Connecticut State Trucking Laws

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic.

There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only in state travel. For example, an appliance store in Stanford may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries.

The Connecticut Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations.

The following provisions are an overview of Connecticut laws that affect trucks operating only in Connecticut:

Driver Qualification
Connecticut has adopted part 391 of the Federal Regulations with the exception of Sec. 391.11(b)(1) which states that an intrastate driver must be at least 21 years old. In Connecticut, a driver not transporting hazardous materials may be 18.

Hours of Service
Connecticut has adopted Part 395 for intrastate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of over 18,000 pounds or transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. However, Section 395.3 won’t apply to a public service company vehicle providing assistance during a major loss of utility service.

Vehicle Marking/Identification
Connecticut has adopted Sec. 390.21 of the Federal Regulations. Intrastate vehicles have to display the name or trade name of the motor carrier and a Connecticut issued US DOT number followed by the letters CT.

Crash reports are available from:
Connecticut State Police
Attn. Reports & Records
P.O. Box 2794
Middletown, CT 06457-9294
(860) 685-8403