Connecticut (CT) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

Underage drinking in the state of Connecticut comes with a hefty price tag. It costs the citizens of the state more than $621 million in 2005 alone. Underage drinking in the state of Connecticut is second only to teen violence when it comes to costs. When Connecticut teen’s ages 16-20 drink and drive, they cause more than 300 accidents in the state each year. Nearly two dozen of those accidents are fatal. Like most other states, Connecticut has passed a number of laws to help reduce the number of teen auto crashes. One such law is the state’s GDL law or Graduated Driver Licensing. Continue reading to learn more about Connecticut’s teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Connecticut Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

In the state of Connecticut, teens cannot apply for a learner’s permit until the age of 16. No other state in the country has a later starting age. Based on studies that show longer holding periods delay licensure, which reduces crashes, Connecticut has a 6 month holding period to permit supervised driving practice. The holding period is reduced to 4 months with driver education. In addition, supervised driving practice is required in the amount of 20 hours of at home or driver education practice.

After completing the terms of the instruction permit, the teen driver can apply for a restricted intermediate license to be held until the age of 18.

To obtain an unrestricted Connecticut driver’s license, teens must:

•    Be 18 years of age or older
•    Show completion of am eight-hour course on safe driving
•    Have a clean driving record
•    Pass a vision test
•    Show your social security card
•    Provide a birth certificate or current U.S. passport.
•    Provide another form of acceptable identification
•    Show proof of Connecticut residence
•    Complete the application form
•    Pay the $40 testing fee and the $18 license fee

Connecticut Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Under the laws of Connecticut’s restricted licensing, the driver:

•    Cannot drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
•    Cannot have any drivers under the age of 21 in the car with the exception of a supervising driver, parent, or family member
•    Must wear his seatbelt at all times, as well as all passengers in the car

In the state of Connecticut, the extent of the penalties for breaking Connecticut teen driving laws is up to the courts. Violation of any teen driving law will result in a suspended license, license points, delayed licensing, fines, community service, and even jail time to be served at a juvenile detention center.

Connecticut Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

The state of Connecticut cell phone law wet into effect August 1, 2008. Under the law, drivers between the ages of 16-17 are prohibited from using any type of mobile device in any capacity while driving. Drivers in this age group are also prohibited from using mobile devices with hands-free accessories. Drivers 18 years of age or older cannot talk on a mobile device while driving, they can, however, use hands free accessories. The only exceptions to these rules are:

•    Drivers who are 18 years of age and older who are peace officers, ambulance drivers or firefighters
•    Emergency situations (all drivers)

If you get caught violating Connecticut’s cell phone law, you will lose your license on the spot, for 30 days.

Connecticut Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Connecticut, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some.  Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Connecticut teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, you will have to pay a fine of $500-$1,000, you may end up in a juvenile detention center for up to six months, and you might have to perform 100 hours of community service. Your driver’s license will be suspended for one year. Second teen DUI offenses carry a $1,000-$4,000 fine, possible jail time in a juvenile detention center for up to two years, probation, 100 hours of community service, and your license will be suspended for three years or until you turn 21, whichever period is longer.

Connecticut Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Connecticut all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance at all times. Your auto insurance policy must include a minimum of $20,000 bodily injury liability maximum for one person injured in an accident, $40,000 bodily injury liability maximum for all injuries in one accident, $10,000 property damage liability maximum for one accident, and combined $20,000/$40,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorists bodily injury, so 20/40/10. Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teens first year behind the wheel, Connecticut auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year.

Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).