House Bill 5324 (sHB5324 File No. 447) is a legislative proposal that aims to establish certain motor vehicle infractions as secondary violations, which means that these infractions cannot be the sole reason for a law enforcement officer to stop a vehicle. The bill specifies that secondary violations can still be enforced if a vehicle is stopped for a primary violation, through automated enforcement, or by mailing a notice of violation. The bill also updates and clarifies definitions related to motor vehicles within the general statutes, such as "Electric bicycle," "Electric foot scooter," and "Employer" in the context of commercial motor vehicle operation. It introduces the term "Secondary violation" and renumbers subsequent definitions to maintain sequential order. The bill includes language updates to be more inclusive and specifies that certain equipment-related and administrative violations are secondary. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

The fiscal impact of the bill indicates a potential revenue loss to the state and municipalities beginning in FY 25 due to the anticipated reduction in infractions from vehicles stopped solely for secondary violations. In FY 23, approximately $2 million was collected from such infractions. The bill also amends the requirement for carrying a driver's license while operating a vehicle, making it a secondary violation to drive without a license. Infractions are subject to fines and surcharges, but are not classified as crimes, allowing individuals to pay fines by mail without a court appearance. The Judiciary Committee reviewed the bill and voted 24 in favor and 13 against on March 26, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285
File No. 447: 14-1, 14-96a, 14-96c, 14-96d, 14-96y, 14-99f, 14-45, 14-213, 14-215b, 14-21b, 14-99, 14-285