Starting October 1, 2025, traffic safety laws related to speeding will be greatly strengthened in Connecticut, United States. The legislation regulating this new measure is Substitute Bill No. 7260, which establishes new penalties for speeding. According to this bill, anyone exceeding the speed limit of 100 miles per hour will face a fine, points deducted from their license, and even jail time. The amount will vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether the offender is a repeat offender. According to Attorney General William, the speed on the roads has increased, with more than 5,600 accidents reported. That is why the implementation of this new measure has been deemed necessary, as the only solution that forces drivers to reduce their speed.
Speeding in Connecticut
The number of accidents resulting from speeding has increased in the past year in the state of Connecticut: more than 5,600 accidents, of which 55 had a fatal outcome. This is why the authorities have taken measures to alleviate the situation, and they are becoming increasingly strict. Starting on October 1, 2025, Substitute Bill No. 7260 will come into effect. Both lawmakers and safety officials have agreed with the terms outlined in this new legislation, given the urgent need to address this road safety problem.
Substitute Bill No. 7260
The new legislation is very strict: all drivers who exceed 100 miles per hour will face economic penalties, points deducted from their driver’s license, and even prison sentences. The essential points to this new security measure are:
- Fines will start at $200 and can go up to $1,000.
- The amount of the fines will depend on the severity of the infringement, for example, if speeding occurs near schools.
- Everyone can face prison sentences (even if they are not repeat offenders).
- Repeat offenders will face prison time in addition to paying the fine and losing 4 points from their license. In some cases, the vehicle may be impounded for 48 hours.
Why now?
This new measure comes at just the right time. Although the volume of vehicles on the roads has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend of exceeding speed limits by drivers has been detected. There is no discrimination or patterns: it is a rise in the average speed throughout the state. As Attorney General William explains, not only has speed increased, but lane changes have also become increasingly reckless. It only requires the signature of the state governor for this law to take effect on the scheduled date.
Considerations for Recidivists
It is clear that if an infraction of this type is committed, and it is your first time, the penalties are harsh:
- If driving between 87-99 mph: a fine of $500 and 2 points deducted from the driver’s license.
- If reaching 100 mph: the punishment is not treated as a misdemeanor.
However, the case for recidivists is even stricter. Take note:
- The second offense involves a fine of $1,000 or a one-year prison sentence.
- If your car is towed and stored, you will have to face the costs of those operations.
Farewell to speeding in Connecticut
Bill No. 7260 is currently under review by the Senate, as mentioned in the Connecticut General Assembly. It is anticipated that, with the support it has, it will move forward and become effective starting October 1, 2025. In this way, the authorities intend to inform and engage citizens about the necessity of reducing speed on the roads. Otherwise, the severe penalties mentioned will be enforced, making Connecticut one of the strictest states in the fight against speeding and for road safety.
Maryland has also toughened its speeding laws, including jail time. Find more about it here!