Bill Proposed to Raise Fines Against Distracted Drivers in CT

Getting caught texting while driving in Connecticut could cost you more in the future, if a new amendment to raise the fines is adopted by the state's General Assembly.

Rep. J. P. Sredzinski (R-112th) has proposed H.B. 5301, which would increase the fines for repeat distracted driving offenders.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened: That subsection (h) of section 14-296aa of the general statutes, concerning the prohibition of the use of hand-held mobile telephones and electronic devices by motor vehicle operators, be amended to increase the fine for a second violation and for a third or subsequent violation," the bill states.

Currently, a first distracted driving offense carries a $150 fine. For a second and third offense, the fines increase to $300 and $500, respectively. Fines are doubled for offenses in work zones.

Additionally, the Connecticut General Assembly also is considering bills to create a task force to study texting and driving, and what types of devices can prevent such practices, reports Insurance Journal.

How much the fines could increase has not yet been decided, but the proposal is slated to be reviewed by the General Assembly's Transportation Committee this session, reports the Hartford Courant.

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