Motor Vehicles Laws

DMV Information

Passenger Restrictions for Newly Licensed 16- and 17-year-old Drivers

Graduated Driver's License

On January 1, 2004 a new law went into effect that limits the number of passengers that can ride in vehicles driven by licensed 16 and 17-year-old drivers who received licenses within the last six months.

Here is an overview:

The teenager may always drive alone.

The law limits passengers. Here are the rules on passengers:

During the first three months, only one passenger may be in the vehicle with the driver and that passenger CAN ONLY BE: ONE parent or legal guardian (The parent or legal guardian must be at least 25 years of age), OR ONLY ONE licensed driver instructor OR ONLY ONE person at least 20 years of age who has held a license for four years and has not been suspended.

During the second three months, which is between three and six months after the license is issued, the ONLY
passengers allowed are members of the teenage driver's immediate family, licensed driving instructor or person at least 20 years of age who has held a license for four years and has not been suspended. In addition, until reaching their 18th birthday, teenage drivers may not transport more passengers than the number of seat safety belts installed in the vehicle.

The restrictions concerning passengers will carry a penalty for a violation, which will be an infraction and fine. In the case of a driver who is convicted of a second violation, the new law permits the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend the license of the driver until he or she is 18 years of age.

Other Changes Effective January 1
For Newly Licensed 16- and 17-Year-Old Drivers

Until his or her 18th birthday, a driver may not operate any vehicle that requires a public passenger transportation permit, or a van pool vehicle.

Until his or her 18th birthday, a driver may not transport more passengers than the number of seat safety belts installed in the vehicle.

Any person issued a motorcycle endorsement may not transport any passenger on a motorcycle for the first six months after obtaining the endorsement.

In order to determine whether any of these restrictions are applicable, you may consult the birth date of the individual
and the issuance date of the license.

Motorized Scooter Information

In Connecticut motorized scooters are classified as "bicycle with helper motor" otherwise known as "moped" as defined
in Connecticut General Statute 14-286. Accordingly, a driver's license is required for operation of such a vehicle. Although such vehicles may be marketed for kids, they are not for kids. The vehicles have the capability of traveling as fast as 20 to 30 m.p.h. and are to be operated only by a licensed driver.

...Driver's license needed to operate
...Cannot be operated on a sidewalk
...Cannot operate on limited access highway
...No registration is required
...Must be operated in accordance with applicable motor vehicle laws
Think Safety.....Wear an approved safety helmet and other appropriate safety gear.

C.G.S. 14-286...
(b) No person shall ride a bicycle with a helper motor unless that person holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license or motorcycle operator's license. No person shall operate a bicycle with a helper motor at a rate of speed exceeding thirty miles per hour; nor shall any bicycle with a helper motor be operated on any sidewalk, limited access highway or turnpike.