What are Connecticut Public Traffic Records?
A traffic record in Connecticut is also known as a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). The MVR contains an individual's driving history and driver's license status. It also features the traffic points, driver's license restrictions, accidents an individual has been involved in, as well as traffic violations and convictions. The state Department of Motor Vehicles typically maintains motor vehicle records.
Are Traffic Records Public in Connecticut?
Yes. Motor Vehicle Records in Connecticut are public records. Hence, individuals can access motor vehicle records, except they are exempt per Connecticut privacy laws. While the MVR is public in Connecticut, the personal information contained in these records is not public according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Copy Records Request Form contains information regarding records that can be requested and the circumstances under which such requests may be made. Persons and agencies eligible to obtain restricted motor vehicle records include;
- Federal, State, or Local agencies that are handling official businesses.
- An insurance company that is looking into drivers safety, theft, or emission issue
- An attorney in connection with any criminal or civil proceeding.
What Do Connecticut Traffic Records Contain?
Connecticut Motor Vehicle Records contain individuals driving history. The information contained on these records include:
- Date of birth
- Driver's license number
- Driver's license status
- Department of Motor Vehicle license points
- Restrictions on license
- Prior traffic violations
- Car accidents
- Convictions
- Any out-of-state violations
Does a Citation Go on Your Record in Connecticut?
Yes. Any citation received by an individual in Connecticut goes on an individual's traffic record. Furthermore, if an individual is cited for traffic violations such as a misdemeanor or a felony, such a person may face trial in court. Hence, if convicted of the offense, the information may be on the person's driving and criminal records.
Types of Traffic Citations in Connecticut
In Connecticut, law enforcement agents give citations to road users who violate traffic rules. Some examples of these traffic violations include speeding, running a red light, and having no proof of insurance. Citations are typically classified into major and minor traffic citations in Connecticut.
Following a major traffic citation, the offender is likely to go to jail and pay a hefty fine. Also, major traffic citations are issued following felony or misdemeanor traffic violations. Examples of traffic violations in this category in Connecticut include:
- Reckless driving.
- Driving under the influence (DUI).
- Hit and run.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
On the other hand, a minor traffic citation is issued for offenses that the State does not consider severe enough to require a court appearance, but the driver may still pay a specified fine. However, if a person cited for a minor traffic violation declines to pay the stipulated fine within the given time frame, they may face a stiffer punishment as the offense (failure to pay a fine) is criminal.
Connecticut Traffic Citation Lookup
Traffic citations in Connecticut are accessible to interested persons. Individuals willing to look up traffic citations in Connecticut may check the websites of the superior courts in the various counties. The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website provides information on the different superior courts' locations, contact, and websites. Also, individuals can consult the court clerk for traffic offenses heard in the court.
Alternatively, individuals may visit the different DMV locations across the State to lookup traffic citations.
How to Lookup My Connecticut Traffic Records
Interested members of the public may look up traffic records in Connecticut with ease. Requestors may check the motor vehicle history online or request to lookup traffic records in-person or via mail.
In-person submission: Anyone interested in checking a Connecticut driving history can book an appointment with the local station of the Department of Motor Vehicle. Then, fill out a Copy Records Request Form (J-23 REV.3-2021) and check the box indicating driving history. Individuals making an in-person request must pay $20 via cash, money order, bank cheque, personal cheque, etc. Additionally, these individuals may take one driver's license copy, and a passport copy, on a non-driver identification card to the DMV location. Some local DMV centers charge a convenience fee of $8.
Mail submission: Interested persons can access driving history records through the mail. A requester may print and complete a copy of the Records Request Form and check the box for driving history. Subsequently, fill out the appropriate portion of the form indicating the applicable code. Also, the individual must include a photo ID and a $20 cheque payable to the Department of Motor Vehicle in the State.
After this, send the completed form alongside the photo ID and the cheque to
The Department of Motor Vehicles,
60 State Street,
Wethersfield, CT 06109,
Attn: Copy Records
After processing, the Department of Motor Vehicles will send a certified copy of the driving history record to the requestor within two to three weeks of mailing the request.
