Frequently Asked Questions - Motor Vehicle Related

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT?

First, think where you are now located. If your vehicle is still in the travel portion of the roadway, think of your safety and others. Move your vehicle off of the traveled portion of the highway if possible. Connecticut law mandates vehicles involved in accidents on limited access highways move off the traveled portion of the highway. (This law applies under Connecticut General Statues 14-224)

Check for injured persons and help them to the extent of your capabilities.  The accident should be reported to the police. In emergency situations a 911 telephone call will result in the proper emergency personnel response.

Obtain your license, registration and insurance card and wait with your vehicle for the police to arrive. Obtain as much information as possible about the other involved person and their vehicle to assist the police should the driver leave the scene prior to their arrival.

ABOVE ALL THINK OF YOUR SAFETY! IN THE CONFUSION YOU MAY INVOLVE YOURSELF IN AN ADDITIONAL ACCIDENT.

CAN I BE STOPPED IN CONNECTICUT FOR NOT WEARING MY SEAT BELT?

YES! CONNECTICUT IS ONE OF THE PRIMARY STATES IN REGARDS TO SEAT BELT VIOLATIONS.

A Police Officer does not need any other violations to stop and ticket you for not wearing your seat belt.

All front seat passengers are required to be properly seat belted. Operators
are responsible for the proper seat belting of any passenger four years of age or older and under sixteen years of age. Children under the age of four years, weighing less than forty pounds, shall use a child restraint system approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Children under the age of four years and weighing more than forty pounds are required to be properly restrained in a child seat or seat belt.

The Connecticut State Police highly recommend that all children twelve years and under be seat belted in the rear seat. Infants and small children should never be placed in the front seat when the vehicle is equipped with an Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System.


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY?

Whenever possible move your vehicle to the shoulder portion of the road. Do not stop in the traveled portion of the road. Only if it is the last resort pull onto the median of the highway.

Remain with your vehicle and inside the vehicle for safety. Contact the police for assistance. If you have a cellular telephone, dial 911 and you will be connected to the near Connecticut State Police Troop. A sign that reads "Send Help" or a white piece of cloth placed on the outside of the window will assist in help being sent to you.

Keep your doors locked and if approached by an unknown motorist, speak to them through a partially opened window. Accepting a ride from an unknown motorist may not be the proper course of action for obtaining help.


WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN A POLICE OFFICER STOPS ME FOR A VIOLATION?

When signaled by a police officer to stop your vehicle, pull to the shoulder of the
road and stop safely. Never stop in the traveled portion of the road or the median.

Think of your safety, and remain inside of your vehicle. The police officer will
approach your vehicle for all the necessary information. Do not argue with the police
officer at this time as any confrontation will expose everyone to the danger of forgetting that the traffic around you is speeding by.

Violations of motor vehicle law will result in the issuance of a ticket. An infraction complaint ticket allows for the paying of the fine through the mail. A misdemeanor summons requires your appearance in court to address the complaint.

The Connecticut State Police Deploy unmarked cruisers in the enforcement or motor vehicle / criminal law violations. All unmarked cruisers are equipped with strobe / flashing emergency lights and sirens. In addition to the Ford Crown Victoria, we employ other specialty vehicles.


WHO SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT CONCERNING A TROOPER?

Address your complaint to the nearest State Police Barracks in the area in which the incident took place.


DO I HAVE TO STOP FOR AN UNMARKED CRUISER?

Yes, Not all cruisers utilized by Police Departments are marked to the extent of lettering or visibly mounted emergency lights. Under Connecticut motor vehicle law an emergency vehicle is one equipped with an audible signal device, flashing or revolving lights. Enforcement techniques dictate the vehicles necessity.

The police officer must display his badge of office and identify himself if not in uniform at the time of the stop.