Bill Text: CT HB06033 | 2013 | General Assembly | Chaptered
Bill Title: An Act Concerning Distracted Driving And Revisions To The Motor Vehicle Statutes.
Spectrum:
Status: (Passed) 2013-07-11 - Signed by the Governor [HB06033 Detail]
Download: Connecticut-2013-HB06033-Chaptered.html
AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED DRIVING AND REVISIONS TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE STATUTES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 1-24 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
The following officers may administer oaths: (1) The clerks of the Senate, the clerks of the House of Representatives and the chairpersons of committees of the General Assembly or of either branch thereof, during its session; (2) state officers, as defined in subsection (t) of section 9-1, judges and clerks of any court, family support magistrates, judge trial referees, justices of the peace, commissioners of the Superior Court, notaries public, town clerks and assistant town clerks, in all cases where an oath may be administered, except in a case where the law otherwise requires; (3) commissioners on insolvent estates, auditors, arbitrators and committees, to parties and witnesses, in all cases tried before them; (4) assessors and boards of assessment appeals, in cases coming before them; (5) commissioners appointed by governors of other states to take the acknowledgment of deeds, in the discharge of their official duty; (6) the moderator of a school district meeting, in such meeting, to the clerk of such district, as required by law; (7) the first selectman, in any matter before the board of selectmen; (8) the Chief Medical Examiner, Deputy Medical Examiner and assistant medical examiners of the Office of the Medical Examiner, in any matter before them; (9) registrars of vital statistics, in any matter before them; (10) any chief inspector or inspector appointed pursuant to section 51-286; (11) registrars of voters, deputy registrars, assistant registrars, and moderators, in any matter before them; (12) special assistant registrars, in matters provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of section 9-19b and section 9-19c; (13) the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection and any sworn member of any local police department or the Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in all affidavits, statements, depositions, complaints or reports made to or by any member of any local police department or said Division of State Police or any constable who is under the supervision of said commissioner or any of such officers of said Division of State Police and who is certified under the provisions of sections 7-294a to 7-294e, inclusive, and performs criminal law enforcement duties; (14) judge advocates of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, law specialists of the United States Coast Guard, adjutants, assistant adjutants, acting adjutants and personnel adjutants, commanding officers, executive officers and officers whose rank is lieutenant commander or major, or above, of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, to persons serving with or in the armed forces, as defined in said section, or their spouses; (15) investigators, deputy investigators, investigative aides, secretaries, clerical assistants, social workers, social worker trainees, paralegals and certified legal interns employed by or assigned to the Public Defender Services Commission in the performance of their assigned duties; (16) bail commissioners and intake, assessment and referral specialists employed by the Judicial Department in the performance of their assigned duties; (17) juvenile matter investigators employed by the Division of Criminal Justice in the performance of their assigned duties; (18) the chairperson of the Connecticut Siting Council or the chairperson's designee; (19) the presiding officer at an agency hearing under section 4-177b; (20) family relations counselors employed by the Judicial Department and support enforcement officers and investigators employed by the Department of Social Services Bureau of Child Support Enforcement and the Judicial Department, in the performance of their assigned duties; (21) the chairperson, vice-chairperson, members and employees of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, in the performance of their assigned duties; (22) the Commissioner of Correction or the commissioner's designee; [and] (23) sworn law enforcement officers, appointed under section 26-5, within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in all affidavits, statements, depositions, complaints or reports made to or by any such sworn law enforcement officer; and (24) sworn motor vehicle inspectors acting under the authority of section 14-8.
Sec. 2. (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a task force to study issues concerning the prevention of distracted driving in the state. Such task force shall (1) evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws prohibiting distracted driving, (2) examine distracted driving enforcement, (3) consider any federal efforts to prevent distracted driving, (4) consider any distracted driving efforts in other states, and (5) develop recommendations, including any necessary legislative changes, to prevent distracted driving in Connecticut.
(b) The task force shall consist of the following members:
(1) One appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;
(2) One appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;
(3) One appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives;
(4) One appointed by the majority leader of the Senate;
(5) One appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives;
(6) One appointed by the minority leader of the Senate;
(7) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or the commissioner's designee;
(8) The Commissioner of Transportation, or the commissioner's designee; and
(9) The chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation.
(c) Any member of the task force appointed under subsection (b) of this section may be a member of the General Assembly.
(d) All appointments to the task force shall be made not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section. Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.
(e) The speaker of the House of Representatives and the president pro tempore of the Senate shall select the chairpersons of the task force from among the members of the task force. Such chairpersons shall schedule the first meeting of the task force, which shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section.
(f) The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation shall serve as administrative staff of the task force.
(g) Not later than January 1, 2014, the task force shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The task force shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January 1, 2014, whichever is later.
Sec. 3. Subdivision (52) of section 14-1 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(52) "Motor-driven cycle" means any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with attached motor with a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a motor [that produces five brake horsepower or less] having a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement;
Sec. 4. Subdivision (63) of section 14-1 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(63) "Out-of-service order" means an order (A) issued by a [police officer, state policeman, or motor vehicle inspector under the authority of section 14-8] person having inspection authority, as defined in regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 14-163c, as amended by this act, or by an authorized official of the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit [a commercial] any motor vehicle specified in subsection (a) of section 14-163c, as amended by this act, from being operated on any highway, or to prohibit a driver from operating [a commercial] any such motor vehicle, or (B) issued by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to any provision of federal law, to prohibit any motor carrier, as defined in Section 386. 2 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, from engaging in commercial motor vehicle operations;
Sec. 5. Subdivision (80) of section 14-1 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(80) "Serious traffic violation" means a conviction of any of the following offenses: (A) Excessive speeding, involving a single offense in which the speed is fifteen miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit, in violation of section 14-218a or 14-219; (B) reckless driving in violation of section 14-222; (C) following too closely in violation of section 14-240 or 14-240a; (D) improper or erratic lane changes, in violation of section 14-236; (E) using a hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device or typing, reading or sending text or a text message with or from a mobile telephone or mobile electronic device in violation of subsection (e) of section 14-296aa, as amended by this act, while operating a commercial motor vehicle; (F) driving a commercial motor vehicle without a valid commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-36a, as amended by this act, or 14-44a; (G) failure to carry a commercial driver's license in violation of section 14-44a; (H) failure to have the proper class of license or endorsement, or violation of a license restriction in violation of section 14-44a; or (I) a violation of any provision of chapter 248, [while operating a commercial motor vehicle,] by an operator who holds a commercial driver's license or instruction permit that results in the death of another person;
Sec. 6. Section 14-9a of the general statutes is amended by adding subsection (c) as follows (Effective October 1, 2013):
(NEW) (c) In accordance with 49 CFR 384. 228 and subject to the provisions of section 31-51i, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall require any person who is to be employed as a knowledge or skills test examiner for commercial driver's license applicants to submit to a nation-wide criminal background check prior to the department certifying such person to administer any such test. Each such background check shall include name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history records checks of federal and state repository records. The department shall maintain a record of the results of such criminal background checks and shall not certify any examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests who: (1) Was convicted of a felony within the past ten years; or (2) was convicted of any crime involving fraudulent activities.
Sec. 7. Subsection (a) of section 14-12b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) No motor vehicle registration shall be issued by the commissioner for any private passenger motor vehicle, as defined in subsection (e) of section 38a-363, or a vehicle with a commercial registration, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, unless (1) the application for registration is accompanied by a current automobile insurance identification card containing the information required in section 38a-364, as amended by this act, or a copy of a current insurance policy or endorsement issued by a company licensed to issue such insurance in this state or an approved self-insurer or issued pursuant to the plan established under section 38a-329, verifying that the applicant has the required security coverage, and (2) the applicant signs and files with the commissioner, under penalty of false statement as provided for in section 53a-157b, a statement on a form approved by the commissioner that the owner of the vehicle has provided and will continuously maintain throughout the registration period the minimum security required by section 38a-371. In the case of an owner with a vehicle located outside of the United States or Canada, the commissioner may accept in lieu of the insurance identification card required to be presented for issuance of the registration, an affidavit, in such form as the commissioner shall require, executed by the owner and stating that the vehicle will not be operated in the United States or Canada. In the case of a special use registration issued pursuant to subsection (j) of section 14-12, the commissioner may, in lieu of proof of insurance as otherwise required by this section, accept proof, satisfactory to the commissioner, of substantially equivalent or similar insurance issued by an insurer licensed to transact business in the state in which the motor vehicle is to be registered. The commissioner may require an applicant for renewal of a motor vehicle registration for any private passenger motor vehicle or vehicle with a commercial registration to sign and file with the commissioner, under penalty of false statement as provided for in section 53a-157b, a statement on a form approved by the commissioner that the owner of the vehicle will continuously maintain throughout the registration period the minimum security required by said section 38a-371. Such form shall call for and contain the name of the applicant's insurance company and policy number.
Sec. 8. Subsection (a) of section 14-15 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) Any person, firm or corporation before engaging in the business of leasing or renting motor vehicles without drivers in this state and any person, firm or corporation which is the lessor of or rents any vehicle required to be registered under the provisions of section 14-15a shall make a sworn application to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for a license to engage in such leasing or renting. Each such application and each application for renewal shall be accompanied by a fee of three hundred dollars. Each such license shall be renewed biennially according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner so as to effect staggered renewal of all such licenses. If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any license more or less than one year from its issuance, the commissioner may charge a prorated amount for such license fee. Not less than forty-five days prior to the date of expiration of each such license, the commissioner shall send or transmit to each licensee, in such manner as the commissioner determines, an application for renewal. An application for renewal filed with the commissioner after the date of expiration shall be accompanied by a late fee of one hundred dollars provided the commissioner shall not renew any license under this subsection that has expired for more than forty-five days. No such license shall be transferred. Such licensee shall furnish proof of financial responsibility satisfactory to the commissioner specifying that coverage is for all owned vehicles, as provided by section 14-112 or 14-129, [provided such licensee may furnish such proof separately with respect to each vehicle or each group of vehicles leased to any single lessee] regardless of the duration of the lease or rental period. Each application for such license shall contain the name and address of the owner and shall be accompanied by a surety bond as required pursuant to section 14-52. Each application for registration of a motor vehicle to be leased for a period of more than thirty days shall contain the name and address of the owner and the lessee of such vehicle. The owner of such vehicle shall disclose the name and address of any subsequent lessee of such vehicle to the commissioner in such manner as the commissioner may require. The commissioner shall ensure that such information relative to the lessee is available to the Connecticut on-line law enforcement communications teleprocessing system. Each person, firm or corporation licensed under the provisions of this subsection shall keep such books, records and accounts as the commissioner may require provided each licensee shall retain a copy of each rental or lease contract for a period of three years, which shall be subject to inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee at all reasonable times. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person, firm or corporation which, incidental to the conduct of its principal business, leases or rents any motor vehicle without a driver to other persons, firms or corporations whose principal business is the same as that of the lessor. Violation of any provision of this subsection shall be an infraction.
