Driving of motor vehicles - Connecticut

Federal regulations

Connecticut has adopted Part 392 of the Federal Regulations.

Applicability

Part 392 applies to intrastate commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 18,001 pounds or more, and to any size commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

Engine idling

All vehicles may not idle for more than three consecutive minutes when not in motion.

Exceptions — This requirement does not apply when the outdoor temperature is below 20°F. There are also exceptions for:

• traffic conditions or mechanical difficulties over which the vehicle operator has no control;
• operation of defrosting, heating, or cooling equipment to ensure health and safety of the driver or passengers;
• operation of auxiliary equipment;
• bringing the vehicle to the manufacturer’s recommended operating temperature;
• maintenance; and
• vehicles in queue for inspection by U.S. military personnel prior to gaining access to a U.S. military installation.

Speed limit

The speed limit is 65 mph (or as posted) on interstate highways, 65 mph (or as posted) on limited access state highways.

Warning Devices

Each commercial motor vehicle with a manufacturer’s rated capacity in excess of two thousand pounds and each combination of tractor and trailer shall carry, from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, flares, flaring candles, torches, lanterns or other lighting or light reflecting devices designed for emergency use. When used, the devices must be visible for at least two hundred feet in front and in the rear of such motor vehicle.