New CT Law Addresses Motorcycle Helmets and Traffic Violations

 Posted on August 13, 2025 in Personal Injury

Road safety is an important issue that lawmakers often try to address. Despite the many laws that are meant to prohibit unsafe driving and protect people who use the roads, motor vehicle accidents continue to occur regularly. Based on data about the accidents that occur, trends that indicate safety issues, and other concerns, Connecticut’s state legislature has worked to update the state’s laws in hopes of preventing accidents and protecting people’s safety. A new law that was recently passed includes some provisions that drivers and others who use the road will need to be aware of.

People are not always aware of changes to state laws. Based on new regulations, people may be charged with traffic violations or other motor vehicle offenses, which could lead to high fines or even the suspension of a driver’s license. For those who are looking to protect their licenses and avoid penalties that could affect their daily lives, working with an attorney to defend against these charges can be crucial.

Updates to Helmet Laws, Speeding Ticket Camera Programs, and More

The Connecticut legislature recently passed Senate Bill No. 1377, which included several new provisions that may affect drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and others. Its changes include:

• Increased Age for Motorcycle Helmet Requirements: Previously, motorcycle riders in Connecticut who were under the age of 18 were required to wear helmets. This age limit has been increased to 21. A violation of the helmet requirement is a traffic infraction that can result in a $90 fine.

• Increased Age for Bicycle Helmet Requirements: The law also increases the age limits for children who ride bicycles, as well as those who use scooters, skateboards, or roller skates. Helmets are now required for children under the age of 18. Violations of these requirements are not considered infractions, but parents of children who do not wear helmets as required may receive verbal warnings.

• Increased Use of Traffic Cameras: The law requires the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation to develop a plan that will expand the use of traffic violation enforcement cameras throughout the state. These may include cameras that capture vehicles that run red lights, as well as cameras that capture vehicles that exceed speed limits. While these cameras are already in use in many municipalities, the law will likely expand their use, increasing the likelihood that drivers may be automatically ticketed when they commit traffic violations. Municipalities that participate in these programs may impose fines of $50 for a first violation or $75 for any subsequent violations that take place within one year.

• Reckless Driving Operator Retraining Programs: Under the state’s current laws, drivers who are convicted of three moving violations may be required to complete an operator retraining program. While reckless driving offenses had previously been considered moving violations that would count toward this total, drivers will now be required to complete operator retraining programs after a single reckless driving offense. After completing a program, a driver must maintain a clean driving record for three years. If they commit another moving violation during that three-year period, their driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense, or 90 days for a third or subsequent offense.

• Fines for Failure to Yield to Pedestrians: While the law requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road in marked crosswalks has not been changed, the maximum fine for this offense has been increased from $500 to $750.

Contact Our Connecticut Traffic Violation Defense Lawyers

If you receive a traffic ticket under the new laws or any other laws in Connecticut, you may face multiple penalties, including fines, increased insurance rates, and the possible loss of your driver’s license. To defend against these penalties, you need a skilled lawyer on your side. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford traffic violation defense attorneys can help you resolve your case successfully. Contact us at 860-290-8690 to arrange a free consultation.