may charge and
prescribe the time and manner in which the application and [fee] fees, Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 45 of 86
other than the service fee, shall be transmitted to the commissioner.
(2) The commissioner shall permit a licensed dealer appointed
pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection to electronically register a
motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of twenty-
six thousand pounds and is used or operated in intrastate commerce.
Such dealer shall pay all applicable registration and title fees for each
such registration.
(d) A motor vehicle registration certificate issued upon an application
containing any material false statement is void from the date of its issue
and shall be surrendered, upon demand, with any number plate or
plates, to the commissioner. Any money paid for the registration
certificate shall be forfeited to the state. No person shall obtain or
attempt to obtain any registration for another by misrepresentation or
impersonation and any registration so obtained shall be void. The
commissioner may require each applicant for a motor vehicle
registration to furnish personal identification satisfactory to the
commissioner and may require any applicant who has established
residence in this state for more than thirty days to obtain a motor vehicle
operator's license, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of
section 14-36, as amended by this act, or an identification card issued
pursuant to section 1-1h, as amended by this act. Any person who
violates any provision of this subsection and any person who fails to
surrender a falsely obtained motor vehicle registration or number plate
or plates upon the demand of the commissioner shall be fined not more
than two hundred dollars.
(e) The commissioner may register any motor vehicle under the
provisions of this chapter, may assign a distinguishing registration
number to the registered motor vehicle and may then issue a certificate
of registration to the owner. A certificate of registration shall contain the
registration number assigned to the motor vehicle and its vehicle
identification number and shall be in such form and contain such further Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 46 of 86
information as the commissioner determines.
(f) (1) The commissioner may refuse to register or issue a certificate
of title for a motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles if [he] the
commissioner determines that the characteristics of the motor vehicle or
class of motor vehicles make it unsafe for highway operation. The
commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions
of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this subsection and the
provisions of subsection (h) of this section.
(2) The commissioner shall not register a motor vehicle if [he] the
commissioner knows that the motor vehicle's equipment fails to comply
with the provisions of this chapter, provided nothing contained in this
section shall preclude the commissioner from issuing one or more
temporary registrations for a motor vehicle not previously registered in
this state or from issuing a temporary registration for a motor vehicle
under a trade name without a certified copy of the notice required by
section 35-1.
(3) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle, except a
platform truck the motive power of which is electricity, or a tractor
equipped with solid tires, if it is not equipped with lighting devices as
prescribed by this chapter. The registration of any motor vehicle which
is not equipped with such prescribed lighting devices is void and money
paid for the registration shall be forfeited to the state. Nothing in this
subdivision shall prevent the commissioner, at [his] the commissioner's
discretion, from registering a motor vehicle not equipped with certain
lighting devices if the operation of the vehicle is restricted to daylight
use.
(4) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle or a
combination of a motor vehicle and a trailer or semitrailer [which] that
exceeds the limits specified in section 14-267a. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 47 of 86
(5) [On or after October 1, 1984, no] No motor vehicle registration
shall be issued by the commissioner for any motorcycle unless the
application for registration is accompanied by sufficient proof, as
determined by the commissioner, that the motorcycle is insured for the
amounts required by section 14-289f.
(6) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle which is
subject to the federal heavy vehicle use tax imposed under Section 4481
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or any subsequent corresponding
internal revenue code of the United States, as from time to time
amended, if the applicant fails to furnish proof of payment of such tax,
in a form prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury of the United
States.
(g) The commissioner may elect not to register any motor vehicle
which is ten or more model years old and which has not been previously
registered in this state until the same has been presented, as directed by
the commissioner, at the main office or a branch office of the
Department of Motor Vehicles or to any designated official emissions
inspection station or other business or firm, authorized by the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to conduct safety inspections, and has
passed the inspection as to its safety features as required by the
commissioner. When a motor vehicle owned by a resident of this state
is garaged in another jurisdiction and cannot be conveniently presented
at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, an authorized
emissions inspection station or other facility, the commissioner may
accept an inspection made by authorities in such other jurisdiction or by
appropriate military authorities, provided the commissioner
determines that such inspection is comparable to that conducted by the
Department of Motor Vehicles. If the commissioner authorizes the
contractor that operates the system of official emissions inspection
stations or other business or firm to conduct the safety inspections
required by this subsection, the commissioner may authorize the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 48 of 86
contractor or other business or firm to charge a fee, not to exceed fifteen
dollars, for each such inspection. The commissioner may authorize any
motor vehicle dealer or repairer, licensed in accordance with section 14-
52, as amended by this act, and meeting qualifications established by the
commissioner, to perform an inspection required by this section or to
make repairs to any motor vehicle that has failed an initial safety
inspection and to certify to the commissioner that the motor vehicle is
in compliance with the safety and equipment standards for registration.
No such authorized dealer or repairer shall charge any additional fee to
make such certification to the commissioner. If the commissioner
authorizes any such dealer or repairer to conduct safety inspections,
such licensee may provide written certification to the commissioner, in
such form and manner as the commissioner prescribes, as to compliance
of any motor vehicle in its inventory with safety and equipment
standards and such certification may be accepted by the commissioner
as meeting the inspection requirements of this subsection.
(h) The commissioner shall not register any motor vehicle unless it
meets the equipment related registration requirements contained in
sections 14-80, 14-100, 14-100a, 14-100b, 14-106a and 14-275, as amended
by this act.
(i) The commissioner or any city, town, borough or other taxing
district authorized under subsection (f) of section 14-33 may issue a
temporary registration to the owner of a motor vehicle. The application
for a temporary registration shall conform to the provisions of this
section. A temporary registration may be issued for a period of time
determined by the commissioner and may be renewed from time to time
at the discretion of the commissioner. The fee for a temporary
registration or any renewal thereof shall be as provided in subsection
(n) of section 14-49.
(j) The commissioner may issue a special use registration to the owner
of a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed thirty days for the sole Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 49 of 86
purpose of driving such vehicle to another state in which the vehicle is
to be registered and exclusively used. The application for such
registration shall conform to the provisions of subsection (b) of this
section. The commissioner may issue special use certificates and plates
in such form as [he] the commissioner may determine. The special use
certificate shall state such limitation on the operation of such vehicle and
shall be carried in the vehicle at all times when it is being operated on
any highway.
(k) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b) and (e) of
this section, the commissioner shall issue to a municipality, as defined
in section 7-245, or a regional solid waste authority comprised of several
municipalities, upon receipt of an application by the municipality or
regional solid waste authority, a general distinguishing number plate
for use on a motor vehicle owned or leased by such municipality or
regional solid waste authority.
(l) Not later than January 1, 2018, the Department of Motor Vehicles
shall record the number of electric vehicles, as defined in section 16-
19eee, registered in the state. This data shall be publicly available on the
department's Internet web site and shall include (1) the number of
electric vehicles registered in the state each year, and (2) the total
number of electric vehicles registered in the state. The department shall
update this information every six months.
Sec. 31. Section 14 of public act 19-119 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) There is established a task force to study compliance with motor
vehicle registration laws and make recommendations to prevent
Connecticut residents from registering motor vehicles in another state
while residing in Connecticut.
(b) The task force shall consist of the following members: Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 50 of 86
(1) Two appointed by the [speaker of the House of Representatives]
House chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, one
of whom is a member of an association that represents municipal tax
assessors;
(2) Two appointed by the [president pro tempore of the] Senate
chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, one of whom is
a municipal police chief;
(3) One appointed by the [majority leader of the House of
Representatives] House vice-chairperson of the joint standing
committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
relating to transportation, who is a municipal tax assessor that serves a
municipality with seventy-five thousand residents or more;
(4) One appointed by the [majority leader of the] Senate vice-
chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, who is a
member of a municipal police department that serves a municipality
with seventy-five thousand residents or more;
(5) One appointed by the [minority leader of the House of
Representatives] House ranking member of the joint standing
committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
relating to transportation, who is a member of a municipal police
department that serves a municipality with less than seventy-five
thousand residents;
(6) One appointed by the [minority leader of the] Senate ranking
member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, who is a
municipal tax assessor that serves a municipality with less than seventy- Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 51 of 86
five thousand residents;
(7) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or the commissioner's
designee;
(8) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection,
or the commissioner's designee; and
(9) Two persons appointed by the Governor.
(c) Any member of the task force appointed under subdivision (1),
(2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) of subsection (b) of this section may be a member
of the General Assembly.
(d) All appointments to the task force shall be made not later than
[thirty days after the effective date of this section] September 1, 2021.
Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.
(e) The [speaker of the House of Representatives and the president
pro tempore of the Senate] chairpersons of the joint standing committee
of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation shall select the chairpersons of the task force from among
the members of the task force. Such chairpersons shall schedule the first
meeting of the task force, which shall be held not later [than sixty days
after the effective date of this section] October 1, 2021.
(f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the
General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation shall serve as administrative staff of the task force.
(g) Not later than January 1, [2020] 2022, the task force shall submit a
report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing
committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
relating to transportation, in accordance with the provisions of section
11-4a of the general statutes. The task force shall terminate on the date Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 52 of 86
that it submits such report or January 1, [2020] 2022, whichever is later.
Sec. 32. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) (a) Notwithstanding any
provision of the general statutes or special act, municipal charter or
ordinance, any municipality may, by ordinance adopted by its
legislative body, establish a fine to be imposed against any owner of a
motor vehicle that is subject to property tax in the municipality pursuant
to subsection (g) of section 12-71b of the general statutes who fails to
register such motor vehicle with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles,
provided (1) such motor vehicle is eligible for registration and required
to be registered under the provisions of chapter 246 of the general
statutes, (2) such fine shall not be more than two hundred fifty dollars,
(3) any penalty for the failure to pay such fine by a date prescribed by
the municipality shall not be more than twenty-five per cent of such fine,
and (4) such fine shall be suspended for a first time violator who
presents proof of registration for such motor vehicle subsequent to the
violation but prior to the imposition of a fine.
(b) Any police officer or other person authorized by the chief
executive officer of the municipality may issue a citation to any person
who fails to register such motor vehicle. Any municipality that adopts
an ordinance pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall also adopt
a citation hearing procedure pursuant to section 7-152c of the general
statutes by which procedure such fine shall be imposed.
Sec. 33. Subsection (h) of section 14-96q of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(h) The commissioner may issue a permit for emergency vehicles, as
defined in subsection (a) of section 14-283, as amended by this act, to use
a blue, red, yellow, or white light or lights, including a flashing light or
lights or any combination thereof, except as provided in subsection [(j)]
(k) of this section. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 53 of 86
Sec. 34. Section 14-283 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) As used in this section, "emergency vehicle" means (1) any
ambulance or vehicle operated by a member of an emergency medical
service organization responding to an emergency call [,] or taking a
patient to a hospital, (2) any vehicle used by a fire department or by any
officer of a fire department while on the way to a fire or while
responding to an emergency call but not while returning from a fire or
emergency call, (3) any state or local police vehicle operated by a police
officer or inspector of the Department of Motor Vehicles answering an
emergency call or in the pursuit of fleeing law violators, [or] (4) any
Department of Correction vehicle operated by a Department of
Correction officer while in the course of such officer's employment and
while responding to an emergency call, or (5) any Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection vehicle operated by a Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection employee authorized to operate
such vehicle while in the course of such employee's employment and
while on the way to a fire or responding to an emergency call but not
while returning from a fire or emergency call.
(b) (1) The operator of any emergency vehicle may (A) park or stand
such vehicle, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter, (B) except as
provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, proceed past any red
light, [or] stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down or
stopping to the extent necessary for the safe operation of such vehicle,
(C) exceed the posted speed limits or other speed limits imposed by or
pursuant to section 14-218a or 14-219 as long as such operator does not
endanger life or property by so doing, and (D) disregard statutes,
ordinances or regulations governing direction of movement or turning
in specific directions.
(2) The operator of any emergency vehicle shall immediately bring
such vehicle to a stop not less than ten feet from the front when Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 54 of 86
approaching and not less than ten feet from the rear when overtaking or
following any registered school bus on any highway or private road or
in any parking area or on any school property when such school bus is
displaying flashing red signal lights and such operator may then
proceed as long as he or she does not endanger life or property by so
doing.
(c) The exemptions granted in this section shall apply only when an
emergency vehicle is making use of an audible warning signal device,
including, but not limited to, a siren, whistle or bell which meets the
requirements of subsection (f) of section 14-80, and visible flashing or
revolving lights which meet the requirements of sections 14-96p and 14-
96q, as amended by this act, and to any state or local police vehicle
properly and lawfully making use of an audible warning signal device
only.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not relieve the operator of an
emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety
of all persons and property.
(e) Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle making
use of such an audible warning signal device and such visible flashing
or revolving lights or of any state or local police vehicle properly and
lawfully making use of an audible warning signal device only, the
operator of every other vehicle in the immediate vicinity shall
immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to,
the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and
shall stop and remain in such position until the emergency vehicle has
passed, except when otherwise directed by a state or local police officer
or a firefighter.
(f) Any person who is (1) operating a motor vehicle that is not an
emergency vehicle, [as defined in subsection (a) of this section,] and (2)
following an ambulance that is using flashing lights or a siren, shall not Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 55 of 86
follow such [vehicle] ambulance more closely than one hundred feet.
(g) Any officer of a fire department may remove, or cause to be
removed, any vehicle upon any [public] highway or private way which
obstructs or [retards] impedes any fire department, or any officer
thereof, in controlling or extinguishing any fire.
(h) Any person who wilfully or negligently obstructs or [retards any
ambulance or vehicle operated by a member of an emergency medical
service organization while answering any emergency call or taking a
patient to a hospital, or any vehicle used by a fire department or any
officer or member of a fire department while on the way to a fire, or
while responding to an emergency call, or any vehicle used by the state
police or any local police department, or any officer of the Division of
State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public
Protection or any local police department while on the way to an
emergency call or in the pursuit of fleeing law violators,] impedes an
emergency vehicle or any vehicle used by the state or local police shall
be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars.
(i) Nothing in this section shall be construed as permitting the use of
a siren upon any motor vehicle other than an emergency vehicle [, as
defined in subsection (a) of this section, or a rescue service vehicle
which] or an authorized emergency medical services vehicle that is
registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to section
19a-181.
