ConnecticutLaw counts distracted driving in work zones as reckless driving
Starting October 1, 2026, driving in a highway work zone while doing an activity banned by the distracted-driving law counts as a violation of the reckless-driving law, but the same offense cannot be prosecuted under both laws.
What it does
Driving in a highway work zone while doing an activity banned by the distracted-driving law counts as a violation of the reckless-driving law. The law allows fines or jail for these violations.
A driver cannot be prosecuted under both laws for the same offense.
Argument forRoad crews and drivers may be safer if drivers avoid activities banned by the distracted-driving law in work zones.
Argument againstDrivers could face fines or jail for using a device or doing another banned activity in a work zone, even on a first offense.
More detail
The law counts driving in a highway work zone while doing an activity banned by the distracted-driving law as a violation of the reckless-driving law. This applies in a highway work zone as defined by state law. The distracted-driving law prohibits the activity. This rule takes effect October 1, 2026.
A person cannot be prosecuted under both laws for the same offense. This covers prosecution under the distracted-driving law and the work-zone rule in the reckless-driving law. The bar applies only when both prosecutions would be for the same offense. This rule takes effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 4SIGNED BY Governor Ned LamontBecame Law
- May 27TRANSMITTED BY SECRETARY OF THE STATE TO GOVERNORTo Governor
- May 27TRANSMITTED TO SECRETARY OF THE STATE
- May 20PUBLIC ACT 26-120
- May 6IN CONCURRENCE
- Vote recorded House Roll Call Vote. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded House Roll Call Vote 275. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6HOUSE PASSED, SEN. AMEND. SCH. APassed House
- May 6HOUSE ADOPTED SEN. AMEND. SCH. AMajor
- Apr 30HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 543
- Apr 30FAV. RPT., TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDARMinor
- Apr 29RULES SUSPENDED,TRANS.TO HOUSE
- Vote recorded Senate Roll Call Vote 193. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 29SEN. PASSED, SEN. AMEND. SCH. APassed Senate
- Apr 29SEN. ADOPTED SEN. AMEND. SCH. AMajor
- Apr 13FILE NO. 591
- Apr 13SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 384
- Apr 13FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.Minor
- Apr 13RPTD. OUT OF LCO
- Apr 6REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/13/26Minor
- Mar 25FILED WITH LCOMinor
- Mar 24Joint FavorableMinor
- Mar 13PUBLIC HEARING 0318
- Mar 11REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON JudiciaryIntroduced
Public SafetyTransportation