Connecticut speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the basic speed rule and the highest speed limit used in Connecticut.
• You can say when and how far back you must stop for a school bus.
• You can follow the move-over law near emergency and stopped vehicles.
• You can pass other road users at a legal and safe distance.

What you need to know and understand

• The highest limit the state may set is 65 mph, on certain multilane limited-access highways.
• Driving faster than is reasonable for the road, traffic or weather is illegal even under the posted limit.
• Towns generally cannot set limits below 25 mph, except in pedestrian safety zones or where a study supports it.
• Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus showing flashing red lights.
• A first school bus passing offense carries a $450 fine.
• When you pass a bicyclist, leave at least 3 feet.
• If your wipers are on, your headlights must be on too.
• Drivers under 18 convicted of going more than 20 mph over the limit face a 60-day license suspension on a first offense.

Speed: the limit and the safe speed

Watch the signs. Connecticut allows limits up to 65 mph on some multilane limited-access highways, and many roads are much lower. Going over a posted limit counts as evidence that you were driving too fast.

The manual gives a sense of scale: at 30 mph you need about 200 feet to stop, and at 50 mph about 400 feet, on dry pavement. Slow down in rain, snow, fog and heavy traffic. Driving far too slowly can also be dangerous.

School buses and the move-over law

• When a school bus shows flashing red lights, stop at least 10 feet away, whether you are behind it or coming toward it.
• Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, then watch for children.
• You do not have to stop for a bus on the other side of a divided highway with a barrier or median.
• Approaching stopped emergency, maintenance or tow vehicles with flashing lights, slow below the posted limit and move over a lane if it is safe.
• On a two-lane road you cannot move over, so slow down until you are past.
• You must also move over, when safe, for stationary vehicles on the shoulder or breakdown lane.

Passing and lights

Pass on the left only when the road ahead is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for long enough to finish safely. Do not cut back in until you are well clear. When you are being passed, keep right and do not speed up.

Give at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist or electric scooter rider. Turn on your headlights at dusk, when visibility is poor and whenever your wipers are running.

Common mistakes

• Treating the posted limit as a target in bad weather. Safe speed depends on conditions.
• Creeping past a school bus that has just started flashing red. Stop and stay stopped.
• Passing police or tow trucks at full speed in the next lane. Slow down and move over.
• Using daytime running lights or parking lights in rain instead of headlights.

Test yourself: Connecticut speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Connecticut 8 Hour Safe Driving Practices Course
• CT Permit Test
• Connecticut Home Training and the 2 Hour Parent Class