(j) A police officer may issue a written warning or a summons to the
owner of a vehicle based upon an affidavit signed by the operator of an
emergency vehicle specifying (1) the license plate number, color and
type of any vehicle observed violating any provision of subsection (e) or
(h) of this section, and (2) the date, approximate time and location of
such violation. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 56 of 86
Sec. 35. Subdivision (5) of section 14-1 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(5) "Authorized emergency vehicle" means (A) a fire department
vehicle, (B) a police vehicle, or (C) [a public service company or
municipal department ambulance or emergency vehicle designated or
authorized for use as an authorized emergency vehicle by the
commissioner] an ambulance;
Sec. 36. Subsection (b) of section 14-253a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall accept applications
and renewal applications for removable windshield placards from (1)
any person who is blind, as defined in section 1-1f; (2) any person with
disabilities; (3) any parent or guardian of any person who is blind or any
person with disabilities, if such person is under eighteen years of age at
the time of application; (4) any parent or guardian of any person who is
blind or any person with disabilities, if such person is unable to request
or complete an application; and (5) any organization which meets
criteria established by the commissioner and which certifies to the
commissioner's satisfaction that the vehicle for which a placard is
requested is primarily used to transport persons who are blind or
persons with disabilities. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this
section, on and after October 1, 2011, the commissioner shall not accept
applications for special license plates, but shall accept renewal
applications for such plates that were issued prior to October 1, 2011.
No person shall be issued a placard in accordance with this section
unless such person is the holder of a valid motor vehicle operator's
license, or identification card issued in accordance with the provisions
of section 1-1h, as amended by this act. The commissioner is authorized
to adopt regulations for the issuance of placards to persons who, by Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 57 of 86
reason of hardship, do not hold or cannot obtain an operator's license or
identification card. The commissioner shall maintain a record of each
placard issued to any such person. Such applications and renewal
applications shall be on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The
application and renewal application shall include: (A) Certification by a
licensed physician, a physician assistant, an advanced practice
registered nurse licensed in accordance with the provisions of chapter
378, or a member of the driver training unit for persons with disabilities
established pursuant to section 14-11b, that the applicant meets the
definition of a person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability
to walk, as defined in 23 CFR Section 1235.2; or (B) certification by a
psychiatrist who is employed by, or under contract with, the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs that the applicant (i) is a veteran,
as defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, who has post-traumatic
stress disorder certified as service-connected by the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs, and (ii) meets the definition of a person
with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, as defined
in 23 CFR Section 1235.2. In the case of persons who are blind, the
application or renewal application shall include certification of legal
blindness made by the Department of Aging and Disability Services, an
ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Any person who makes a
certification required by this subsection shall sign the application or
renewal application under penalty of false statement pursuant to section
53a-157b. The commissioner, in said commissioner's discretion, may
accept the discharge papers of a disabled veteran, as defined in section
14-254, in lieu of such certification. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
may require additional certification at the time of the original
application or at any time thereafter. If a person who has been requested
to submit additional certification fails to do so within thirty days of the
request, or if such additional certification is deemed by the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be unfavorable to the applicant, the
commissioner may refuse to issue or, if already issued, suspend or
revoke such special license plate or placard. The commissioner shall not Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 58 of 86
issue more than one placard per applicant, except the commissioner
shall issue one placard to each applicant who is a parent or guardian of
any person who is blind or any person with disabilities, [if such person
is under eighteen at the time of application,] provided no more than two
such placards shall be issued on behalf of such person. The fee for the
issuance of a temporary removable windshield placard shall be five
dollars. Any person whose application has been denied or whose special
license plate or placard has been suspended or revoked shall be afforded
an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of
chapter 54.
Sec. 37. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2021) The driver of a vehicle shall
yield the right-of-way to a motor bus traveling in the same direction
when such motor bus gives an appropriate signal in the manner
provided in section 14-244 of the general statutes to reenter the flow of
traffic. Violation of this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 38. Subsection (c) of section 14-275 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(c) (1) Each school bus shall be equipped with special automatic,
electrically-operated flashing stop signals, which shall be independent
and separate from the braking, stop and tail lights of standard
equipment. Such flashing lights may include automatic traffic signalling
devices showing red and amber lights and shall be so located that
adequate warning will be afforded to both oncoming and overtaking
traffic, except that each school bus manufactured on and after October
1, 1984, and registered for use in this state shall be equipped with an
eight-light warning system, showing two red flashing stop signals and
two amber flashing warning signals on the front and rear of the bus, and
a stop semaphore. The commissioner may adopt standards for an eight-
light warning system and standards and specifications for the
construction of school buses and for equipment to be maintained on Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 59 of 86
school buses consistent with the provisions of this section, sections [14-
275] 14-275a to 14-281, inclusive.
(2) Both public and private owners of school buses shall maintain a
record of such kinds of repairs made to such buses as the commissioner
may require and such work record shall be available at all times to the
commissioner and the commissioner's designated assistants. All such
maintenance records shall be retained for a period of two years.
(3) Each school bus shall be equipped with emergency lighting
equipment as provided by section 14-97a, with a defrosting device as
provided by section 14-97, with a system of mirrors as provided in the
Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Section 571.111, as amended, or
with an outside mirror as provided by section 14-99 and a system of
crossover mirrors designed and mounted so as to give the driver a view
of the road from the front bumper forward to a point where direct
observation is possible and along the left and right sides of the bus, with
a signalling device as provided by section 14-101, and with chain
nonskid devices for immediate use on at least one outside or inside rear
tire on each side or tires designed to prevent skidding on all rear wheels
when weather and highway conditions require such use.
(4) Commencing February 1, 1974, each new school bus with a vehicle
air brake system shall be so equipped that the brake system is operated
from a separate air reservoir tank other than the air reservoir tank used
to operate any other compressed air or vacuum operated devices with
which the school bus may be equipped.
(5) The seating requirements of section 14-273 shall be observed.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14-98, school buses
may be equipped with tires incorporating a metal nonskid device
during the period from October fifteenth to April thirtieth, inclusive.
(7) Each school bus that is model year 2007 or newer shall be Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 60 of 86
equipped with a crossing control arm mounted on the right end of the
front bumper. The commissioner shall establish additional standards
and requirements for [such devices] a crossing control arm in
regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
(8) A school bus may be equipped with an extended stop arm. For the
purposes of this subdivision, "extended stop arm" means a device
attached to a stop semaphore that when activated displays a stop sign
and extends more than three feet but not more than six feet from the left
side of a school bus.
Sec. 39. Section 14-16c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) (1) (A) Any insurance company [which] that takes possession of a
motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state,
that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state
by such insurance company or its agent as a result of the settlement of a
claim for damage or theft, shall stamp the word "SALVAGE" in one-
inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length on the vehicle's
certificate of title and shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the
appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle, except that if
the insurance company determines that such motor vehicle has ten or
more major component parts [which] that are damaged beyond repair
and must be replaced, the insurance company shall stamp the words
"SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three
inches in length on the vehicle's certificate of title. A copy of such
certificate shall be sent by the insurance company to the Department of
Motor Vehicles. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that
salvage information required to be reported by an insurance company
to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC
Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to 25.57,
inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from the
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 61 of 86
may discontinue the requirement that an insurance company submit a
copy of such certificate to the department. (B) Any insurance company
[which] that takes possession of a motor vehicle for which a certificate
of title has been issued in any state other than this state that has been
declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by such
insurance company or its agent as a result of the settlement of a claim
for damage or theft, shall attach to such certificate of title a copy of the
appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle.