Sec. 9. Subsection (a) of section 14-33 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, if any property tax, or any installment thereof, laid by any city, town, borough or other taxing district upon a registered motor vehicle or snowmobile remains unpaid, the tax collector of such city, town, borough or other taxing district shall notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of such delinquency in accordance with [listings and schedules of dates] guidelines and procedures established by the commissioner. [and on forms prescribed and furnished by the commissioner, specifying the name and address of the person against whom such tax has been assessed, the date when such tax was due and the registration number, if known to the collector. ] The commissioner shall not issue registration for such motor vehicle or snowmobile for the next registration period if, according to the commissioner's records, it is then owned by the person against whom such tax has been assessed or by any person to whom such vehicle has not been transferred by bona fide sale. Unless notice has been received by the commissioner under the provisions of section 14-33a, as amended by this act, no such registration shall be issued until [a receipt evidencing the payment of such tax or certificate of abatement of such tax or other satisfactory evidence] the commissioner receives notification that the tax obligation has been legally discharged; [has been presented to the commissioner; ] nor shall the commissioner register any other motor vehicle, [or] snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or vessel in the name of such person, [until a receipt evidencing the payment of such tax or a certificate of abatement of such tax or other satisfactory evidence that the tax obligation has been legally discharged has been presented to the commissioner,] except that the commissioner may continue to register other vehicles owned by a leasing or rental firm licensed pursuant to section 14-15, as amended by this act, [if the commissioner is satisfied that arrangements have been made to discharge such tax obligation,] and may issue such registration to any private owner of three or more paratransit vehicles in direct proportion to the percentage of total tax due on such vehicles which has been paid and notice of payment on which has been received. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may immediately suspend or cancel all motor vehicle, [or] snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or vessel registrations issued in the name of any person (1) who has been reported as delinquent and whose registration was renewed through an error or through the production of false evidence that the delinquent tax on any motor vehicle or snowmobile had been paid, or (2) who has been reported by a tax collector as having paid a property tax on a motor vehicle or snowmobile with a check which was dishonored by a bank and such tax remains unpaid. Any person aggrieved by any action of the commissioner under this section may appeal therefrom in the manner provided in section 14-134. For the purposes of this subsection, "paratransit vehicle" means a motor bus, taxicab or motor vehicle in livery service operated under a certificate of convenience and necessity issued by the Department of Transportation or by a transit district and which is on call or demand or used for the transportation of passengers for hire.
Sec. 10. Section 14-33a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
When a taxpayer who was reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles as delinquent in taxes by a tax collector in accordance with section 14-33, as amended by this act, is no longer delinquent, the tax collector shall immediately notify the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles [, on forms prescribed and furnished by him, specifying the name, address and registration number to be removed from the motor vehicle delinquent tax list] in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the commissioner.
Sec. 11. Section 14-36a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) A commercial driver's license issued in accordance with section 14-44c shall be designated as class A, B or C, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of section 14-44d. All other operators' licenses shall be designated as class D. A license of any class that also authorizes the operation of a motorcycle shall contain the designation "M". [A license of any class that contains the designation "Q" indicates eligibility to operate fire apparatus. ]
(b) A commercial driver's license which contains the endorsement "S" evidences that the holder meets the requirements of section 14-44 to operate a school bus or any vehicle described in subsection (c) of this section. A commercial driver's license may contain any of the following additional endorsements:
"P"- authorizes the operation of commercial motor vehicles designed to carry passengers;
"H"- authorizes the operation of vehicles transporting hazardous materials;
"N"- authorizes the operation of tank vehicles;
"X"- authorizes both hazardous materials and tank vehicles; and
"T"- authorizes the operation of vehicles with up to three trailing, nonpower units.
The commissioner may establish one or more restrictions on commercial driver's licenses of any class, in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of section 14-44d, a commercial driver's license of any class authorizes the holder of such license to operate any motor vehicle that may be operated by the holder of a class D operator's license.
(c) A commercial driver's license or a class D license that contains any of the following endorsements evidences that the holder meets the requirements of section 14-44:
"V"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, or any vehicle that requires an "A" or "F" endorsement;
"A"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in an activity vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, or any vehicle that requires an "F" endorsement; and
"F"- authorizes the transportation of passengers in a taxicab, motor vehicle in livery service, service bus or motor bus.
The commissioner may establish one or more endorsements or restrictions on class D licenses, in accordance with regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
(d) A license of any class that contains the designation "Q" indicates eligibility to operate fire apparatus. A "Q" endorsement shall signify that the holder has been trained to operate fire apparatus in accordance with standards established by the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. No such endorsement shall be issued to any person until he or she demonstrates personally to the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, including the Connecticut Fire Academy, any regional fire school or the chief local fire official of any municipality as defined in section 7-323j, by means of testing in a representative vehicle that such person possesses the skills necessary for operation of fire apparatus.
[(d)] (e) No person shall operate a motor vehicle in violation of the classification of the license issued to such person.
[(e)] (f) No employer shall knowingly require or permit an employee who is acting within the scope of such employee's employment to operate a motor vehicle in violation of the classification of such employee's license.
[(f)] (g) (1) Any person who violates any provision of subsection [(d)] (e) of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and be fined fifty dollars and, for a subsequent offense, be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.
(2) Any employer who violates subsection [(e)] (f) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for a first violation and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars for a second or subsequent violation.
[(g)] (h) The revocation, suspension or withdrawal of, or refusal to issue or renew an "S" endorsement, or any endorsement described in subsection (c) of this section, shall prohibit the licensee from operating any public service passenger vehicle for which a passenger endorsement is required under this section. During the period of such revocation, suspension or withdrawal of, or after a refusal to issue or renew an "S" endorsement, or any endorsement described in subsection (c) of this section, the commissioner shall not issue any other passenger endorsement to such licensee.
Sec. 12. Subsection (a) of section 14-36h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) Each motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in accordance with section 14-36, as amended by this act, and each identity card issued by said commissioner in accordance with section 1-1h shall contain the following: (1) The person's full legal name; (2) the person's date of birth; (3) the person's gender; (4) the person's height and eye color; (5) the person's assigned operator's license or identity card number; (6) the person's address of principal residence in this state; (7) the person's signature; (8) the person's [color] photograph or digital image; and (9) if applicable, the person's status as a veteran, as provided in subsection (e) of this section.
Sec. 13. Subsection (a) of section 14-37a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) Any person whose operator's license has been suspended pursuant to any provision of this chapter or chapter 248, except pursuant to section 14-215 for operating under suspension or pursuant to section 14-140 for failure to appear for any scheduled court appearance, and any person identified in subsection (g) of this section may make application to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for (1) a special "work" permit to operate a motor vehicle to and from such person's place of employment or, if such person is not employed at a fixed location, to operate a motor vehicle only in connection with, and to the extent necessary, to properly perform such person's business or profession, or (2) a special "education" permit to operate a motor vehicle to and from an [accredited] institution of higher education or a private occupational school, as defined in section 10a-22a, in which such person is enrolled. No such special "education" permit shall be issued to any student enrolled in a high school under the jurisdiction of a local or regional board of education, a high school under the jurisdiction of a regional educational service center, a charter school, a regional agricultural science and technology education center or a technical high school. Such application shall be accompanied by an application fee of one hundred dollars.
Sec. 14. Subsection (c) of section 14-40a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(c) Before granting a motorcycle endorsement to any applicant who has not held such an endorsement at any time within the preceding two years, the commissioner shall require the applicant to present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant has successfully completed a novice motorcycle training course conducted by the Department of Transportation with federal funds available for the purpose of such course, or by any firm or organization that conducts such a course that uses the curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or other safety or educational organization that has developed a curriculum approved by the commissioner. If such applicant has not obtained a motorcycle instruction permit pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the applicant shall also pass an examination, other than the driving skills test, demonstrating that the applicant is a proper person to operate a motorcycle, has sufficient knowledge of the mechanism of a motorcycle to ensure its safe operation by such applicant, and has satisfactory knowledge of the law concerning motorcycles and other motor vehicles and the rules of the road. The commissioner may waive the requirement of such examination for any applicant who presents documentation that such applicant: (1) Is on active military duty with the armed forces of the United States; (2) is stationed outside the state; and (3) completed a novice motorcycle training course conducted by any firm or organization using the curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation not earlier than two years prior to the date of such applicant's application. When the commissioner is satisfied as to the ability and competency of the applicant, the commissioner may issue an endorsement to such applicant, either unlimited or containing such limitations as the commissioner deems advisable. If an applicant or motorcycle endorsement holder has any health problem which might affect such person's ability to operate a motorcycle safely, the commissioner may require the applicant or endorsement holder to demonstrate personally that, notwithstanding the problem, such person is a proper person to operate a motorcycle, and the commissioner may further require a certificate of the applicant's condition, signed by a medical authority designated by the commissioner, which certificate shall, in all cases, be treated as confidential by the commissioner. An endorsement, containing such limitation as the commissioner deems advisable may be issued or renewed in any case, but nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the commissioner from refusing an endorsement, either limited or unlimited, to any person or suspending an endorsement of a person whom the commissioner deems incapable of safely operating a motorcycle.
Sec. 15. Subsection (b) of section 14-41 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(b) An original operator's license shall expire within a period not exceeding six years following the date of the operator's next birthday. The fee for such license shall be seventy-two dollars. [and twelve dollars per year or any part of a year. ] The commissioner may authorize an automobile club or association, licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-67 on or before July 1, 2007, to issue duplicate licenses and identity cards pursuant to section 14-50a, renew licenses, renew identity cards issued pursuant to section 1-1h and conduct registration transactions at its office facilities. The commissioner may authorize such automobile clubs or associations to charge a convenience fee, which shall not exceed [two] three dollars, to each applicant for a license or identity card renewal or duplication, or for a registration transaction.
Sec. 16. Section 14-41a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
An individual sixty-five years of age or older may renew a motor vehicle operator's license for either a two-year period or a six-year period. The fee for any license issued for a two-year period shall be [twenty-two] twenty-four dollars.
Sec. 17. Subsection (a) of section 14-44i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) There shall be charged a fee of [sixty] seventy dollars for each renewal of a commercial driver's license.
