Using a mobile phone while driving in Connecticut (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Drivers may not use a hand-held mobile telephone to engage in a call or use a mobile electronic device, including to type, send or read texts. Use of a hands-free mobile telephone is allowed, but drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all, even hands-free. The fine is USD 200 for a first violation.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $200.00 per offence [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Typing, sending or reading a text message on a hand-held phone or mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle is banned, including when stopped in traffic or at a signal. Drivers of commercial vehicles are charged under a separate subsection. [2] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use any hand-held mobile telephone, including one with a hands-free accessory, or a mobile electronic device while driving, except to call emergency services. [2] |
Notes
- The ban applies while operating a vehicle on a highway, including when temporarily stationary in traffic or at a signal, but not when parked on the side or shoulder. Drivers under 18 may not use any hand-held phone, even with a hands-free accessory (subsection (d)).
- A hands-free mobile telephone is exempt. A call on a hand-held phone is presumed if the phone is held at or near the ear (rebuttable).
- USD 200 for a first violation, USD 375 for a second and USD 625 for a third or subsequent violation. A violation appears on the driving record available to insurers.
- Section 14-296aa does not state a number of points and no other source was read.
Sources
- Connecticut General Assembly: Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 248, Sec. 14-296aa - Use of hand-held mobile telephones and mobile electronic devices (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Connecticut General Assembly: Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 248, § 14-296aa (Internet Archive snapshot of 6 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Connecticut and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 200 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Massachusetts | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Banned | Hands-free allowed | From USD 50 (range USD 50-200) | 5 points |
| Rhode Island | Banned | Allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Connecticut
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: 3 mature + 3 immature, max 12/household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Set by posted limits · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Posted limit; 55 mph maximum
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers excepted) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (sparklers and fountains only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Banned at 4 in or more of edge · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned if blade over 1.5 in
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.94 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.