(2) (A) Any person, firm or corporation [which] that is a self-insurer
and owns a motor vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued
in this state, that has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale
in this state by such self-insurer or its agent, shall stamp the word
"SALVAGE" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length
on the vehicle's certificate of title and shall attach to such certificate of
title a copy of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor
vehicle, except that if such self-insurer determines that such motor
vehicle has ten or more major component parts [which] that are
damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the self-insurer shall
stamp the words "SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not
to exceed three inches in length on the motor vehicle's certificate of title.
Any person, firm or corporation [which] that is insured other than by
means of self-insurance and owns such a motor vehicle, shall forward
the vehicle's certificate of title to the company insuring such vehicle or
the company paying the totalled claim. Such insurer shall stamp the
word "SALVAGE" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in
length on the certificate of title except that if the insurance company
determines that such motor vehicle has ten or more major component
parts [which] that are damaged beyond repair and must be replaced, the
insurer taking possession of such motor vehicle shall stamp the words
"SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three
inches in length on the motor vehicle's certificate of title and shall return
such certificate to such person, firm or corporation. A copy of such Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 62 of 86
certificate shall be sent by the person, firm or corporation to the
Department of Motor Vehicles. If the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
determines that salvage information required to be reported by a self-
insurer to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under
49 USC Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to
25.57, inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from
the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner
may discontinue the requirement that a self-insurer submit a copy of
such certificate to the department. (B) Any person, firm or corporation
[which] that is a self-insurer and owns a motor vehicle for which a
certificate of title has been issued in any state other than this state that
has been declared a total loss and that is offered for sale in this state by
such self-insurer or its agent, shall attach to such certificate of title a copy
of the appraiser's damage report for such totalled motor vehicle.
(3) For purposes of this subsection, "major component part" has the
same meaning as provided in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section
14-149a.
(b) Any insurance company or its agent taking possession of a motor
vehicle in accordance with subsection (a) of this section or any person,
firm or corporation [which] that owns such motor vehicle shall copy the
certificate and give the original of such certificate, with a copy of the
appraiser's damage report attached thereto, to any subsequent
purchaser of the motor vehicle that has been declared a total loss. The
name and address of any such purchaser shall be recorded on the
original and the copy, as provided on the certificate. The copy shall
serve only as a record of transfers of the total loss motor vehicle.
(c) Any insurance company that takes possession of a motor vehicle
for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, as a result of
a full settlement of a claim for damage or theft, but is unable to obtain
the title to the vehicle from the insured or any lienholder of record for
the vehicle may apply to the department for a certificate of title, Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 63 of 86
SALVAGE title or SALVAGE -PARTS ONLY title, as described in
subsection (a) of this section. The application for a certificate of title
pursuant to this subsection shall (1) be on a form prescribed by the
commissioner, (2) include documents as required by the commissioner
in lieu of the documents required under subsection (a) of this section,
and (3) include evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the
insurance company (A) provided at least two notices by certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the insured and any lienholder of record for
the vehicle indicating the insurance company's intention to apply for a
certificate of title as the owner of the vehicle, and (B) made payment to
the insured or any lienholder of record in full settlement of the claim
involving the vehicle. The commissioner may issue a certificate of title
pursuant to this subsection only in the name of the insurance company
not earlier than thirty days after the date of the payment described in
subparagraph (B) of subdivision (3) of this section is made.
[(c)] (d) The person, firm, company or corporation required to stamp
"SALVAGE" on the certificate of title shall stamp the following
statement on the face of any original or copy of such certificate issued in
accordance with this section: "WARNING: ALL PURCHASERS OF THE
MOTOR VEHICLE DESCRIBED HEREIN MUST RECORD THEIR
NAME AND ADDRESS ON THE REVERSE SIDE. THIS VEHICLE
CANNOT BE REGISTERED OR RETITLED WITHOUT PASSING
INSPECTION UNDER SECTION 14 -103a. THIS DOCUMENT MUST
BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION."
[(d)] (e) No motor vehicle for which a copy of a certificate of title has
been made in accordance with this section may be operated upon any
highway in this state, except that an owner of any such motor vehicle
who is a motor vehicle dealer or repairer licensed under the provisions
of section 14-52, as amended by this act, may operate such vehicle for
the purpose of presenting the vehicle for inspection pursuant to section
14-103a. If such vehicle fails to comply with the minimum standards, it Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 64 of 86
shall be transported from the site of such inspection. If any such motor
vehicle is rebuilt for sale or use, the owner shall apply to the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for an original certificate of title and
present the vehicle for inspection pursuant to section 14-103a. The
certificate of title issued in accordance with this section must be
presented at the time of inspection, unless waived by the commissioner
for good cause.
[(e)] (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a motor
vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued in this state, that
has been declared a total loss in settlement of a claim for theft, having
no damage to a major component part or having damage not exceeding
(1) fifteen per cent of the retail value of such motor vehicle, as
determined in accordance with the provisions of section 38a-353, or (2)
one thousand dollars as evidenced by an insurance adjuster's damage
appraisal report, shall not be required to have its certificate of title
stamped in accordance with the provisions of this section provided
proof of such damage or lack of damage to a major component part, is
attached to such certificate.
[(f)] (g) No insurance company and no firm or corporation [which]
that is a self-insurer may sell or transfer any totalled or salvaged motor
vehicle, major component parts or any other parts of a motor vehicle to
any person, firm or corporation [which] that is not licensed under the
provisions of subparts (D) or (H) of part III of this chapter. No person,
firm or corporation licensed as a new or used car dealer who holds a
permit pursuant to the provisions of section 14-65 may sell or transfer
any totalled or salvaged motor vehicle with a certificate of title stamped
"SALVAGE PARTS ONLY" or any motor vehicle [which] that has ten or
more major component parts damaged beyond repair and in need of
replacement to any person, firm or corporation which is not licensed
under the provisions of subpart (H) of this part or under a similar
provision of law of any other state. Any sale or transfer in violation of Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 65 of 86
the provisions of this section shall constitute an unfair method of
competition and an unfair or deceptive act or practice, as defined by
section 42-110b.
(h) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1-350b and the
requirements of section 1-350d that a signature on a power of attorney
executed in this state be witnessed by two witnesses and acknowledged
by a notary public, a commissioner of the Superior Court or other
individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments, a power of
attorney used to support an application for or transfer of a certificate of
title by an insurance company or its agent shall only require the
signature or electronic signature of the insured who has received or is
to receive a total loss settlement of a claim for damage or theft from the
insurance company.
[(g)] (i) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles [shall] may adopt
regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to
implement the provisions of this section.