Sec. 18. Subsection (h) of section 14-44k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(h) A person is disqualified for life if such person commits two or more of the offenses specified in subsection (b) of this section, or if such person is the subject of two or more findings by the commissioner under subsection (c) of this section, or any combination of those offenses or findings, arising from two or more separate incidents. A person is disqualified for life if the commissioner takes suspension actions against such person for two or more alcohol test refusals or test failures, or any combination of such actions, arising from two or more separate incidents. Any person disqualified for life, except a person disqualified under subsection (g) of this section, who has both voluntarily enrolled in and successfully completed an appropriate rehabilitation program, as determined by the commissioner, may apply for reinstatement of such person's commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, provided any such applicant shall not be eligible for reinstatement until such time as such person has served a minimum disqualification period of ten years. An application for reinstatement shall be accompanied by documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that such person has both voluntarily enrolled in and successfully completed a program established and operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services pursuant to chapter 319j, a program operated through a substance abuse treatment facility licensed in accordance with section 19a-491 or the equivalent of either program offered in another state. The commissioner shall not reinstate a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit that was disqualified for life unless an applicant for reinstatement requests an administrative hearing in accordance with chapter 54, and offers evidence that the reinstatement of such applicant's commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit does not endanger the public safety or welfare. Such evidence shall include, but not be limited to, proof that such applicant has not been convicted of any offense involving alcohol, a controlled substance or a drug during a period of ten years following the date of such applicant's most recent lifetime disqualification. If a person whose commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit is reinstated under this subsection is subsequently convicted of another disqualifying offense, such person shall be permanently disqualified for life and shall be ineligible to reapply for a reduction of the lifetime disqualification. The following shall remain on the driving history record of a commercial motor vehicle operator or commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit holder for a period of fifty-five years, as required by 49 CFR Part 384, as amended from time to time: (1) Any offense specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this section, provided such offense occurred on or after December 29, 2006; (2) each of two or more offenses specified in subsection (b) or (c) of this section that occur within ten years of each other and result in a lifetime disqualification, regardless of when such offenses occur; (3) any conviction under subsection (g) of this section for using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance, committed on or after January 1, 2005.
Sec. 19. Subsection (k) of section 14-44k of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(k) After taking disqualification action, or suspending, revoking or cancelling a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit, the commissioner shall update the commissioner's records to reflect such action within ten days. After taking disqualification action, or suspending, revoking or cancelling the operating privileges of a commercial motor vehicle operator or a commercial driver who is licensed or holds a commercial driver's instruction permit in another state, the commissioner shall notify the licensing state of such action within ten days. Such notification shall identify the violation that caused such disqualification, suspension, cancellation or revocation.
Sec. 20. Subsection (f) of section 14-49 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(f) For the registration of each electric motor vehicle, the commissioner shall charge a fee of [fifteen dollars for each year or part thereof. On and after July 1, 2011, the fee shall be nineteen dollars] thirty-eight dollars biennially.
Sec. 21. Subsection (a) of section 14-50 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of section 14-41, there shall be charged a fee of [sixty-five] seventy-two dollars for each renewal of a motor vehicle operator's license issued for a period of six years and an additional fee of twelve dollars for each year or part thereof for each passenger endorsement.
Sec. 22. Section 14-60 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) No dealer or repairer may rent or allow or cause to be rented, or operate or allow or cause to be operated for hire, or use or allow or cause to be used for the purpose of conveying passengers or merchandise or freight for hire, any motor vehicle registered under a general distinguishing number and mark. No dealer or repairer may loan a motor vehicle or number plate or both to any person except for (1) the purpose of demonstration of a motor vehicle owned by such dealer, [or] (2) when a motor vehicle owned by or lawfully in the custody of such person is undergoing repairs by such dealer or repairer, or (3) when such person has purchased a motor vehicle from such dealer, the registration of which [by him] is pending, and in any case for not more than thirty days in any year, provided such person shall furnish proof to the dealer or repairer that he has liability and property damage insurance which will cover any damage to any person or property caused by the operation of the loaned motor vehicle, motor vehicle on which the loaned number plate is displayed or both. Such person's insurance shall be the prime coverage. If the person to whom the dealer or repairer loaned the motor vehicle or the number plate did not, at the time of such loan, have in force any such liability and property damage insurance, such person and such dealer or repairer shall be jointly liable for any damage to any person or property caused by the operation of the loaned motor vehicle or a motor vehicle on which the loaned number plate is displayed. Each dealer or repairer shall keep a record of each loaned number plate showing the date loaned, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle on which such plate is displayed, the date returned and the name, address and operator's license number of the person operating any vehicle with such loaned number plate. Such dealer or repairer shall give a copy of this record to each person to whom such plate or vehicle and plate are loaned which shall be carried in the motor vehicle at all times when operated upon a public highway. This record shall be retained by the dealer or repairer for a period of six months from the date on which the number plate or motor vehicle or both were loaned and such record shall be available during business hours for examination by any police officer or inspector designated by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
(b) Any licensed dealer or repairer may operate or cause to be operated by a bona fide full-time employee [such] a motor vehicle owned by such dealer or repairer for (1) use in connection with [his] such dealer's or repairer's business, (2) the pickup and delivery of parts for such dealer and repairer, and (3) [his] such employee's personal use, or by a part-time employee for use only in connection with the business of such dealer or repairer. Each dealer or repairer shall maintain a record of the following: (A) Each number plate issued by the commissioner to such dealer or repairer, (B) the name, address and occupation of the bona fide full-time employee or part-time employee to whom such plate has been assigned, (C) the date of assignment of each such plate, and (D) the exact location of each unassigned plate. For the purposes of this subsection, "bona fide full-time employee" means a person who is employed by a licensed dealer or repairer for not less than thirty-five hours per week and appears on the records of such employer as an employee for whom social security, withholding tax and all deductions required by law have been made and "part-time employee" means a person who is employed by a licensed dealer or repairer for less than thirty-five hours per week and appears on the records of such employer as an employee for whom Social Security, withholding tax and all deductions required by law have been made.
Sec. 23. Section 14-62 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) Each sale shall be evidenced by an order properly signed by both the buyer and seller, a copy of which shall be furnished to the buyer when executed, and an invoice upon delivery of the motor vehicle, both of which shall contain the following information: (1) Make of vehicle; (2) year of model, whether sold as new or used, and on invoice the identification number; (3) deposit, and (A) if the deposit is not refundable, the words "No Refund of Deposit" shall appear at this point, and (B) if the deposit is conditionally refundable, the words "Conditional Refund of Deposit" shall appear at this point, followed by a statement giving the conditions for refund, and (C) if the deposit is unconditionally refundable, the words "Unconditional Refund" shall appear at this point; (4) cash selling price; (5) finance charges, and (A) if these charges do not include insurance, the words "No Insurance" shall appear at this point, and (B) if these charges include insurance, a statement shall appear at this point giving the exact type of coverage; (6) allowance on motor vehicle traded in, if any, and description of the same; (7) stamped or printed in a size equal to at least ten-point bold type on the face of both order and invoice one of the following forms: (A) "This motor vehicle not guaranteed", or (B) "This motor vehicle is guaranteed", followed by a statement as to the terms of such guarantee, which statement shall not apply to household furnishings of any trailer; (8) if the motor vehicle is new but has been subject to use by the seller or use in connection with his business as a dealer, the word "demonstrator" shall be clearly displayed on the face of both order and invoice; (9) any dealer conveyance fee or processing fee and a statement that such fee is not payable to the state of Connecticut printed in at least ten-point bold type on the face of both order and invoice. For the purposes of this subdivision, "dealer conveyance fee" or "processing fee" means a fee charged by a dealer to recover reasonable costs for processing all documentation and performing services related to the closing of a sale, including, but not limited to, the registration and transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle which is the subject of the sale.
(b) No dealer shall include in the selling price a dealer preparation charge for any item or service for which he is reimbursed by the manufacturer or any item or service not specifically ordered by the buyer and itemized on the invoice.
(c) Each dealer shall provide a written statement to the buyer or prominently display a sign in the area of his place of business in which sales are negotiated which shall specify the amount of any conveyance or processing fee charged by such dealer, the services performed by the dealer for such fee, that such fee is not payable to the state of Connecticut and that the buyer may elect, where appropriate, to submit the documentation required for the registration and transfer of ownership of the motor vehicle which is the subject of the sale to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, in which case the dealer shall reduce such fee by a proportional amount. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall determine the size, typeface and arrangement of such information.
(d) No dealer licensed under the provisions of section 14-52 shall sell any used motor vehicle without furnishing to the buyer, at the time of sale, a valid certificate of title, the assignment and warranty of title by such dealer or other evidence of title issued by another state or country, where applicable, disclosing the existence of any lien, security interest in or other encumbrance on the vehicle. Any dealer that violates this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
(e) No person, firm or corporation shall sell a motor vehicle at a public or private auction without furnishing to the buyer, at the time of sale, a valid certificate of title, the assignment and warranty of title by such person, firm or corporation, or other evidence of title issued by another state or country, where applicable, disclosing the existence of any lien, security interest in or other encumbrance on the vehicle.
(f) The provisions of subsection (d) of this section shall not apply to the sale of any used motor vehicle by a new car dealer to a person, firm or corporation which, pursuant to a lease contract option, purchases such vehicle at the end of the lease term provided (1) such vehicle is registered in this state in accordance with the provisions of section 14-12, (2) the certificate of title for such vehicle is in the possession of a lessor licensed under the provisions of section 14-15, as amended by this act, (3) subsequent to such sale, such vehicle is registered in the name of the prior lessee, and (4) such dealer obtains the certificate of title from such lessor and transmits all necessary documents and fees to the commissioner not later than five days following the issuance of a motor vehicle registration for such vehicle.
(g) Before offering any used motor vehicle for retail sale, the selling dealer shall complete a comprehensive safety inspection of such vehicle. Such safety inspection shall cover all applicable equipment and components contained in sections 14-80 to 14-106d, inclusive, and such inspection shall be evidenced on a form approved by the commissioner. The selling dealer shall attest to such form under the penalty of false statement, as prescribed in section 53a-157b, and shall state that the vehicle has undergone any necessary repairs and has been deemed to be in condition for legal operation on any highway of this state. In the event defects are found but not repaired, and the vehicle is not subject to any warranty under [subsection (a) of section 42-224] section 42-221, the selling dealer shall note all such defects on the form and may sell such vehicle in "as is" condition. Any vehicle sold in "as is" condition with one or more defects in the equipment or components shall have the retail purchase order, invoice, title and assignment documents prominently marked as "not in condition for legal operation on the highways" with an explanation of defects noted on such retail purchase order, invoice and safety inspection form. A dealer selling any vehicle pursuant to this subsection shall require a purchaser to acknowledge the vehicle condition by obtaining such purchaser's signature on the retail purchase order, invoice and safety inspection forms, copies of which shall be furnished to the buyer upon execution. No dealer shall charge any fee to a customer for the completion of such safety inspection or for any repairs required to remedy defects discovered during such safety inspection pursuant to this subsection, except that nothing herein shall (1) limit or otherwise regulate the retail sales price charged by a dealer for a vehicle that has been inspected or repaired prior to sale; or (2) negate or preempt any provisions of chapter 743f. This subsection shall not apply to fees for any inspection or any work performed under the terms of a lease buy back. Any dealer that fails to conduct the safety inspection required in this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
(h) No dealer licensed under section 14-52, as amended by this act, shall deliver or permit a retail purchaser to take possession or delivery of any used motor vehicle until such purchaser has paid in full for the vehicle or until financing offered by the dealer for such vehicle has been approved by the lending institution or other entity through which any financing agreement has been made. Any dealer that violates this subsection shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Sec. 24. Subsection (b) of section 14-63 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, establishing (1) a procedure whereby customers of dealers and repairers may file complaints with the Department of Motor Vehicles concerning the operations of and services provided by any such licensees, and (2) a procedure specifying the circumstances under which a licensee may stipulate to a complaint and waive such licensee's right to an administrative hearing. Such regulations shall provide for the commissioner to contact each licensee that is the subject of a complaint in order to notify such licensee of the complaint and to relate to such licensee the particular matters alleged by the complainant. [The commissioner shall] If the commissioner determines that the facts as alleged give rise to one or more violations of law related to the licensee's business, the commissioner may attempt to mediate a voluntary resolution of the complaint acceptable to the complainant and the licensee. Such regulations shall also provide that, if an acceptable resolution to the complaint is not achieved, the commissioner shall complete the commissioner's investigation of the facts and shall, if the commissioner has reason to believe that the licensee has violated any provision of section 14-64, proceed to take any action authorized under the provisions of section 14-64. If, after such an investigation, the commissioner elects not to take action against the licensee, the commissioner shall notify both the complainant and the licensee in writing. Such notice shall include a brief statement of the reasons why the commissioner has taken no action. The commissioner shall also inform the complainant and the licensee that an unresolved complaint exists and that, unless the commissioner has determined that the allegations, even if true, fail to state a violation of applicable statutory or regulatory standards, the same shall be recorded in the records of the department pertaining to such licensee until such time as the licensee submits to the commissioner satisfactory evidence, signed by the complainant or the complainant's attorney, that the claim has been resolved by agreement with the complainant or submits to the department satisfactory evidence of final adjudication in favor of such licensee. An agreement between the licensee and the complainant shall not preclude the commissioner from proceeding to take action if the commissioner has reason to believe that the licensee has violated any provision of section 14-64. A decision by the commissioner not to take action against the licensee shall be without prejudice to the claim of the customer; and neither the fact that the department has determined not to proceed nor the notice furnished to the parties, in accordance with this subsection, shall be admissible in any civil action.
Sec. 25. Subsection (f) of section 14-65 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(f) A violation of subsection (a) of this section shall be a class B misdemeanor. Each person, firm or corporation that conducts an auction sale in accordance with any of the provisions of this section shall be subject to the provisions of sections 14-149 and 14-149a and to the penalties provided for violations of said sections. Each such person, firm or corporation that sells any motor vehicle with an odometer reading that has been turned back or changed on the most recent assignment of ownership prior to the auction sale shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 14-106b. The commissioner may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, impose a civil penalty of two thousand dollars on any licensee who violates subsection (b) of this section or any regulation adopted pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.
Sec. 26. Section 14-66 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) (1) No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of operating a wrecker for the purpose of towing or transporting motor vehicles, including motor vehicles which are disabled, inoperative or wrecked or are being removed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145, as amended by this act, 14-150, as amended by this act, or 14-307, unless such person, firm or corporation is a motor vehicle dealer or repairer licensed under the provisions of subpart (D) of this part. (2) The commissioner shall establish and publish a schedule of uniform rates and charges for the nonconsensual towing and transporting of motor vehicles and for the storage of motor vehicles which shall be just and reasonable. Upon petition of any person, firm or corporation licensed in accordance with the provisions of this section, but not more frequently than once every two years, the commissioner shall reconsider the established rates and charges and shall amend such rates and charges if the commissioner, after consideration of the factors stated in this subdivision, determines that such rates and charges are no longer just and reasonable. In establishing and amending such rates and charges, the commissioner may consider factors, including, but not limited to, the Consumer Price Index, rates set by other jurisdictions, charges for towing and transporting services provided pursuant to a contract with an automobile club or automobile association licensed under the provisions of section 14-67 and rates published in standard service manuals. The commissioner shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining additional information concerning such rates and charges. (3) With respect to the nonconsensual towing or transporting and the storage of motor vehicles, no such person, firm or corporation shall charge more than the rates and charges published by the commissioner. Any person aggrieved by any action of the commissioner under the provisions of this section may take an appeal therefrom in accordance with section 4-183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the judicial district of New Britain.
(b) The commissioner, or an inspector authorized by the commissioner, shall examine each wrecker, including its number, equipment and identification, and shall determine the mechanical condition of such wrecker and whether or not it is properly equipped to do the work intended. A wrecker shall be deemed properly equipped if there are two flashing yellow lights installed and mounted on such wrecker that (1) show in all directions at all times, and (2) indicate the full width of such wrecker. Such lights shall be mounted not less than eight feet above the road surface and as close to the back of the cab of such wrecker as practicable. Such lights shall be in operation when such wrecker is towing a vehicle and when such wrecker is at the scene of an accident or the location of a disabled motor vehicle. In addition, each wrecker shall be equipped with a spot light mounted so that its beam of light is directed toward the hoisting equipment in the rear of such wrecker. The hoisting equipment of each wrecker shall be of sufficient capacity to perform the service intended and shall be securely mounted to the frame of such vehicle. A fire extinguisher shall be carried at all times on each wrecker which shall be in proper working condition, mounted in a permanent bracket on each wrecker and have a minimum rating of eight bc. A set of three flares in operating condition shall be carried at all times on each wrecker and shall be used between the periods of one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise when the wrecker is parked on a highway while making emergency repairs or preparing to pick up a disabled vehicle to remove it from a highway or adjoining property. No registrant or operator of any wrecker shall offer to give any gratuities or inducements of any kind to any police officer or other person in order to obtain towing business or recommendations for towing or storage of, or estimating repairs to, disabled vehicles. No licensee shall require the owner to sign a contract for the repair of such owner's damaged vehicle as part of the towing consideration or to sign an order for the repair of, or authorization for estimate until the tow job has been completed. No licensee shall tow a vehicle in such a negligent manner as to cause further damage to the vehicle being towed.
(c) Each wrecker used for towing or transporting motor vehicles shall be registered as a wrecker by the commissioner for a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars. Each such registration shall be renewed biennially according to renewal schedules established by the commissioner so as to effect staggered renewal of all such registrations. If the adoption of a staggered system results in the expiration of any registration more or less than two years from its issuance, the commissioner may charge a prorated amount for such registration fee.
(d) An owner of a wrecker may apply to the commissioner for a general distinguishing number and number plate for the purpose of displaying such number plate on a motor vehicle temporarily in the custody of such owner and being towed or transported by such owner. The commissioner shall issue such number and number plate to an owner of a wrecker (1) who has complied with the requirements of this section, and (2) whose wrecker is equipped in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. The commissioner shall charge a fee to cover the cost of issuance and renewal of such number plates.
(e) With respect to the nonconsensual towing or transporting of a motor vehicle, no licensee may tow or transport a vehicle to the premises of any person, firm or corporation engaged in the storage of vehicles for compensation unless such person, firm or corporation adheres to the storage charges published by the commissioner.
(f) The provisions of this section shall not apply to [: (1) Any] any person, firm, [or] corporation [licensed as a motor vehicle dealer under the provisions of subpart (D) of this part, towing] or association: (1) Towing or transporting a motor vehicle, [for salvage purposes,] provided such person, firm, [or] corporation or association is licensed as a motor vehicle dealer pursuant to the provisions of subpart (D) of this part and does not offer direct towing or [wrecker service] transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; (2) [any person, firm or corporation] operating as an automobile club or automobile association licensed under section 14-67; (3) [any person, firm or corporation] operating as a motor vehicle recycler licensed under section 14-67l or any contractor of such recycler, provided such recycler or its contractor does not offer towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; (4) [any person, firm or corporation engaged] engaging in the business of repossession of motor vehicles for lending institutions, provided it does not offer direct towing or transporting unless licensed as a motor vehicle dealer under the provisions of subpart (D) of this part; [or] (5) [any person, firm or corporation] towing motor vehicles owned or leased by such person, firm, association or corporation; (6) towing or transporting motor vehicles for hire, with the appropriate operating authority, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, as amended from time to time, provided such person, firm, corporation or association does not offer towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting; or (7) towing motor vehicles to or from an auction conducted by a dealer licensed pursuant to the provisions of subpart (D) of this part, provided such person, firm, corporation or association does not offer direct towing or transporting to the public or engage in nonconsensual towing or transporting.
(g) For the purposes of this section, "nonconsensual towing or transporting" means the towing or transporting of a motor vehicle in accordance with the provisions of section 14-145, as amended by this act, or for which arrangements are made by order of a law enforcement officer or traffic authority, as defined in section 14-297.
(h) Any person, firm, corporation or association that violates the provisions of this section shall, for a first offense, be deemed to have committed an infraction and for a second or subsequent offense, shall be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.
Sec. 27. Section 14-69 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) No person shall engage in the business of conducting a drivers' school without being licensed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. An application for a license shall be in writing and shall contain such information as the commissioner requires. Each applicant for a license shall be fingerprinted before such application is approved. The commissioner shall subject each applicant for a license to state and national criminal history records checks conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, and a check of the state child abuse and neglect registry established pursuant to section 17a-101k. If any such applicant has a criminal record or is listed on the state child abuse and neglect registry, the commissioner shall make a determination of whether to issue a license to conduct a drivers' school in accordance with the standards and procedures set forth in section 14-44 and the regulations adopted pursuant to said section. If the application is approved, the applicant shall be granted a license upon the payment of a fee of seven hundred dollars and a deposit with the commissioner of cash or a bond of a surety company authorized to do business in this state, conditioned on the faithful performance by the applicant of any contract to furnish instruction, in either case in such amount as the commissioner may require, such cash or bond to be held by the commissioner to satisfy any execution issued against such school in a cause arising out of failure of such school to perform such contract. For each additional place of business of such school, the commissioner shall charge a fee of one hundred seventy-six dollars, except if the licensee opens an additional place of business with one year or less remaining on the term of its license, the commissioner shall charge a fee of eighty-eight dollars for each such additional place of business for the year or any part thereof remaining on the term of such license. No license shall be required in the case of any board of education, or any public, private or parochial school, which conducts a course in driver education established in accordance with sections 14-36e and 14-36f. A license so issued shall be valid for two years. The commissioner shall issue a license certificate or certificates to each licensee, one of which shall be displayed in each place of business of the licensee. In case of the loss, mutilation or destruction of a certificate, the commissioner shall issue a duplicate upon proof of the facts and the payment of a fee of twenty dollars.
