Connecticut Driving Records
What Is a Connecticut Driving Record?
Why Would You Need a Driving Record?
Types of Driver Records Available in Connecticut
Traffic Violations and Tickets in Connecticut
How Does the Connecticut Point System Work?
How To Check Your Vehicle History
What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?
Who Can Access Your Connecticut Driving History?
FAQs About Connecticut Driving Records

Connecticut Driving Records

Connecticut driving records are a comprehensive account of an individual's performance and behavior behind the wheel. These records include traffic violations, accidents, license suspensions, and any points on the driver's license, which are generally important for various matters like insurance, employment, or legal proceedings.

Access to driving records is governed by state-specific laws in Connecticut designed to protect drivers' personal privacy. By staying updated on your DMV driving record or driving history report, you may be able to monitor any changes, correct inaccuracies, and safeguard your driving privileges.

What Is a Connecticut Driving Record?

A Connecticut driving record, also known as a motor vehicle record (MVR), is an official document summarizing a driver's history, including violations, license status, suspensions, and accidents reported to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV). It comes in different forms, such as certified or non-certified copies, and may cover varying periods.

What Is The Difference Between Official MVRs and Public Driving Records?

Official MVRs in Connecticut are issued by the CT DMV. Access to them is restricted to the driver and authorized entities and may be used for several legal matters.

Meanwhile, public driving records are often compiled by third-party vendors. These are broadly accessible but limited in detail compared to the official copies. Usually, they are used for informal checks, general information, or research purposes.

Independent services like RecordsFinder are a source of public driving records. They are designed to offer a convenient and user-friendly platform for individuals or organizations seeking access to driving history without the formalities involved in obtaining an official MVR.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Here are some common reasons why individuals and institutions may need to obtain a driving record in Connecticut:

Employment Purposes: Employers, especially in transportation or delivery services, may review your driving history to evaluate your reliability and safety as a driver before offering a position.
Insurance Rate Determination: Insurance companies may use your driving history to assess risk. A clean history may lower premiums, while violations or accidents may increase your rates.
Court or Legal Requirements: You may need to submit your driving record as part of a court proceeding, especially if your driving privileges are under review or you are appealing a traffic-related judgment.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Applications: When applying for or renewing a CDL, a driving history review is typically mandatory to verify your qualifications and compliance with safety standards.
Personal Awareness: Regularly reviewing your driving report may help you stay informed about any points affecting your driving privileges. This awareness allows you to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of any infractions.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

Connecticut driving reports generally include several key pieces of information about an individual's driving history. The main components of these documents are:

Convictions of Moving Violations: This includes any traffic violations that have occurred, such as speeding tickets or running a red light.
Points Against License: The report details any points assessed against the driver's license due to violations.
Driver License Information: This section includes personal details such as the driver's full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
CDL Medical Certificate: For commercial drivers, the report may also include information regarding their CDL medical certificate status.
Status of Driver's License: The report provides information on whether the driver's license is valid, expired, or suspended, along with any real-time notifications of negative changes.

The state's driving records may also include other convictions, such as a history of any driving under the influence (DUI) offenses or alcohol-related violations. These documents may also contain your participation in traffic school or a defensive training course, if applicable.

Types of Driver Records Available in Connecticut

The CT DMV typically issues two types of driver records:

Certified Driving Record

These documents typically include a comprehensive history of the driver's record, such as traffic violations, accidents, and the current license status. Because they are verified documents, they are often used for legal, employment, or insurance purposes and are generally required for official transactions like court cases or job applications involving driving.

Driving Abstract or Non-Certified Driving Record

This basic version summarizes your driving history. It contains information similar to certified driving records but is not officially verified by the CT DMV. This record is generally ideal for those wanting to monitor their driving behavior without the need for a certified document.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Connecticut

Traffic violations in Connecticut refer to legal offenses committed while operating a motor vehicle. Depending on the severity of the offense, they are classified into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, with each category carrying appropriate penalties.

