Substitute Senate Bill No. 1375 aims to improve highway, pedestrian, and cyclist safety in Connecticut through a series of amendments to existing transportation laws. Key provisions include the repeal of Section 14-300, replaced with clearer rules for pedestrian crossings, which establish that pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. The bill increases the fine for motor vehicle operators who violate these rules from $500 to $750 and mandates that vehicles yield to pedestrians, particularly those who are blind or using service animals. Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding the use of mobile electronic devices while driving, explicitly prohibiting activities such as watching or playing videos, and imposes penalties for violations, including a retraining program for repeat offenders.

Further amendments include raising the age requirement for wearing helmets while riding bicycles from 16 to 18 years old, prohibiting the consumption or possession of open alcoholic beverage containers in the passenger area of vehicles, and establishing a rebate program for residents purchasing electric bicycles. The bill also mandates the Department of Transportation to support Complete Streets standards and requires a study on the feasibility of intelligent speed assistance devices to enhance road safety. Overall, the bill reflects a commitment to modernizing transportation laws to align with contemporary safety and environmental standards, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025, and certain provisions beginning on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-300, 14-230a, 14-289g, 14-296aa, 14-286d, 14-298, 14-111g
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-300, 14-230a, 14-289g, 14-296aa, 14-286d, 14-111g
File No. 540: 14-300, 14-230a, 14-289g, 14-296aa, 14-286d, 14-111g