(b) The biennial fee for the renewal of a license shall be seven hundred dollars and the biennial renewal fee for each additional place of business shall be one hundred seventy-six dollars, except if the licensee opens an additional place of business with one year or less remaining on the term of its license, the commissioner shall charge a fee of eighty-eight dollars for each such additional place of business for the year or any part thereof remaining on the term of such license. If the commissioner has not received a complete renewal application and all applicable renewal fees on or before the expiration date of an applicant's license, the commissioner shall charge such applicant, in addition to such renewal fees, a late fee of seven hundred dollars.
(c) Any person who engages in the business of conducting a drivers' school without being licensed in accordance with this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
Sec. 28. Subsection (d) of section 14-73 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(d) The commissioner shall conduct such written, oral and practical examinations as he deems necessary to determine whether an applicant has sufficient skill in the operation of motor vehicles to ensure their safe operation, a satisfactory knowledge of the motor vehicle laws and the ability to impart such skill and knowledge to others. If the applicant successfully completes the examinations and meets all other requirements of this section, the commissioner shall issue an instructor's license to such applicant. The license shall be valid for use only in connection with [the business of the] a drivers' school or schools [listed on the license] licensed pursuant to section 14-69, as amended by this act. If the applicant fails the examination, such applicant may apply for reexamination after [one month] five days. The license and the license renewal shall be valid for two years.
Sec. 29. Subsection (b) of section 14-145 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(b) When such motor vehicle is towed or otherwise removed by a wrecker licensed under section 14-66, as amended by this act, the licensee or operator of the wrecker shall notify the local police department of the tow or removal within two hours. Such notification shall be submitted in writing or transmitted by facsimile or electronic mail and the record of such notification shall be retained by such licensee in accordance with the provisions of section 14-66b. No such licensee or operator may charge a storage fee for such motor vehicle for the time it is stored prior to such notification. If the motor vehicle is not claimed by its owner within the time periods specified in subsection (e) of section 14-150, as amended by this act, the licensee or operator of the wrecker or of the garage where such motor vehicle is stored may dispose of it in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of section 14-150, as amended by this act.
Sec. 30. Section 14-163c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, which incorporate by reference the standards set forth in 49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, inclusive, as amended. Such regulations, adopted by reference to the provisions of 49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, inclusive, as amended, may be made applicable to any motor vehicle or motor carrier, as defined in 49 CFR Part 390, which (1) is in intrastate commerce and has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of eighteen thousand one or more pounds; or (2) is in interstate commerce and has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of ten thousand one or more pounds; or (3) (A) is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver, for compensation, [except a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212,] or (B) is designed or used to transport more than fifteen passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or (4) is used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 USC App. 1801 to 1813, inclusive, unless exempted under the provisions of the code or the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
(b) The provisions relative to maximum hours of service for drivers as set forth in 49 CFR Part 395, and as adopted by reference in regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall not apply to any driver of a utility service vehicle, as defined in 49 CFR Section 395. 2, as amended.
(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may grant variations or exemptions from, or approve equivalent or alternate compliance with, particular provisions of 49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, inclusive, as amended, when strict compliance with such provisions would entail practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship or would be otherwise adjudged unwarranted, provided any such variation, exemption, approved equivalent or alternate compliance shall, in the opinion of the commissioner, secure the public safety.
(d) Any state or municipal police officer or motor vehicle inspector may (1) inspect any motor vehicle specified in subsection (a) of this section in operation and examine its operator to determine compliance with the provisions of 49 CFR Parts 100 to 199, inclusive, as amended, and 49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, inclusive, as amended, (2) enter upon the premises of any motor carrier, as defined in 49 CFR Section 390. 5, as amended, for the purpose of inspecting and copying records maintained by such motor carrier, (3) conduct a safety rating procedure, safety audit or compliance review, in accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR Part 385, as amended, for any motor carrier that owns or operates any motor vehicle identified in subsection (a) of this section and, subject to notice and opportunity for hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, order any motor carrier with an unsatisfactory safety rating to cease operations until such time as it achieves a satisfactory rating, (4) declare a motor vehicle or its operator out of service, [as provided in 49 CFR Section 395. 13 and Section 396. 9, as amended,] or (5) issue an infractions complaint under the provisions of this section, provided such officer or inspector meets the standards established by the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in regulations adopted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
(e) (1) Any person who violates the provisions of this section or any regulations adopted under this section shall, for a first violation, have committed an infraction. (2) The commissioner may impose a civil penalty on any person for a second or subsequent violation of the provisions of this section or any regulations adopted under this section if the acts or conduct on which the conviction is based arise out of the operation of a motor vehicle in intrastate commerce and would, if such acts or conduct had occurred with respect to operation of a motor vehicle in interstate commerce, have subjected such person to a civil penalty under the provisions of 49 CFR Parts 382 to 397, inclusive, as amended. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to specify the amount of such civil penalty provided such amount shall be not less than one thousand dollars nor more than ten thousand dollars. Any person notified of the assessment of a civil penalty under the provisions of this subsection shall be entitled to an opportunity for an administrative hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. If any person fails to comply with the terms of a final decision and order of the commissioner made pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner may suspend any motor vehicle registration issued to such person or such person's privilege to register any motor vehicle in this state, or prohibit the operation of any motor vehicle owned or operated by such person, until such person complies with the terms of such final decision and order. As used in this section, "person" includes any motor carrier, as defined in 49 CFR Section 390. 5, as amended.
Sec. 31. Section 14-188 of the general statutes is amended by adding subsection (e) as follows (Effective July 1, 2013):
(NEW) (e) Any security interest in a vehicle that was originally perfected by a financial institution or other institution that (1) is no longer in existence, and (2) did not execute a release of such security interest, in accordance with subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of this section, shall be deemed to be dissolved not earlier than ten years after such security interest was perfected if the debtor's records cannot be located by any successor institution to such financial or other institution.
Sec. 32. Subsection (h) of section 14-267a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(h) Whenever signs are displayed on a public highway, indicating that a scale is in operation and directing the driver of a [commercial vehicle] motor vehicle described in subsection (a) of section 14-163c, as amended by this act, to stop at the weighing area, the driver shall stop and, in accordance with the directions of any state police officer, [Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection employee designated by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection,] local police officer, Department of Motor Vehicles inspector, or Department of [Transportation] Motor Vehicles employee designated by the Commissioner of [Transportation] Motor Vehicles, allow the vehicle to be weighed or inspected.
Sec. 33. Section 14-267c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
The owner of a commercial motor vehicle that is equipped with an auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit shall, subject to the conditions described in this section, be granted a weight tolerance exemption from the gross, total axle, total tandem or bridge formula weight limits established by section 14-267a, as amended by this act. Such weight tolerance exemption shall authorize the operation of such commercial motor vehicle with additional weight equal to the actual weight of the auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit, but not exceeding [four] five hundred fifty pounds. Such exemption may be granted by any official or law enforcement officer authorized to enforce the provisions of said section 14-267a, as amended by this act. To qualify for a weight tolerance exemption, an owner may be required to produce a written certification of the weight of such unit, and to show, by means of a written certification or physical demonstration, that the unit is fully functional at all times. As used in this section, "auxiliary power or idle reduction technology unit" means an integrated system, other than the vehicle's engine, that provides heat, air conditioning, engine warming, electric components or power to do the work for which the vehicle is designed.
Sec. 34. Subsection (e) of section 14-286 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(e) As used in this section: (1) "Sidewalk" means any sidewalk laid out as such by any town, city or borough, and any walk which is reserved by custom for the use of pedestrians, or which has been specially prepared for their use. "Sidewalk" does not include crosswalks and does not include footpaths on portions of public highways outside thickly settled parts of towns, cities and boroughs, which are worn only by travel and are not improved by such towns, cities or boroughs or by abutters; (2) "bicycle" includes all vehicles propelled by the person riding the same by foot or hand power; and (3) "motor-driven cycle" means any motorcycle, motor scooter or bicycle with an attached motor with a seat height of not less than twenty-six inches and a motor [that produces five brake horsepower or less] having a capacity of less than fifty cubic centimeters piston displacement.
Sec. 35. Subsection (c) of section 14-286b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(c) No person riding upon any bicycle, motor-driven cycle, roller skates, skis, sled, skateboard, coaster, [or] toy vehicle or any other vehicle not designed or intended to be towed shall attach the same or [himself] such person to any vehicle moving or about to move on a public roadway nor shall the operator of such vehicle knowingly permit any person riding a bicycle, motor-driven cycle, roller skates, skis, skateboard, coaster, sled, [or] toy vehicle or any other vehicle not designed or intended to be towed to attach the same or [himself] such person to such vehicle so operated or about to be operated, provided any person operating a bicycle solely by foot or hand power may attach a bicycle trailer or semitrailer thereto, provided such trailer or semitrailer is designed for such attachment.
Sec. 36. Section 14-289d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall issue regulations, in accordance with nationally accepted standards, concerning specifications for vision-protecting devices, including but not limited to goggles, glasses, face shields, windshields and wind screens for use by operators of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles.
(b) Failure to wear either goggles, glasses or a face shield of a type which conforms to the minimum specifications as called for by such regulations shall be an infraction. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to operators of motorcycles and motor-driven cycles equipped with a wind screen or windshield which conforms to the minimum specifications called for by such regulations.
Sec. 37. Section 14-296aa of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) "Mobile telephone" means a cellular, analog, wireless or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone communications without an access line for service.
(2) "Using" or "use" means holding a hand-held mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of, the user's ear.
(3) "Hand-held mobile telephone" means a mobile telephone with which a user engages in a call using at least one hand.
(4) "Hands-free accessory" means an attachment, add-on, built-in feature, or addition to a mobile telephone, whether or not permanently installed in a motor vehicle, that, when used, allows the vehicle operator to maintain both hands on the steering wheel.
(5) "Hands-free mobile telephone" means a hand-held mobile telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such hand-held mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a call without the use of either hand, whether or not the use of either hand is necessary to activate, deactivate or initiate a function of such telephone.
(6) "Engage in a call" means talking into or listening on a hand-held mobile telephone, but does not include holding a hand-held mobile telephone to activate, deactivate or initiate a function of such telephone.
(7) "Immediate proximity" means the distance that permits the operator of a hand-held mobile telephone to hear telecommunications transmitted over such hand-held mobile telephone, but does not require physical contact with such operator's ear.
