House Bill 5413 (sHB5413 File No. 569) aims to address the illegal use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles, as well as the issue of street takeovers. The bill empowers municipalities to enact ordinances to regulate these vehicles, with penalties for violations ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, and allows for the seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in violation of such ordinances. The bill also permits municipalities to prohibit street takeovers, with penalties for organizing, participating in, or observing these events, and includes the impoundment of vehicles involved until fines are paid. Notably, it introduces a permanent revocation of a person's operator's license for a third violation related to street takeovers. The bill includes insertions regarding the effective dates and amendments to certain sections, and it is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.
Furthermore, the bill outlines specific suspension periods for various traffic violations, particularly for individuals under the age of eighteen, and for those without a motor vehicle operator's license. It specifies suspension lengths for first, second, and subsequent violations of speeding, reckless driving, street racing, and using a handheld mobile phone. For youthful offenders and unlicensed individuals committing repeated violations, the bill sets suspension periods of six months to one year and ninety days, respectively. The bill also repeals and substitutes language in subsection (b) of section 51-164n of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes, effective October 1, 2024, although the exact changes in legal language are not detailed in the summary provided. House Amendment “A” has removed the requirement for a grant program administered by the Office of Policy and Management. The Judiciary Committee has reported favorably on the bill with a vote of 34 to 2.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 14-390, 14-390m
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 453: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 569: 14-390, 14-390m