Sec. 40. Subsection (a) of section 14-20b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, at the request of any veteran
or member of the armed forces or the surviving spouse of such veteran
or member, shall register any motor vehicle owned or leased for a period
of at least one year by such person and shall issue a special certificate of
registration and a set of number plates for each such motor vehicle,
including a special certificate of registration and a set of number plates
for any motor vehicle used exclusively for farming purposes by any
veteran or member of the armed forces, or the surviving spouse of such
veteran or member, who is engaged in agricultural production as a trade
or business. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in
section 14-22. The commissioner shall charge a fee for such plates, which Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 66 of 86
fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in
addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. The
commissioner shall charge a fee of fifteen dollars to replace such plates
that become mutilated or illegible. As used in this subsection, "member
of the armed forces" has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103
and "veteran" means any person (1) honorably discharged from, or
released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed
forces, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103,
who has received a discharge other than bad conduct or dishonorable
from active service in the armed forces.
Sec. 41. Subsection (b) of section 14-45a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2021):
(b) Prior to issuing a motor vehicle operator's license to a person who
has not previously been issued a license in this state or [has not operated
a motor vehicle within the preceding two years] whose Connecticut
motor vehicle operator's license expired more than two years prior to
the application date, the commissioner may require such person to (1)
pass a vision screening conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles
to determine if the person meets vision standards specified in the
regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or (2)
submit to the commissioner the results of a vision examination
conducted by a licensed medical professional, as defined in section 14-
46b, that certifies that such person meets such vision standards.
Sec. 42. Subsection (a) of section 14-279b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) Whenever a violation of section 14-279 is detected and recorded
by a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system,
a state or municipal police officer shall review the evidence file which Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 67 of 86
shall include two or more digital photographs, recorded video or other
recorded images. [and a signed affidavit of a person who witnessed such
violation live.] If, after such review, such officer determines that there
are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of section 14-279 has
occurred, such officer shall authorize the issuance of a summons for
such alleged violation. If such officer authorizes the issuance of a
summons for such alleged violation, the law enforcement agency shall,
not later than [ten] thirty days after the alleged violation, mail a
summons to the registered owner of the motor vehicle together with a
copy of two or more digital photographs, recorded video or other
recorded images. [and a signed affidavit of a person who witnessed such
violation live.]
Sec. 43. (Effective from passage) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
shall study compliance with the laws regarding the sale and repair of
fire apparatus in the state. Such study shall include, but need not be
limited to, (1) the number of times in the last five years that the
commissioner imposed a civil penalty pursuant to section 14-51a of the
general statutes or conducted investigations and held hearings pursuant
to section 14-65k of the general statutes with regards to the sale or repair
of fire apparatus, (2) the number of times in the last five years that the
commissioner requested the Attorney General apply to the Superior
Court for an order temporarily or permanently restraining and
enjoining a person or entity selling or repairing fire apparatus from
violating sections 14-51 to 14-65j, inclusive, of the general statutes, (3) a
summary of all complaints received regarding the sale or repair of fire
apparatus, and (4) any recommendations for legislation to ensure any
person, firm or corporation selling or repairing fire apparatus is
properly licensed by the commissioner. Not later than February 1, 2022,
the commissioner shall submit a report on its findings and any
recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 68 of 86
Sec. 44. Subsection (a) of section 14-44e of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a
commercial driver's license to any person unless such person is a
resident of this state and has passed a knowledge and skills test for
driving a commercial motor vehicle which complies with the minimum
federal standards established by 49 CFR 383, Subparts G and H, as
amended, and has satisfied all other requirements of this section and
sections 14-44b, 14-44c, as amended by this act, and 14-44g, in addition
to other requirements for an operator's license imposed by the general
statutes and regulations of the commissioner.
(2) On and after February 7, 2022, the commissioner shall not (A)
administer a commercial driver's license skills test to a person who is
applying for or upgrading to a class A or class B commercial driver's
license, or applying for a "P" or "S" endorsement, until the commissioner
has verified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that
such person has undergone the entry level driver training required
under 49 CFR Part 380, as amended from time to time, and (B)
administer a commercial driver's license knowledge test to any person
who is applying for a "H" endorsement until the commissioner has
verified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that such
person has undergone the entry level driver training required under 49
CFR Part 380, as amended from time to time. The provisions of this
subdivision shall not apply to any person who is exempt under 49 CFR
Part 383, as amended from time to time.
Sec. 45. Subsection (a) of section 14-42a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2021):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Commissioner of Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 69 of 86
Administrative Services shall enter into an agreement with one or more
federally designated organ and tissue procurement organizations to
provide to such organizations access to the names, dates of birth and
other pertinent information of holders of operator's licenses, instruction
permits and identity cards issued pursuant to section 1-1h, as amended
by this act, who have registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles
an intent to become organ and tissue donors. Such access shall be
provided in a manner and form to be determined by the commissioners,
following consultation with such organizations, and may include
electronic transmission of initial information and periodic updating of
information. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not charge a fee
for such access pursuant to section 14-50a, but may charge such
organizations reasonable administrative costs. Information provided to
such organizations shall be used solely for identifying such [license]
holders as organ and tissue donors.
Sec. 46. Section 14-67m of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):
(a) Each motor vehicle recycler licensee shall maintain a suitable
office and keep accurate records of all motor vehicles or major
component parts thereof received, dismantled or sold. Such records
may be handwritten, typewritten or computer-generated. Such records,
vehicles and parts shall be available for inspection during regular
business hours by one or more representatives of the Department of
Motor Vehicles, the Division of State Police within the Department of
Emergency Services and Public Protection or any organized local police
department. Such inspection shall include examination of the recycler's
premises to determine the accuracy of the required records. Such
records shall include the make, year, engine number, if any, and
identification number of each vehicle, the name and address of the
person from whom each vehicle or part was received and to whom each
vehicle or part was sold, if a sale occurred, a copy of the proof provided Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 70 of 86
in subsection (c) of this section in the case of a catalytic converter, and
the date of such receipt and sale. The records shall be maintained for a
period of two years after each receipt or sale. Twice a month, each such
licensee shall mail to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a list of all
motor vehicles received, stating the make, year, engine number, if any,
and identification number of each such vehicle. The list, on a form
approved by the commissioner, shall be mailed or delivered to the
commissioner on or before the twentieth day of each month, covering
the first fifteen days of that month, and on or before the fifth day of each
month, covering the sixteenth through the last day of the preceding
month. A recycler shall report the information contained on such lists to
the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC
Section 30504. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require
the department to report any of such information to said title
information system.
(b) No motor vehicle recycler licensee may receive a motor vehicle
unless the licensee receives the vehicle's certificate of title, if the vehicle
is required to have title, or a copy of the vehicle's certificate of title made
by an insurance company pursuant to section 14-16c, as amended by
this act, at the time of receipt of the vehicle. Upon receipt of any such
certificate or copy, such licensee shall stamp on it the word "JUNKED"
in one-inch-high letters not to exceed three inches in length. Any
certificate of title received, other than a title acquired for use in
connection with the licensee's business, shall accompany the list sent
pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Any such copy received shall
be maintained for as long as the junk is on the licensee's premises. If the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles determines that information
concerning junked motor vehicles required to be reported by a licensee
to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System under 49 USC
Sections 30501 to 30505, inclusive, and 28 CFR Sections 25.51 to 25.57,
inclusive, is available to the department on a regular basis from the
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, the commissioner Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 71 of 86
may discontinue the requirement that a licensee submit to the
department (1) a list of vehicles or parts received, in accordance with the
provisions of subsection (a) of this section, and (2) certificates of title or
copies of such certificates, in accordance with the provisions of this
subsection.