(8) "Mobile electronic device" means any hand-held or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more persons, including a text messaging device, a paging device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, equipment that is capable of playing a video game or a digital video disk, or equipment on which digital photographs are taken or transmitted, or any combination thereof, but does not include any audio equipment or any equipment installed in a motor vehicle for the purpose of providing navigation, emergency assistance to the operator of such motor vehicle or video entertainment to the passengers in the rear seats of such motor vehicle.
(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and subsections (c) and (d) of this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a highway, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, while using a hand-held mobile telephone to engage in a call or while using a mobile electronic device while such vehicle is in motion. An operator of a motor vehicle who types, sends or reads a text message with a hand-held mobile telephone or mobile electronic device while such vehicle is in motion shall be in violation of this section, except that if such operator is driving a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, such operator shall be charged with a violation of subsection (e) of this section.
(2) An operator of a motor vehicle who holds a hand-held mobile telephone to, or in the immediate proximity of, his or her ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call within the meaning of this section. The presumption established by this subdivision is rebuttable by evidence tending to show that the operator was not engaged in a call.
(3) The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed as authorizing the seizure or forfeiture of a hand-held mobile telephone or a mobile electronic device, unless otherwise provided by law.
(4) Subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not apply to: (A) The use of a hand-held mobile telephone for the sole purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: An emergency response operator; a hospital, physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance company; a fire department; or a police department, or (B) any of the following persons while in the performance of their official duties and within the scope of their employment: A peace officer, as defined in subdivision (9) of section 53a-3, a firefighter or an operator of an ambulance or authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, or a member of the armed forces of the United States, as defined in section 27-103, while operating a military vehicle, or (C) the use of a hand-held radio by a person with an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or (D) the use of a hands-free mobile telephone.
(c) No person shall use a hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device, including those with hands-free accessories, or a mobile electronic device while operating a moving school bus that is carrying passengers, except that this subsection shall not apply to (1) a school bus driver who places an emergency call to school officials, or (2) the use of a hand-held mobile telephone as provided in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of this section.
(d) No person under eighteen years of age shall use any hand-held mobile telephone, including one with a hands-free accessory, or a mobile electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a public highway, except as provided in subparagraph (A) of subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of this section.
(e) No person shall use a hand-held mobile telephone or other electronic device or type, read or send text or a text message with or from a mobile telephone or mobile electronic device while operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, except for the purpose of communicating with any of the following regarding an emergency situation: An emergency response operator; a hospital; physician's office or health clinic; an ambulance company; a fire department or a police department.
(f) Except as provided in subsections (b) to (e), inclusive, of this section, no person shall engage in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that interferes with the safe operation of such vehicle on any highway, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act.
(g) Any law enforcement officer who issues a summons for a violation of this section shall record on such summons the specific nature of any distracted driving behavior observed by such officer.
(h) Any person who violates this section shall be fined one hundred [twenty-five] fifty dollars for a first violation, [two hundred fifty] three hundred dollars for a second violation and [four] five hundred dollars for a third or subsequent violation.
(i) An operator of a motor vehicle who commits a moving violation, as defined in subsection (a) of section 14-111g, while engaged in any activity prohibited by this section shall be fined in accordance with subsection (h) of this section, in addition to any penalty or fine imposed for the moving violation.
(j) The state shall remit to a municipality twenty-five per cent of the fine amount received for a violation of this section with respect to each summons issued by such municipality. Each clerk of the Superior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, shall, on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each year, certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter under this subsection to each municipality served by the office of the clerk or official.
(k) A record of any violation of this section shall appear on the driving history record or motor vehicle record, as defined in section 14-10, of any person who commits such violation, and the record of such violation shall be available to any motor vehicle insurer in accordance with the provisions of section 14-10.
Sec. 38. Section 14-381 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
Any owner required to register a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall apply to the commissioner and shall file evidence of ownership by affidavit or document. Upon receipt of an application in proper form and the registration fee, the commissioner shall assign an identification number and provide the owner with a certificate of registration and registration plate. The registration plate, which shall be affixed by the owner, shall be displayed on the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle at a place and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. In addition to such registration plate, each snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle so registered shall display its registration number on each side of its front section, midway between the top and bottom of said front section, in letters or numbers at least three inches in height and made of a reflective material. The certificate of registration shall be carried on such snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle and shall be available for inspection whenever such snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle is being operated. The owner shall pay a fee of twenty dollars for each snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle so registered. Each such certificate of registration shall expire [biennially on the last day of March] two years after the date such certificate of registration was issued.
Sec. 39. Subsection (b) of section 38a-364 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(b) Each insurance company that issues private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance providing the security required by sections 38a-19 and 38a-363 to 38a-388, inclusive, shall issue annually to each such insured an automobile insurance identification card, in duplicate, for each insured vehicle, one of which shall be presented to the commissioner as provided in section 14-12b, as amended by this act, and the other carried in the vehicle as provided in section 14-13. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, such card shall be effective for a period of one year and shall include the name of the insured and insurer, the policy number, the effective date of coverage, the year, make or model and vehicle identification number of the insured vehicle, the company code number assigned to the insurer by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and an appropriate space wherein the insured may set forth the year, make or model and vehicle identification number of any private passenger motor vehicle that becomes covered as a result of a change in the covered vehicle during the effective period of the identification card. When an insured has five or more private passenger motor vehicles registered in this state, the insurer may use the designation "all owned vehicles" on each card in lieu of a specific vehicle description. Each insurance company that delivers, issues for delivery or renews such private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance in this state shall include on such card, the following notice, printed in capital letters and boldface type:
NOTICE:
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE LICENSED REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DAMAGE TO YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED.
Sec. 40. Subsection (c) of section 38a-364 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(c) Whenever a binder for such insurance is issued by an agent, the agent shall also issue a temporary identification card, in duplicate, for each covered vehicle effective for a period of sixty days from the date on which the binder becomes effective. Such temporary cards shall include the name of the insured and insurer, the company code number assigned to the insurer by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the printed name and signature of the agent or authorized representative, the effective date of the binder, the policy number or, if such number is not available, the agent's code number and the year, make or model and vehicle identification number of the insured vehicle.
Sec. 41. Subsection (a) of section 38a-683 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(a) The premium charges for a private passenger nonfleet automobile under an automobile liability or physical damage insurance policy for any principal operator who has attained the age of sixty years and has submitted proof of successful completion of [a four-hour] an accident prevention course of not less than four hours approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall be appropriately modified to reflect such operator's reduced exposure to loss. Such course shall be completed within one year prior to the initial application of the discount or, for subsequent applications of the discount, within one year of the expiration of the current discount period. If proof of successful completion of such course is submitted during the term of a policy, any premium modification shall become effective upon the next renewal. A minimum discount of five per cent shall be applicable to premium charges for such automobile for policies effective on and after July 1, 1983. The discount shall apply to the premium charges for the automobile for at least twenty-four months. This section shall not apply to any group automobile insurance policy issued pursuant to section 38a-803 under which premiums are broadly averaged for the group rather than determined individually.
Sec. 42. Subsection (c) of section 54-33a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(c) A warrant may issue only on affidavit sworn to by the complainant or complainants before the judge or judge trial referee and establishing the grounds for issuing the warrant, which affidavit shall be part of the arrest file. If the judge or judge trial referee is satisfied that grounds for the application exist or that there is probable cause to believe that they exist, the judge or judge trial referee shall issue a warrant identifying the property and naming or describing the person, place or thing to be searched. The warrant shall be directed to any police officer of a regularly organized police department or any state police officer, to an inspector in the Division of Criminal Justice, [or] to a conservation officer, special conservation officer or patrolman acting pursuant to section 26-6 or to a sworn motor vehicle inspector acting under the authority of section 14-8. The warrant shall state the date and time of its issuance and the grounds or probable cause for its issuance and shall command the officer to search within a reasonable time the person, place or thing named, for the property specified. The inadvertent failure of the issuing judge or judge trial referee to state on the warrant the time of its issuance shall not in and of itself invalidate the warrant.
Sec. 43. Subsection (c) of section 54-56e of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2014):
(c) This section shall not be applicable: (1) To any person charged with a class A felony, a class B felony, except a violation of section 53a-122 that does not involve the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person, or a violation of section 14-227a, as amended by this act, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 53-21, section 53a-56b, 53a-60d, 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b, 53a-90a, 53a-196e or 53a-196f, (2) to any person charged with a crime or motor vehicle violation who, as a result of the commission of such crime or motor vehicle violation, causes the death of another person, (3) to any person accused of a family violence crime as defined in section 46b-38a who (A) is eligible for the pretrial family violence education program established under section 46b-38c, or (B) has previously had the pretrial family violence education program invoked in such person's behalf, (4) to any person charged with a violation of section 21a-267 or 21a-279 who (A) is eligible for the pretrial drug education program established under section 54-56i, or (B) has previously had the pretrial drug education program invoked in such person's behalf, (5) unless good cause is shown, to any person charged with a class C felony, [or] (6) to any person charged with a violation of section 9-359 or 9-359a, or (7) to any person charged with a motor vehicle violation (A) while operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, or (B) who holds a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit at the time of the violation.
Sec. 44. Subsection (h) of section 54-56g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective January 1, 2014):
(h) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable in the case of any person charged with a violation of section 14-227a, as amended by this act, (1) while operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in section 14-1, as amended by this act, or (2) who holds a commercial driver's license or commercial driver's instruction permit at the time of the violation.
Sec. 45. Section 14-65f of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) (1) Prior to performing any repair work on a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle repair shop shall obtain a written authorization to perform the work, on an invoice signed by the customer, that includes an estimate in writing of the maximum cost to the customer of the parts and labor necessary for the specific job authorized. A repair shop shall not charge for work done or parts supplied without a written authorization or in excess of the estimate unless the customer gives consent orally or in writing.
(2) In addition to, or as part of, the written authorization set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, a motor vehicle repair shop shall obtain a written acknowledgment that the customer is aware of his or her right to choose the licensed repair shop where the motor vehicle will be repaired. Such acknowledgment shall read as follows: "I am aware of my right to choose the licensed repair shop where the damage to the motor vehicle will be repaired. " A repair shop shall not repair a motor vehicle without such acknowledgment, which may be transmitted by facsimile or by electronic mail.
(b) If the repair shop is unable to estimate the cost of repair because the specific repairs to be performed are not known at the time the vehicle is delivered to the repair shop, the written authorization required by this section need not include an estimate of the maximum cost of parts and labor. In such a case, prior to commencing any repairs, the repair shop shall notify the customer of the work to be performed and the estimated maximum cost to the customer of the necessary parts and labor, obtain the customer's written or oral authorization and record such information on the invoice.
(c) If, during the course of performing repair work, the repair shop discovers that repairs other than those authorized are needed or that the cost of authorized repairs will exceed the estimate, the repair shop shall not proceed with the repairs without first obtaining the customer's additional written or oral consent and recording such information on the invoice.