These violations are handled collaboratively by law enforcement, the CT DMV, and the state's judicial system. Generally, law enforcement officers issue citations, while the Connecticut Judicial Branch processes fines and not-guilty pleas. For more serious offenses involving potential criminal charges, such cases are heard in the Superior Court.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Traffic offenses in Connecticut are categorized as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, depending on their severity. These categories are governed primarily by the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS) Title 14, with more serious criminal traffic offenses also addressed in CGS Title 53a - Penal Code.

Below are some common examples of traffic violations in the state:

Speeding
Failure to stop at a stop sign
Driving without a valid registration
Operating a vehicle without insurance
Failure to carry a driver's license while operating a motor vehicle
Reckless driving
DUI
Vehicular manslaughter
Hit and run

Each type of violation carries different consequences. Offenders may face hefty fines, suspension of driving privileges, and even imprisonment.

What To Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic ticket in Connecticut, you generally have two options: pay the indicated fine or challenge it in court.

Paying the Fine

Choosing to pay the ticket is treated as a no-contest plea. While similar to pleading guilty, it still protects certain legal rights should a civil or criminal case arise from the incident. To proceed, you will need to select the appropriate option on the back of the ticket, sign it, and send it along with the full payment to the Connecticut Centralized Infractions Bureau (CIB).

Disputing the Ticket

If you decide to contest the ticket, you are entering a not-guilty plea. This process requires checking the correct box on the ticket, signing it, and mailing it to the CIB.

Once your plea is received, your case may be transferred to the Superior Court in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred. The court will then mail you a notice with the details of your hearing, including the date, time, and location.

If you plan to contest the violation, collect any relevant evidence and consider speaking with a traffic law lawyer.

Additionally, you may be able to use Connecticut's online ticket review program, if offered. This option allows you to submit your case electronically for review. If the prosecutor decides to reduce or dismiss the charges, you might be able to avoid going to court altogether.

How Does the Connecticut Point System Work?

Like other states, Connecticut uses a point system to track violations committed by drivers. The system encourages safe driving by imposing penalties for repeated offenses.

Under the Connecticut traffic point system, each traffic violation carries a certain number of points that accumulate on a driver's record. If drivers accumulate too many points within a specific period, they may face penalties, including license suspension or other sanctions.

Traffic violations are assigned points based on their severity, as listed below:

Speeding: 1 point
Illegal turn: 1 point
Disobeying traffic enforcers: 2 points
Impeding traffic: 2 points
Failure to grant right of way: 3 points
Passing in no-passing zone: 3 points
Passing a stopped school bus: 4 points
Homicide with a motor vehicle: 5 points

Accumulating 6 points from violations will prompt warnings from the Commissioner. If you accumulate more than 10 points, your license will be suspended for 30 days. If you are found violating traffic rules while suspended, the suspension will be indefinite until you reduce your points to under 10.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Connecticut, the duration that traffic violations remain on your driving record varies based on the severity of the offense.

Most traffic violations stay on your driving record for three years. This includes common infractions like speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign. More serious offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, and negligent homicide, may remain on your record for up to 10 years.

Points assigned for traffic violations generally remain on your Connecticut driving record for 24 months from the date they are assessed.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

In Connecticut, certain violations may be removed from your record under specific circumstances.

If you were apprehended with a crime but later found not guilty, had your case dismissed, or had the charges dropped over 13 months ago, your record may qualify for clearance. The same applies if your case was put on hold and no further legal action has been taken for at least 13 months.

In many instances, qualifying records are cleared automatically. However, if that does not happen, you may request it through the court that handled your case.

For individuals seeking a more thorough clean slate, Connecticut offers expungement pardons. These are typically available three years after a misdemeanor and five years after a felony conviction. If granted, your entire criminal traffic record could be erased.

If your situation does not meet the criteria for record clearance, you still have options to improve your driving history.