(c) No motor vehicle recycler licensee may receive a catalytic
converter of a motor vehicle unless the licensee, at the time of receipt,
obtains from the seller (1) proof of ownership of such motor vehicle, or
(2) proof that the seller is an authorized agent of the owner of such motor
vehicle.
[(c)] (d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations
in accordance with chapter 54, concerning the records required by this
section.
[(d)] (e) The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, impose a
civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five
hundred dollars for each offense on any person, firm or corporation who
violates the provisions of this section.
Sec. 47. Subsections (b) to (d), inclusive, of section 14-36m of the
general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective from passage):
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any
regulation, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not decline to
issue a motor vehicle operator's license to any applicant who meets the
licensure requirements provided in section 14-36, as amended by this
act, but who cannot establish that he or she is legally present in the
United States or does not have a Social Security number if such
applicant (A) submits proof of residency in the state, (B) submits either
two forms of primary proof of identity or one form of primary proof of
identity and one form of secondary proof of identity, and (C) files an Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 72 of 86
affidavit with the commissioner attesting that such applicant has filed
an application to legalize his or her immigration status or will file such
an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. Any form of
primary proof of identity, secondary proof of identity or proof of
residency submitted to the commissioner that is in a language other than
English shall be accompanied by a certified English translation of such
document prepared by a translator approved by the commissioner. No
photocopy, notarized photocopy or noncertified document is acceptable
as a form of primary proof of identity [,] or secondary proof of identity.
[or proof of residency.]
(2) The commissioner shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's
license under this section to any applicant who has been convicted of
any felony in Connecticut.
(3) The commissioner shall administer a knowledge test to any such
applicant after such applicant has submitted proof of residency and
proof of identity that satisfy the requirements of this section. Not later
than thirty days after such applicant has passed such knowledge test,
the commissioner shall determine whether such applicant has been
convicted of any felony in Connecticut by searching the electronic
criminal record system maintained on the Internet web site of the
Judicial Department for convictions matching such applicant's name
and date of birth. If such applicant has not been convicted of any such
felony, the commissioner shall mail the applicant an adult instruction
permit or youth instruction permit. The commissioner shall not refund
the application fee of any applicant who fails a knowledge test or has
been convicted of any such felony.
(c) Any motor vehicle operator's license issued pursuant to this
section shall include an indication on such license that such license shall
not be acceptable for federal identification purposes.
(d) Any motor vehicle operator's license issued under this section Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 73 of 86
shall expire from three to six years after the date of issuance and may be
renewed every three years thereafter. The fee for an operator's license
that expires six years from the date of issuance shall be seventy-two
dollars. The commissioner shall charge a prorated amount of such fee
for an operator's license that expires less than six years from the date of
issuance. The commissioner shall not renew any such operator's license
unless the holder of such operator's license makes personal appearance
and demonstrates proof of residency at the time of renewal. The fee for
the renewal of any such operator's license shall be thirty-six dollars.
Sec. 48. Section 14-11e of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
[(a) Commencing January 15, 2017,] On or before February 1, 2022,
and annually thereafter, the [Department] Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of
section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to [the Department of Motor
Vehicles] transportation. Such annual report shall [(1) identify specific
goals indicating acceptable waiting times at the main office and branch
offices of the department, (2) summarize actions undertaken by the
department in the previous year to achieve such goals, and (3) include
a strategy to achieve or exceed such goals in the upcoming year. The
joint standing committee may hold a public hearing on such report not
later than thirty days after receipt of such report. The Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles, or the commissioner's designee, shall testify at any such
public hearing] include the following information from the preceding
year: (1) The average number of days between the date a person
scheduled an appointment on the Internet web site of the Department
of Motor Vehicles and the date of the scheduled appointment, (2) a list
of the transactions that were available to be conducted by scheduling an
appointment on the department's Internet web site, (3) a list of the
transactions that were available to be conducted on the department's Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 74 of 86
Internet web site, (4) the number of transactions conducted on the
department's Internet web site, and (5) a summary of the department's
efforts to increase the types of transactions available to be conducted on
the department's Internet web site.
[(b) Commencing August 15, 2016, and monthly thereafter, the
Department of Motor Vehicles shall submit a report, in accordance with
the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the
General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the
Department of Motor Vehicles on the length of waiting times at the main
office and branch offices of the department. Such report shall include
the following information for the month prior to the month in which the
report is submitted: (1) For the main office and each branch office of the
department that utilizes a numbered ticketing system, (A) the average
time that elapses from the time a person receives a numbered ticket to
the time such person receives customer service, (B) whether the average
waiting time decreased or increased from the previous reporting period,
and (C) the number of transactions conducted at such offices that could
have been conducted on the Internet web site of the department; and (2)
the number of transactions conducted on the Internet web site of the
department.]
Sec. 49. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) For the purposes of this
section, "veteran" means any person (1) honorably discharged from, or
released under honorable conditions from active service in, the armed
forces, or (2) with a qualifying condition, as defined in section 27-103 of
the general statutes, who has received a discharge other than bad
conduct or dishonorable from active service in the armed forces, and
"period of war" and "armed forces" have the same meanings as provided
in section 27-103 of the general statutes.
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, at the request of any
veteran or member of the armed forces who received a campaign medal,
issue special registration marker plates to indicate service during a Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 75 of 86
period of war. Such plates shall bear the words "(Name of War) Veteran"
and shall be designed in consultation with the Commissioner of Veteran
Affairs. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section
14-22 of the general statutes. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall
charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of
making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of
such motor vehicle. No use shall be made of such plates except as official
registration marker plates.
(c) A request made under subsection (b) of this section shall be
accompanied by proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs that the
person making a specific request served in the armed forces during such
period of war.
(d) The surviving spouse of a veteran or member of the armed forces
issued special registration marker plates under subsection (b) of this
section may retain any such plates for his or her lifetime or until such
time as he or she remarries.
(e) Any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably
discharged shall return such plates to the commissioner not later than
thirty days after such discharge. The commissioner shall not renew such
plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased by any such member of
the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged.
Sec. 50. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section,
"veteran" means a veteran, as defined in section 14-36h of the general
statutes, who has verification from the Department of Veteran Affairs
that such person or member is a veteran.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of section 1-1h
of the general statutes, subsection (a) of section 14-41 of the general
statutes and subsection (a) of section 14-50a of general statutes
concerning fees, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may waive the fee Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 76 of 86
for a motor vehicle operator's license or an identity card renewal or
duplication for any applicant who is a veteran while attending a one-
day event that offers services, supplies or assistance to veterans and is
hosted by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Sec. 51. Section 14-36j of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall amend the regulations
adopted pursuant to sections 14-36f, as amended by this act, and 14-78,
as amended by this act, concerning the content of safe driving
instruction courses offered at drivers' schools, high schools and other
secondary schools to require the eight hours of instruction required by
such regulations to include, for applicants to whom a learner's permit
or youth instruction permit is issued, two hours of instruction
concerning the statutory provisions, including penalties, applicable to
drivers who are less than eighteen years of age, the dangers of teenage
driving, the cognitive development of adolescents, the responsibilities
and liabilities of parents of teenage drivers, and related topics deemed
by the commissioner to be appropriate. Such course may be offered in
person in a congregate setting, through distance learning or through a
combination of both in-person in a congregate setting and distance
learning, provided such distance learning is conducted in real-time by
an instructor and has interactive components such as mandatory
interactions, participation or testing.