(d) No repair shop shall have a claim against a motor vehicle for repairs, other than for repairs actually performed and authorized, in an amount greater than that authorized by the customer under the provisions of sections 14-65e to 14-65j, inclusive, as amended by this act.
(e) If a motor vehicle is delivered to a repair shop at a time when the shop is not open for business, the authorization to repair the vehicle and the estimate of the cost of parts and labor may be given orally but shall be recorded on the invoice.
(f) Unless requested by a customer, the requirement for a repair shop to furnish an advance written estimate shall not apply to repair work for which the total cost for parts and labor is less than fifty dollars.
(g) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 46. Section 14-65g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) A customer may waive his right to the estimate of the costs of parts and labor required by section 14-65f, as amended by this act, only in writing in accordance with this section. Such a waiver shall include an authorization to perform reasonable and necessary repairs to remedy the problems complained of, at a cost not to exceed a fixed dollar amount. The waiver shall be signed by the customer and the customer shall be given a fully completed copy of the waiver at the time it is signed. No repair shop shall use waivers to evade its duties under sections 14-65e to 14-65j, inclusive, as amended by this act, and section 14-65l.
(b) Every waiver shall be substantially in the following form:
WAIVER OF ADVANCE ESTIMATE
I voluntarily request that repairs be performed on my vehicle without an advance estimate of their cost. By signing this form, I authorize reasonable and necessary costs to remedy the problems complained of up to a maximum of $ . . . . . The repair shop may not exceed this amount without my written or oral consent.
Identification of Vehicle . . . .
Date . . . .
Time . . . .
. . . .
Customer's Signature
(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall determine the size, type face and arrangement of the waiver form, consistent with subsection (b) of this section.
(d) Each repair shop shall maintain a written record of oral consents and authorizations, which may be recorded on the invoice.
(e) Prior to performing any repairs on a customer's vehicle, a repair shop shall record on the invoice in writing the following information: (1) The name and address of the customer and the telephone number at which the customer may be reached during normal working hours; (2) the date and approximate time the customer's vehicle was delivered to the repair shop; (3) the year, make and registration number of the customer's vehicle; (4) the odometer reading on the customer's vehicle; and (5) the specific repairs requested by the customer. If the customer has not requested specific repairs, the shop shall record a brief description of the nature of the problem that requires repair.
(f) Any repair shop that charges for an estimate or diagnosis shall inform the customer of the amount of such charge before making the estimate or diagnosis and shall obtain the customer's consent, which consent shall be written if requested by the customer or if such charge is fifty dollars or more.
(g) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 47. Section 14-65h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) All work done by a motor vehicle repair shop, including sublet repair work or repair work under warranty, shall be recorded on an invoice which shall specify the name and address of the repair shop, describe all service work done and parts supplied and state the cost of such service work and parts supplied, separately itemized. If any used parts are supplied, the invoice shall clearly state that fact. If any component system installed is composed of new and used parts, such invoice shall clearly state that fact. One copy of the invoice shall be given to the customer and one copy shall be retained by the motor vehicle repair shop. Any warranty made by a repair shop with respect to any repair work performed shall be stated in writing. If such written warranty does not include the cost of both parts and labor, it shall specifically state which is excluded from the scope of such warranty.
(b) The motor vehicle repair shop shall make available to the customer, if requested by the customer at the time written or oral authorization is provided for work to be performed, all replaced parts, components or equipment. If the repair shop is required to return such parts, components or equipment to the manufacturer or other person under any warranty or rebuilding arrangement, the repair shop shall make them available to the customer for inspection only.
(c) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 48. Section 14-65i of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) Each motor vehicle repair shop shall prominently display a sign twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches in each area of its premises where work orders are placed by customers. The sign, which shall be in boldface type, shall read as follows:
THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS LICENSED WITH THE
STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
EACH CUSTOMER IS ENTITLED TO. . .
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1. A WRITTEN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR WORK.
2. A DETAILED INVOICE OF WORK DONE AND PARTS SUPPLIED.
3. RETURN OF REPLACED PARTS, PROVIDED THE REQUEST IS MADE AT THE TIME WRITTEN OR ORAL AUTHORIZATION IS PROVIDED FOR WORK TO BE PERFORMED.
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NO REPAIR WORK MAY BE UNDERTAKEN ON A VEHICLE WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE CUSTOMER.
NO CHARGES FOR REPAIR MAY BE MADE IN EXCESS OF THE WRITTEN ESTIMATE WITHOUT THE WRITTEN OR ORAL CONSENT OF THE CUSTOMER.
──────────────────────────────────────────
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE ABOVE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MANAGER OF THIS REPAIR FACILITY.
UNRESOLVED QUESTIONS REGARDING SERVICE WORK MAY BE SUBMITTED TO:
──────────────────────────────────────────
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
DEALER REPAIR DIVISION
60 STATE STREET, WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT
TELEPHONE:
HOURS OF OPERATION:
(b) Each motor vehicle repair shop shall post a sign, as required by this subsection, in each area of its premises where work orders are placed by customers. The sign shall state: (1) The hourly charge for labor; (2) the conditions, if any, under which the shop may impose charges for storage, and the amount of any such charges; and (3) the charge, if any, for a diagnosis.
(c) Each motor vehicle repair shop shall prominently display a sign in each area of its premises where work orders are placed by customers. The sign, which shall be in boldface type, shall read as follows:
NOTICE:
THE CUSTOMER HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE LICENSED REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DAMAGE TO HIS OR HER MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED.
(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall determine the size, type face and form of the signs required by this section.
(e) Violation of any provision of this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 49. Section 14-65j of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(a) No repair shop shall make any statement to a customer which it knows or should know to be false or misleading. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements as to the necessity of repairs, the condition of the customer's vehicle, and whether particular repairs have been performed by the shop.
(b) No repair shop shall charge a customer for repairs which have not been performed.
(c) A repair shop shall complete repairs on a motor vehicle on the same business day the vehicle is delivered to the repair shop by the customer, unless: (1) The customer is informed at the time the vehicle is delivered that repairs will not be completed on the day of delivery; (2) the customer consents to a later date of completion; or (3) as soon as it learns that repairs will not be completed on the day of delivery, the repair shop makes reasonable efforts to notify the customer and obtain consent but is unable to contact the customer. Such efforts shall be included in the record required by subsection (d) of section 14-65g, as amended by this act.
(d) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of sections 14-65e to 14-65j, inclusive, as amended by this act.
(e) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be a class B misdemeanor.
Sec. 50. Subsection (b) of section 14-36 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(b) (1) A person eighteen years of age or older who does not hold a motor vehicle operator's license may not operate a motor vehicle on the public highways of the state for the purpose of instruction until such person has applied for and obtained an adult instruction permit from the commissioner. Such person shall not be eligible for an adult instruction permit if such person has had a motor vehicle operator's license or privilege suspended or revoked. An adult instruction permit shall entitle the holder, while such holder has the permit in his or her immediate possession, to operate a motor vehicle on the public highways, provided such holder is under the instruction of, and accompanied by, a person who holds an instructor's license issued under the provisions of section 14-73, as amended by this act, or a person twenty years of age or older who has been licensed to operate, for at least four years preceding the instruction, a motor vehicle of the same class as the motor vehicle being operated and who has not had his or her motor vehicle operator's license suspended by the commissioner during the four-year period preceding the instruction. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall not issue a motor vehicle operator's license to any person holding an adult instruction permit who has held such permit for less than ninety days unless such person (A) is a member of the armed forces on active duty outside the state, or (B) has previously held a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license. (2) A person holding a valid out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license may operate a motor vehicle for a period of thirty days following such person's establishment of residence in Connecticut, if the motor vehicle is of the same class as that for which his or her out-of-state motor vehicle operator's license was issued. (3) No person may cause or permit the operation of a motor vehicle by a person under sixteen years of age.
Sec. 51. Subsection (g) of section 14-227a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(g) Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) For conviction of a first violation, (A) be fined not less than five hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars, and (B) be (i) imprisoned not more than six months, forty-eight consecutive hours of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner, or (ii) imprisoned not more than six months, with the execution of such sentence of imprisonment suspended entirely and a period of probation imposed requiring as a condition of such probation that such person perform one hundred hours of community service, as defined in section 14-227e, and (C) have such person's motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege suspended for forty-five days and, as a condition for the restoration of such license, be required to install an ignition interlock device on each motor vehicle owned or operated by such person and, upon such restoration, be prohibited for the one-year period following such restoration from operating a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning, approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j; (2) for conviction of a second violation within ten years after a prior conviction for the same offense, (A) be fined not less than one thousand dollars or more than four thousand dollars, (B) be imprisoned not more than two years, one hundred twenty consecutive days of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner, and sentenced to a period of probation requiring as a condition of such probation that such person: (i) Perform one hundred hours of community service, as defined in section 14-227e, (ii) submit to an assessment through the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch of the degree of such person's alcohol or drug abuse, and (iii) undergo a treatment program if so ordered, and (C) (i) if such person is under twenty-one years of age at the time of the offense, have such person's motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege suspended for forty-five days or until the date of such person's twenty-first birthday, whichever is longer, and, as a condition for the restoration of such license, be required to install an ignition interlock device on each motor vehicle owned or operated by such person and, upon such restoration, be prohibited for the three-year period following such restoration from operating a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning, approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j, except that for the first year of such three-year period, such person's operation of a motor vehicle shall be limited to such person's transportation to or from work or school, an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, [or] an ignition interlock device service center or an appointment with a probation officer, or (ii) if such person is twenty-one years of age or older at the time of the offense, have such person's motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege suspended for forty-five days and, as a condition for the restoration of such license, be required to install an ignition interlock device on each motor vehicle owned or operated by such person and, upon such restoration, be prohibited for the three-year period following such restoration from operating a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning, approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j, except that for the first year of such three-year period, such person's operation of a motor vehicle shall be limited to such person's transportation to or from work or school, an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, [or] an ignition interlock device service center or an appointment with a probation officer; and (3) for conviction of a third and subsequent violation within ten years after a prior conviction for the same offense, (A) be fined not less than two thousand dollars or more than eight thousand dollars, (B) be imprisoned not more than three years, one year of which may not be suspended or reduced in any manner, and sentenced to a period of probation requiring as a condition of such probation that such person: (i) Perform one hundred hours of community service, as defined in section 14-227e, (ii) submit to an assessment through the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch of the degree of such person's alcohol or drug abuse, and (iii) undergo a treatment program if so ordered, and (C) have such person's motor vehicle operator's license or nonresident operating privilege permanently revoked upon such third offense, except that if such person's revocation is reversed or reduced pursuant to subsection (i) of section 14-111, such person shall be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a functioning, approved ignition interlock device, as defined in section 14-227j, for the time period prescribed in subdivision (2) of subsection (i) of section 14-111. For purposes of the imposition of penalties for a second or third and subsequent offense pursuant to this subsection, a conviction under the provisions of subsection (a) of this section in effect on October 1, 1981, or as amended thereafter, a conviction under the provisions of either subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section, a conviction under the provisions of section 53a-56b or 53a-60d or a conviction in any other state of any offense the essential elements of which are determined by the court to be substantially the same as subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section or section 53a-56b or 53a-60d, shall constitute a prior conviction for the same offense.
