Distracted Driving Fines Increase In CT: Here's What To Know

CONNECTICUT — Driving while texting or talking on the phone has just gotten more expensive in Connecticut.

Starting Oct. 1, the fines for driving while distracted are:

• For first violation, offenders are fined $200 (previously $150)
• For a second violation, offenders are fined $375 (previously $300)
• For a third or subsequent violation, offenders are fined $625 (previously $500)

"Throughout October, there will be a greater effort to cut down on distracted driving," said Commissioner Joseph Giulietti of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. "State and local police will be increasing enforcement of the distracted driving law — which now carries a much heftier fine for offenders."

In Connecticut in 2020, there were nearly 5,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving, according to DOT data. Nationwide over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes. Approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices while driving at any given moment on the nation's roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.