(b) A parent or guardian of any such applicant to whom a learner's
permit or youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008,
who is less than eighteen years of age, shall attend such two hours of
instruction with such applicant. Before any such applicant is permitted
to take the driver's test, such applicant shall provide an affidavit to the
commissioner, signed under penalty of false statement, by an official of
the driver's school, high school or other secondary school by which such
course was conducted, that a parent or guardian attended the two hours Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 77 of 86
of instruction required by subsection (a) of this section with such
applicant.
Sec. 52. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) For the purposes of this
section and sections 53 to 64, inclusive, of this act:
(1) "Peer-to-peer car sharing" means the authorized use of a shared
vehicle for a consideration by a person other than the shared vehicle
owner through a car sharing platform.
(2) "Peer-to-peer car sharing company" or "company" means any
person, corporation, limited partnership or other legal entity that is
engaged in the business of operating a car sharing platform to enable
peer-to-peer car sharing in this state. "Peer-to-peer car sharing
company" does not include any person licensed pursuant to section 14-
15 of the general statutes.
(3) "Car sharing platform" means a physical or electronic place,
including, but not limited to, a store, a booth, an Internet web site, a
catalog or a dedicated software application that allows a shared vehicle
owner to make a shared vehicle available for peer-to-peer car sharing
and connect a shared vehicle owner with a shared vehicle driver.
(4) "Car sharing agreement" means the terms and conditions
applicable to a shared vehicle owner and a shared vehicle driver that
govern the use of a shared vehicle.
(5) "Shared vehicle" means a vehicle that is available for sharing on a
car sharing platform. "Shared vehicle" does not include a passenger
motor vehicle used for rental purposes by any person licensed pursuant
to section 14-15 of the general statutes.
(6) "Shared vehicle driver" means a person authorized by the shared
vehicle owner to drive the shared vehicle under a car sharing
agreement. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 78 of 86
(7) "Shared vehicle owner" means the registered owner, or a person
or entity designated by the registered owner, of a vehicle made available
on a car sharing platform.
(8) "Car sharing delivery period" means the period of time during
which a shared vehicle is being delivered to the location of the car
sharing start time, if applicable, as documented by the car sharing
agreement.
(9) "Car sharing period" means the period of time that begins at the
start of the car sharing delivery period or, if there is no car sharing
delivery period, that begins at the car sharing start time, and ends at the
car sharing termination time.
(10) "Car sharing start time" means the time when a shared vehicle
driver takes possession and control of the shared vehicle at or after the
time the reservation of a shared vehicle is scheduled to begin pursuant
to a car sharing agreement.
(11) "Car sharing termination time" means the earliest of the
following events:
(A) The expiration of the agreed upon period of time established for
the use of a shared vehicle according to the terms of the car sharing
agreement if the shared vehicle is delivered to the location agreed upon
in such agreement;
(B) When the shared vehicle is returned to a location as alternatively
agreed upon by the shared vehicle owner and shared vehicle driver as
communicated through a car sharing platform and incorporated into the
car sharing agreement; or
(C) When the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle owner's
authorized designee takes possession and control of the shared vehicle. Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 79 of 86
Sec. 53. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) Except as provided in
subsection (b) of this section, a peer-to-peer car sharing company shall
assume liability of a shared vehicle owner for bodily injury or property
damage to third parties, or uninsured and underinsured motorist or
personal injury protection losses, during the car sharing period in an
amount stated in the peer-to-peer car sharing agreement, but not less
than the minimum amounts required by subsection (a) of section 14-112
of the general statutes.
(b) The assumption of liability under subsection (a) of this section
shall not apply to any shared vehicle owner who: (1) Makes an
intentional or fraudulent material misrepresentation or omission to the
peer-to-peer car sharing company or on the car sharing platform before
the car sharing period in which the liability arose; or (2) acts in concert
with a shared vehicle driver who fails to return the shared vehicle
pursuant to the car sharing agreement.
(c) A peer-to-peer car sharing company shall ensure that, during each
car sharing period, the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle
driver are insured under an automobile liability insurance policy that:
(1) Provides insurance coverage in amounts not less than the minimum
amounts required by subsection (a) of section 14-112 of the general
statutes; and (2) recognizes that the shared vehicle insured under the
policy is made available and used through a car sharing platform, or
does not exclude the use of a shared vehicle by a shared vehicle driver.
(d) The coverage requirements of subsection (c) of this section may
be satisfied by an automobile liability insurance maintained by the
shared vehicle owner, the shared vehicle driver, the peer-to-peer car
sharing company or the shared vehicle owner, the shared vehicle driver
and the peer-to-peer car sharing company.
(e) The automobile liability insurance maintained pursuant to
subsection (d) of this section shall assume primary liability for a claim: Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 80 of 86
(1) During each car sharing period;
(2) When a dispute exists as to who was in control of the shared
vehicle at the time of the loss and the peer-to-peer car sharing company
does not have available, did not retain or fails to provide the information
required by section 56 of this act that relates to the claim; or
(3) When a dispute exists as to whether the shared vehicle was
returned to the alternatively agreed upon location as communicated
through the car sharing platform and incorporated into the car sharing
agreement.
(f) If a claim occurs during the car sharing period in another state with
minimum financial responsibility requirements that are higher than the
minimum amounts required by subsection (a) of section 14-112 of the
general statutes, the automobile liability insurance policy maintained
pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall provide coverage to
satisfy the minimum amounts required by the other state, up to the
applicable policy limits.
(g) If an automobile liability insurance policy maintained by a shared
vehicle owner or shared vehicle driver has lapsed or does not provide
the coverage required pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the peer-
to-peer car sharing company's automobile liability insurance policy
shall provide such coverage, beginning with the first dollar of a claim,
and the insurance company issuing such policy shall have the duty to
defend a claim except under circumstances as set forth in subsection (b)
of this section.
(h) Coverage under an automobile insurance policy maintained by
the peer-to-peer car sharing company shall not be contingent on another
automobile insurance company first denying a claim, nor shall such
other insurance company be required to first deny a claim.
(i) Nothing in this section shall: Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 81 of 86
(1) Limit the liability of the peer-to-peer car sharing company for any
act or omission of the company that results in bodily injury to any
person as a result of the use of a shared vehicle through a car sharing
platform; or
(2) Limit the ability of the peer-to-peer car sharing company to
contract for indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the
shared vehicle driver for economic loss sustained by the company
resulting from a breach of the terms and conditions of the car sharing
agreement.