Sec. 52. Subdivision (1) of subsection (i) of section 14-227a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(i) (1) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall permit a person whose license has been suspended in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (C) of subdivision (1) or subparagraph (C)(i) or (C)(ii) of subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of this section to operate a motor vehicle if (A) such person has served the suspension required under said subparagraph, notwithstanding that such person has not completed serving any suspension required under subsection (i) of section 14-227b, and (B) such person has installed an approved ignition interlock device in each motor vehicle owned or to be operated by such person, and verifies to the commissioner, in such manner as the commissioner prescribes, that such device has been installed. For a period of one year after the installation of an ignition interlock device by a person who is subject to subparagraph (C)(i) or (C)(ii) of subdivision (2) of subsection (g) of this section, such person's operation of a motor vehicle shall be limited to such person's transportation to or from work or school, an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, [or] an ignition interlock device service center or an appointment with a probation officer. Except as provided in sections 53a-56b and 53a-60d, no person whose license is suspended by the commissioner for any other reason shall be eligible to operate a motor vehicle equipped with an approved ignition interlock device.
Sec. 53. Subdivision (6) of subsection (i) of section 14-227a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(6) Whenever a person is permitted by the commissioner under this subsection to operate a motor vehicle if such person has installed an approved ignition interlock device in each motor vehicle owned or to be operated by such person, the commissioner shall indicate in the electronic record maintained by the commissioner pertaining to such person's operator's license or driving history that such person is restricted to operating a motor vehicle that is equipped with an ignition interlock device and, if applicable, that such person's operation of a motor vehicle is limited to such person's transportation to or from work or school, an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program, [or] an ignition interlock device service center or an appointment with a probation officer, and the duration of such restriction or limitation, and shall ensure that such electronic record is accessible by law enforcement officers. Any such person shall pay the commissioner a fee of one hundred dollars prior to the installation of such device.
Sec. 54. Section 7-313a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
The authorities having the supervision of the fire department of any town, city, borough or district may appoint such number of fire department members or other persons, within available appropriations, as they deem necessary to be fire police officers of such municipality or district, who shall have the powers and perform the duties in such municipality or district as designated and authorized by the fire chief of such municipality or district, and such fire police officers may exercise such powers and duties in any other municipality or district while on duty with the fire department or with a cooperating fire department, where the department is engaged in mutual assistance. Such powers and duties shall include traffic control and regulation and may be exercised by such fire police during any fire drill or fire call or at any other time when such fire police are serving with the fire department, with any other fire department in another municipality or district or with any fire department rendering mutual assistance. Each such fire police officer while in the performance of fire police duties shall wear the badge of office in plain view of any observer. Each such fire police officer, while directing traffic in performance of the duties of fire police, shall (1) wear (A) a helmet with the words "Fire Police" in red letters on the front thereof, any other headgear that meets national, state and local traffic safety standards or a regulation fire-police dress uniform cap, and (B) a traffic safety vest, orange or lime green raincoat or any reflectorized orange or lime green outer clothing, that meets national, state and local traffic safety standards, (2) carry a flashlight, which shall have a red or orange wand and be capable of projecting a clear light for the purpose of illumination at nighttime, and (3) utilize hand-held or portable traffic control devices appropriate for the time of day, weather and traffic flow. Such helmet, cap, vest, raincoat or outer clothing, badge, traffic control equipment and flashlight may be supplied by the appointing municipality or district. Any person who violates this section by failing to obey any signal given by a fire police officer directing traffic in performance of the duties of fire police shall be deemed to have committed an infraction.
Sec. 55. Subsection (d) of section 14-99h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(d) A motor vehicle dealer, licensed in accordance with section 14-52 and meeting qualifications established by the commissioner, may verify a manufacturer's vehicle identification number to satisfy any provision requiring such verification in this chapter, or chapter 246a or 247. Such verification shall be provided in a written affidavit signed by such a motor vehicle dealer, or his designee, and submitted to the commissioner. Such affidavit shall contain a statement that the manufacturer's vehicle identification number corresponds to such number (1) on the manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin, if the motor vehicle is new, [or] (2) on a current certificate of title, [for all other vehicles] or (3) on a current motor vehicle registration document. Such affidavit shall also contain a statement that the vehicle identification number has not been mutilated, altered or removed.
Sec. 56. Subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of section 14-36 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
(d) (1) No motor vehicle operator's license shall be issued to any applicant who is sixteen or seventeen years of age unless the applicant has held a youth instruction permit and has satisfied the requirements specified in this subsection. The applicant shall (A) present to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles a certificate of the successful completion (i) in a public secondary school, a state technical high school or a private secondary school of a full course of study in motor vehicle operation prepared as provided in section 14-36e, (ii) of training of similar nature provided by a licensed drivers' school approved by the commissioner, or (iii) of home training in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection, including, in each case, or by a combination of such types of training, successful completion of: Not less than forty clock hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road instruction for applicants to whom a youth instruction permit is issued on or after August 1, 2008; (B) present to the commissioner a certificate of the successful completion of a course of not less than eight hours relative to safe driving practices, including a minimum of four hours on the nature and the medical, biological and physiological effects of alcohol and drugs and their impact on the operator of a motor vehicle, the dangers associated with the operation of a motor vehicle after the consumption of alcohol or drugs by the operator, the problems of alcohol and drug abuse and the penalties for alcohol and drug-related motor vehicle violations; and (C) pass an examination which may include a comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road in addition to the test required under subsection (c) of this section and shall include an on-the-road skills test as prescribed by the commissioner. At the time of application and examination for a motor vehicle operator's license, an applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age shall have held a youth instruction permit for not less than one hundred eighty days, except that an applicant who presents a certificate under subparagraph (A)(i) or subparagraph (A)(ii) of this subdivision shall have held a youth instruction permit for not less than one hundred twenty days and an applicant who is undergoing training and instruction by the handicapped driver training unit in accordance with the provisions of section 14-11b shall have held such permit for the period of time required by said unit. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall approve the content of the safe driving instruction at drivers' schools, high schools and other secondary schools. Subject to such standards and requirements as the commissioner may impose, the commissioner may authorize any drivers' school, licensed in good standing in accordance with the provisions of section 14-69, as amended by this act, or secondary school driver education program authorized pursuant to the provisions of section 14-36e, to administer the comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road, required pursuant to subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, as part of the safe driving practices course required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, and to certify to the commissioner, under oath, the results of each such test administered. Such hours of instruction required by this subdivision shall be included as part of or in addition to any existing instruction programs. Any fee charged for the course required under subparagraph (B) of this subdivision shall not exceed [one hundred twenty-five dollars, unless the comprehensive test as to knowledge of the laws concerning motor vehicles and the rules of the road is also administered, in which case the fee shall not exceed] one hundred fifty dollars. Any applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age who, while a resident of another state, completed the course required in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, but did not complete the safe driving course required in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, shall complete the safe driving course. The commissioner may waive any requirement in this subdivision, except for that in subparagraph (C) of this subdivision, in the case of an applicant sixteen or seventeen years of age who holds a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by any other state, provided the commissioner is satisfied that the applicant has received training and instruction of a similar nature.
Sec. 57. Subsection (b) of section 14-275 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(b) Each school bus shall be painted a uniform yellow color known as "National School Bus Glossy Yellow", except for the fenders and trim which may be painted black and the roof which may be painted white, and shall have conspicuously painted on the rear and on the front of such vehicle, in black lettering of a size to be determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, the words "School Bus-Stop on Signal", except that each school bus equipped with an eight-light warning system shall have the words "School Bus" painted on the rear and on the front of such vehicle in such lettering. The sides of such vehicles may be inscribed with the words "School Bus", the school name or such other legend or device as may be necessary for purposes of identification or safety. Each school bus, and any student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, regularly used by any town, regional school district, private school or entity contracting with such town, regional school district or private school to transport school children to and from school or school activities, shall have conspicuously painted on the rear and sides of such bus or student transportation vehicle, in black lettering of a size to be determined by the commissioner, the name of the school bus company, the school bus company's telephone number and the school bus number or the name of the owner or operator of such student transportation vehicle, the telephone number of such owner or operator and the fleet number of such student transportation vehicle.
Sec. 58. Subsection (j) of section 14-150 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2013):
(j) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, (1) specifying the circumstances under which title to any motor vehicle abandoned within the limits of any highway may be transferred to any person, firm or corporation towing such vehicle, and (2) establishing the procedure whereby such person, firm or corporation may obtain title to such motor vehicle. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, specifying the circumstances under which the owner of a campground may dispose of a motor home or recreational vehicle abandoned on such owner's property and establishing procedures governing such disposal.
Sec. 59. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2013) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes or any regulation, no motor carrier and no person operating any motor vehicle described in subsection (a) of section 14-163c of the general statutes, as amended by this act, shall be ineligible to enter into a contract or to perform under a contract to provide commercial motor vehicle services to the state or any municipality due to the results of inspections of such motor carrier or any such motor vehicle conducted pursuant to section 14-163c of the general statutes, as amended by this act, unless at least ten such inspections of such motor vehicle or motor carrier have been conducted during the twenty-four months preceding the start date of any such contract.
Sec. 60. Section 14-137a of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2013):
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, setting forth the number of points chargeable against the owner of an operator's license for conviction of any violation of the motor vehicle laws deemed appropriate by the commissioner for the assessment of such points. Such regulations shall provide specific information as to the number of points assessed for the conviction of each specified violation, the total number of points which, in a period of time specified by the commissioner, shall require a hearing before the commissioner or permit automatic suspension without prior hearing, and the period of time during which any such suspension shall extend. Such regulations shall provide that (1) not less than two points shall be assessed for conviction of a violation of subsection (d) of section 14-100a, (2) not more than one point shall be assessed for conviction of a violation of section 14-219 and (3) no points shall be assessed for an infraction or any violation specified in subsection (b) of section 51-164n for which the person sends payment of the fine and any additional fees or costs established for such infraction or violation to the Centralized Infractions Bureau in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 51-164n, except not less than one point shall be assessed for any violation of section 14-296aa, as amended by this act. If such regulations provide for participation in a driver improvement course or system for the owner of an operator's license, the commissioner may charge a fee of fifty dollars for registration for such course or system.