HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut General Assembly is preparing to take a tougher stance on reckless driving with a new traffic measure that has already cleared the House of Representatives and is now moving to the state Senate.
If passed, this new legislation could have a significant impact on drivers who exceed speed limits in the state, with much stricter penalties for high-speed violations.
Proposed Speeding Penalties
Under the new bill, drivers caught going over 100 mph could face a $1,000 fine and risk having four points added to their driving record. This penalty is designed to make it more difficult for repeat offenders to maintain their driver’s licenses.
For those driving between 87 mph and 99 mph, the penalties are still severe: a $500 fine and the addition of two points to the driver’s record.
However, the most serious consequences are for drivers exceeding 160 km/h (approximately 99 mph), which could result in a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days behind bars.
Additionally, drivers caught breaking these speed limits could see their cars impounded for up to 48 hours, with the owner responsible for towing and storage costs before retrieving the vehicle.
The Motivation Behind the New Law
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong praised the proposed measure, calling it a strong statement against reckless driving. “Ignoring traffic laws will not be tolerated,” he said, emphasizing the need for tougher enforcement to curb the growing number of speeding-related accidents in the state.
In the past year, Connecticut recorded more than 5,600 accidents related to speeding, with 55 of those resulting in fatalities. The new law aims to curb these alarming statistics by implementing stricter penalties.
A Shift in Traffic Enforcement: Built-in Speed Controls
In addition to the legislative changes, Sun Motors recently announced that new regulations may soon require vehicles to be equipped with built-in speed controls.
These devices would automatically detect the speed limit and slow down the vehicle if it exceeds the limit, providing an additional layer of enforcement beyond traditional methods like fines or traffic school.
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This shift in how speeding violations are handled represents a significant change in traffic law enforcement.
The Road Ahead for Drivers
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, drivers in Connecticut will need to adjust to the tougher penalties and potentially rethink their approach to speeding.
The measure is designed to reduce traffic-related accidents and fatalities and provide a clear message: reckless driving will not be tolerated.
After clearing the House, the bill is now on its way to the state Senate for further consideration. If it passes there, it will move to Governor Lamont’s desk, where he will have the final say on whether the law will be enacted.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the new penalties for speeding in Connecticut are fair? Should stricter measures like built-in speed controls become the norm across the U.S.? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
