The proposed General Assembly Committee Bill No. 5766 seeks to strengthen penalties for parking violations in front of fire hydrants, particularly for repeat offenders. The bill amends Section 14-251 of the general statutes by introducing a new provision that classifies violations within ten feet of a fire hydrant as an infraction, imposing a fine of up to two hundred dollars for each subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill clarifies parking regulations concerning bikeways and buffer areas, mandating that vehicles must be parked within twelve inches of the curb or the edge of the bikeway when applicable.

Moreover, the bill repeals certain existing legal language related to parking violations and updates references to the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways to ensure compliance with current standards. These changes are designed to enhance public safety by discouraging improper parking practices that could hinder access to fire hydrants. The amendments will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to streamline enforcement for local authorities while increasing accountability for those who repeatedly violate parking regulations.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 14-251