Bill > HB05463

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, aims to enhance highway safety by clarifying what constitutes distracted driving and increasing penalties for such behavior in specific areas. It redefines "mobile electronic device" to include equipment that displays video or moving images, making it illegal to operate a vehicle if such an image is visible to the driver in their normal seating position, unless it's a navigation system mounted appropriately. Crucially, the bill establishes that operating a motor vehicle in a highway work zone while engaged in any activity prohibited by distracted driving laws will now be considered a reckless driving violation, a more serious offense. It also updates the definition of "serious traffic violation" to include using a mobile electronic device in violation of distracted driving laws while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Additionally, the bill mandates that knowledge tests for driver's licenses include questions on highway work zone safety and distracted driving.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05463&which_year=2026