Sec. 54. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) When a vehicle owner
registers as a shared vehicle owner with a peer-to-peer car sharing
company but before the shared vehicle is made available on the car
sharing platform, the peer-to-peer car sharing company shall notify the
shared vehicle owner that, if the shared vehicle has a lien against it, the
use of the shared vehicle through a car sharing platform, including use
without physical damage coverage, may violate the terms of the contract
with the lienholder.
Sec. 55. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) An insurance company
that offers automobile liability insurance coverage in this state may offer
automobile liability insurance policies to individuals that exclude any
or all coverage and the duty to defend or indemnify any claim afforded
under a shared vehicle owner's automobile liability insurance policy.
Such exclusions may include, but are not limited to: (1) Liability
coverage for bodily injury and property damage; (2) personal injury
protection coverage; (3) uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage;
(4) medical payments coverage; (5) comprehensive physical damage
coverage; or (6) collision physical damage coverage.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to: (1) Invalidate or limit
an exclusion contained in an automobile liability insurance policy,
including any insurance policy that excludes coverage for motor Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 82 of 86
vehicles made available for rent, sharing, hire or business use, or (2)
invalidate, limit or restrict an insurance company that offers automobile
liability insurance coverage to underwrite, cancel or not renew any
insurance policy.
Sec. 56. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company shall collect and verify records pertaining to the use of a
shared vehicle, including, but not limited to, the times used, location of
the car sharing start time and car sharing termination time, car sharing
period fees paid by the shared vehicle driver and revenues received by
the shared vehicle owner. The company shall provide such records: (1)
Upon request to the shared vehicle owner, the shared vehicle owner's
insurance company or the shared vehicle driver's insurance company to
facilitate a claim coverage investigation, settlement, negotiation or
litigation, or (2) as required by an agreement entered into pursuant to
section 64 of this act. The company shall retain the records for a time
period not less than the applicable personal injury statute of limitations.
Sec. 57. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company and a shared vehicle owner shall be exempt from vicarious
liability in accordance with 49 USC 30106, as amended from time to
time, and under any state law or municipal ordinance that imposes
liability solely based on vehicle ownership.
Sec. 58. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) An insurance company that
defends or indemnifies a claim against a shared vehicle that is excluded
under the terms of its automobile liability insurance policy shall have a
right to seek recovery against the insurance company of the peer-to-peer
car sharing company if the claim is: (1) Made against the shared vehicle
owner or the shared vehicle driver for loss or injury that occurs during
the car sharing period; and (2) excluded under the terms of its policy.
Sec. 59. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company shall have an insurable interest in a shared vehicle during the Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 83 of 86
car sharing period. Nothing in this subsection shall create liability for a
peer-to-peer car sharing company for failure to maintain the insurance
coverage required pursuant to section 53 of this act.
(b) A peer-to-peer car sharing company may own and maintain, as
the named insured, one or more policies of automobile liability
insurance that provides coverage for: (1) Liability assumed by the peer-
to-peer car sharing company under a car sharing agreement; (2) any
liability of the shared vehicle owner; (3) damage or loss to the shared
vehicle; or (4) any liability of the shared vehicle driver.
Sec. 60. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) Each car sharing agreement
shall, at a minimum, disclose to the shared vehicle owner and the shared
vehicle driver:
(1) Any right of the peer-to-peer car sharing company to seek
indemnification from the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle
driver for economic loss sustained by the company resulting from a
breach of the terms and conditions of the car sharing agreement;
(2) That an automobile liability insurance policy issued to the shared
vehicle owner for the shared vehicle or to the shared vehicle driver does
not provide a defense or indemnification for any claim asserted by the
peer-to-peer car sharing company;
(3) That the peer-to-peer car sharing company's insurance coverage
on the shared vehicle owner and the shared vehicle driver is in effect
only during each car sharing period and that, for any use of the shared
vehicle by the shared vehicle driver after the car sharing termination
time, the shared vehicle driver and the shared vehicle owner may not
have insurance coverage;
(4) The daily rate, fees and, if applicable, any insurance or protection
package costs that are charged to the shared vehicle owner or the shared
vehicle driver; Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 84 of 86
(5) That the shared vehicle owner's automobile liability insurance
may not provide coverage for a shared vehicle;
(6) An emergency telephone number to personnel capable of
answering calls for roadside assistance and other customer service
inquiries; and
(7) If there are conditions under which a shared vehicle driver shall
maintain a personal automobile insurance policy with certain applicable
coverage limits on a primary basis to book a shared vehicle.
Sec. 61. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company may not enter into a car sharing agreement with a shared
vehicle driver unless the shared vehicle driver holds an operator's
license, as defined in section 14-1 of the general statutes, that authorizes
the driver to operate a motor vehicle of the same class as the shared
vehicle.
(b) A peer-to-peer car sharing company shall keep a record of: (1) The
name and address of the shared vehicle driver; (2) the number of the
operator's license of each shared vehicle driver; and (3) the place of
issuance of the operator's license.
Sec. 62. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company is responsible for any equipment, such as a global positioning
system, that is put in or on the shared vehicle to monitor or facilitate the
car sharing transaction. The company shall indemnify and hold
harmless the shared vehicle owner for any damage to or theft of such
equipment during the car sharing period, unless caused by the vehicle
owner. The company has the right to seek indemnification from the
shared vehicle driver for any loss or damage to such equipment that
occurs during the car sharing period.
Sec. 63. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) (a) When a shared vehicle
owner registers a shared vehicle with a peer-to-peer car sharing Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 85 of 86
company but before the shared vehicle is available on the car sharing
platform, the company shall: (1) Verify that the shared vehicle is not
subject to a safety recall for which the repairs have not been made; and
(2) notify the shared vehicle owner of the requirements under
subsection (b) of this section.
(b) (1) If a shared vehicle owner received an actual notice of a safety
recall for the shared vehicle, the shared vehicle owner shall not make
the shared vehicle available on the car sharing platform until the safety
recall repair has been made.
(2) If a shared vehicle owner receives an actual notice of a safety recall
for a shared vehicle while the shared vehicle is available on the car
sharing platform, the shared vehicle owner shall remove the shared
vehicle's availability on the platform as soon as practicable after
receiving such notice and until the safety recall repair has been made.
(3) If a shared vehicle owner receives an actual notice of a safety recall
for a shared vehicle during the car sharing period, the shared vehicle
owner shall notify both the shared vehicle driver and the peer-to-peer
car sharing company of the safety recall as soon as practicable.
Sec. 64. (NEW) (Effective January 1, 2022) A peer-to-peer car sharing
company shall not permit the operation of peer-to-peer car sharing at
Bradley International Airport unless such company enters into an
agreement with the Connecticut Airport Authority, established
pursuant to section 15-120bb of the general statutes. The Connecticut
Airport Authority may charge and collect a reasonable fee from any
such company for the privilege of operating peer-to-peer car sharing at
such airport.
Sec. 65. (Effective from passage) Not later than December 1, 2021, the
Commissioner of Revenue Services shall issue guidance regarding the
applicability of the sales and use tax under chapter 219 of the general Substitute Senate Bill No. 261
Public Act No. 21-106 86 of 86
statutes to peer-to-peer car sharing, as defined in section 52 of this act.
Sec. 66. Section 14-163f of the general statutes is repealed. (Effective
from passage)