Connecticut drivers may participate in the Operator Retraining Program or a Defensive Driving Course. Completing one of these programs may lower the points on your driving record, which may reduce the risk of license suspension and keep insurance premiums from rising. Once you finish the program, you must submit proof to the CT DMV to have the points adjusted.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may request a Connecticut motor vehicle history through one of the following methods:

Online
- Visit the official Request for driving history portal.
- Log in using your Connecticut driver's license, learner's permit, non-driver ID, and Social Security Number.
- Follow the prompts to request and download your driving history.
In Person
- Download and complete the necessary sections in the Copy Records Request Form J-23.
- Prepare a valid photo ID.
- Schedule an appointment at one of these Offices:
  - Stamford CT DMV Office
  - Milford, North Haven, or Norwalk, Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union locations
  - Selected AAA offices
- Bring the completed form, valid ID, and the applicable fee to your scheduled DMV appointment.
By Mail
- Download and fill out the necessary section on the Form J-23.
- Attach a valid photo ID and a check payable to the DMV for payment.
- Mail the complete package to the address below:
  
  Department of Motor Vehicles
  
  60 State Street
  
  Wethersfield, CT 06161
  
  Attention: Copy Record

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Connecticut?

Obtaining a driving record in Connecticut typically costs $20. An additional $8 convenience fee may be charged for an in-person request if you request from Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union or AAA locations.

If you request your driving record online, processing generally takes 5 to 7 minutes, and it will be accessible for up to 30 days. For an in-person request, you will get the document upon submitting the requirements, while mail requests may take up to 2-3 weeks.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free?

The CT DMV is the primary source for driving records in Connecticut and it charges certain fees for anyone requesting such records. However, you may explore a few other avenues to access driving history information for free.

Some local police departments may provide free access to driving history reports or related information, especially if you have a legitimate reason for the request. If you have an auto insurance policy, your insurance provider may offer access to your record as part of their services.

Many online services also offer limited free checks or trials for driving reports. However, be cautious when opting for these services as they might provide unverified information.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A bad driving record typically includes multiple traffic violations, especially those that result in points being assessed against your driver's license.

In Connecticut, you may receive points when you commit moving violations or offenses while the car is in motion, such as running a red light, speeding, or reckless driving. Non-moving violations or offenses when the car is stationary generally do not appear on your driving record. However, they may still lead to fines and other consequences.

Parking tickets fall under non-moving violations, so they do not appear on your Connecticut driving record. Similarly, police warnings, whether verbal or written, are not recorded on your DMV record. However, an officer may document the warning in an internal police database, which could be referenced during future traffic stops.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record in Connecticut may significantly affect insurance rates and employment opportunities.

Insurance companies may opt to assess risk based on your driving history. If you have a bad record, expect an average premium increase of 20% to 50%, depending on the severity of the violation and the insurer's policy. In some cases, insurers may refuse to provide coverage altogether.

Similarly, most state employers, particularly those hiring for driving-related positions, generally conduct background checks using driving records. A bad driving record may disqualify you from these positions or limit your job prospects.

Who Can Access Your Connecticut Driving History?

Driving history records in Connecticut are not fully public documents. The Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the CGS Section 14-10 restrict the disclosure of personal information from these records to qualified individuals.

Under these laws, the name, address, contact information, medical information, photographs, Social Security Numbers, and driver's license numbers are protected. Only those permitted legally may access the protected information, such as insurance companies, employers, law enforcement agencies, and court personnel.

FAQs About Connecticut Driving Records

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) will provide you with additional information about Connecticut driving records:

Can I Request My Vehicle Record in Connecticut for Free?

No, the CT DMV charges a $20 fee for each driving or motor vehicle record request.

Can Employers See My Driving History?

Employers hiring for jobs involving driving may see your driving history in Connecticut if you permit them.

Does a Traffic Ticket in Another State Affect My Connecticut Driving Report?

Yes, out-of-state tickets may appear and impact your driving history report since Connecticut is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC).

Can You Check Someone Else's Driving Record?

You may request someone else's driving record in Connecticut, but only under specific legal circumstances. You must indicate the specific reason for your request in the Form J-23.