Online submission: Requestors are typically required to supply information to facilitate record searches. This may include the first and last names as it appears on the driver's license, date of birth, street address, social security number, and driver's license number. Also, the requester will need a debit or credit card to make payment of the required $20 fee.
The requesting party will have to log in and create an account with CT.gov using a functional email to access the DMV Customer Center and a particular DMV Online Service. After submitting the request online, a copy of the driving history becomes available for download or printing. However, this document may only be accessible for 30 days without requiring additional payment.
Connecticut traffic case records may also be available from third-party websites since they are considered public records. Unlike government sources or websites, third-party websites do not have geographical limitations. Hence, interested parties may access these websites from anywhere in the world. However, some third-party websites may require registration or subscription to access traffic record.
Connecticut Traffic Violations
In Connecticut, a traffic violation is any infraction of the state's motor vehicle laws. These violations can range from minor offenses like speeding or running a stop sign to more severe crimes, such as DUI or hit and run. Depending on the severity of the offense, a traffic violation can result in a warning, ticket, or even arrest. In some cases, points may be added to the offender's driver's license, which can lead to higher insurance rates and eventually license suspension.
The penalties for traffic violations vary depending on the offense. For example, speeding tickets typically come with a fine, while more serious crimes like DUI can result in jail time. If the offender has been convicted of multiple traffic violations within a short period, they may be subject to license suspension.
Connecticut License Plate Lookup
License plates play a vital role in Connecticut traffic records. They help law enforcement officials track down drivers who have committed traffic violations, and they can also be used to identify hit-and-run drivers. License plates can also be used to help locate stolen vehicles. If you need to look up a Connecticut license plate, you can do so online through the Connecticut DMV website. Simply enter the license plate number and last name of the registered owner, and you will be able to view the vehicle's registration information. You can also use the Department of Motor Vehicles online services to renew your vehicle registration or order new license plates.
How to View Traffic Case Records for Free in Connecticut
Court records, including traffic case records, are public records in Connecticut. Therefore, any individual interested in traffic case records in Connecticut may query the various superior courts in the respective county where the traffic violation case was heard. Alternatively, requestors may send an email to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov for online requests.
All requests for court records must include the name of the specific case and the docket number. Requestors may check the docket numbers online at the Connecticut State Judicial Branch website or call the Centralized Services Unit ((860) 263-2750). The record is typically made available within two days of the online request. However, it should be noted that while the records are made available to the requester as an email at no charge, there may be size limitations.
Alternatively, individuals may pick up the record at any court location or from the Centralized Services Unit after paying the applicable certification and copy charges. Often, some case records may require that the requester provide proof of identification before the court releases the records.
How Long Do Traffic Offenses Remain on Public Records in Connecticut?
The length of time that a traffic violation remains on a public record in Connecticut depends on the type of violation and record. For instance, the DMV retains records of most traffic infractions for three years but keeps records of more serious traffic offenses like felonies and misdemeanors for ten years. Also, the department maintains records of offenses that Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders commit from three years to 55 years, depending on the type of violation, in line with the federal law.
How to Remove Traffic Records from Public Websites in Connecticut?
Traffic records are public records in Connecticut. However, the Connecticut Freedom of information Act states that all government records are accessible unless the records are made confidential. Therefore, traffic records are available to any member of the public that requests, for different reasons.
On the other hand, some data brokerage companies conducting background checks collect these records and other personal information. Then, these companies publish the information on public websites. The record owners may have to contact the data brokerage companies to take it down.
Another way to remove traffic records from public websites in Connecticut is through an expungement. Once a Connecticut court grants an expungement or absolute pardon to an individual, a total cancellation occurs on the person's official adult criminal record. Unless permitted by the law, no one can release such records after an expungement.
Do Motoring Offenses Affect Criminal Records in Connecticut?
Yes. Some motoring offenses affect criminal records in Connecticut. These offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, which are serious traffic offenses that may result in death, bodily harm, or property damage. Examples of such offenses that impact criminal records are:
- Hit and run
- Driving under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident
