Connecticut driving guide

Driving in a new country or state can be an exciting part of any family vacation or business trip – you just have to know the rules and regulations. That’s why, we’ve created this guide to help you understand the driving rules in Connecticut without any issues.

Jump to a section:

• Quick rules of the road
• Speed limits
• Toll roads
• Driving ages
• Essential equipment
• Speed violations
• Driving with children
• Gas prices
• Electric car charging
• Driving between Connecticut and other states
• Driving conditions

Quick rules of the road

• Drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians on a crosswalk, regardless of markings. You should also give right of way to cyclists.
• Left-turning vehicles should yield to those going straight on.
• At an intersection, you must give right of way to the vehicle that arrives first. And when approaching a traffic circle, you should give way to those already on it.
• As in many other states, it is the law that drivers turn their lights on 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Your lights should also be on in poor weather, bad lighting conditions and if visibility is less than 500 feet.
• You can use your phone for calls as long as it’s hands-free. Your phone should not be near your ear or held to it, so use a dashboard mount, Bluetooth or headphones to receive calls. 

Speed limits in Connecticut

When preparing for a trip in a new state, it can help to know the different speed limits for certain areas and roads. Check out our summary of the maximum speed limits in Connecticut below.

Toll roads in Connecticut

There are currently no toll roads in Connecticut. In fact, it is the only East Coast state to have abolished toll roads. The 135-mile-long Connecticut Turnpike between Byram and South Killingly is access-controlled but is no longer toll-regulated.

License requirements and legal driving age in Connecticut

• The minimum legal driving age in Connecticut is 16 years old.
• The minimum age to rent a car in Connecticut with Hertz is 25 years.
• To rent a truck in Connecticut, you must hold the relevant paperwork (insurance certificate for a truck).

If you want to rent a vehicle with Hertz and you’re under 25, you can find out more about the requirements in our handy young drivers’ guide.

Essential equipment to carry in your car in Connecticut

In your vehicle, you must have:

• Your driving license
• Identification
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of rental agreement
• Warning triangle

You should also have:

• An empty fuel can
• Tire jack
• Spare bulbs and locking wheel nut
• Jump leads
• Tire pressure gauge
• Blankets
• Snacks
• Water
• Winter clothes, if appropriate (gloves, scarves, hats)

For a comprehensive list of items that you can’t carry in your Hertz car, please check your rental agreement.

Connecticut speed violations, infractions and penalties

There are two main types of speeding laws in Connecticut:

• Speeding – driving above the posted speed limit.
• Reckless speeding – exceeding 85mph or driving at a speed that endangers others.

If you’re caught speeding, you’ll usually receive a ticket and have to pay a fine. If you’re repeatedly seen speeding, you may also have your driving license suspended.

However, reckless speeding is considered a crime in Connecticut and could result in jail time for up to 30 days. The fines usually vary from around $100 to $300 for reckless driving – with additional charges in special zones. These could escalate to $600 for repeat offenders.

Driving with children in Connecticut

As per the car seat requirements in Connecticut:

• Infants must be rear facing until they are two years old and weigh at least 30 pounds.
• Toddlers must be in a forward-facing seat using a five-point harness until they are five years old and weigh 40 pounds.
• Children should ride in a booster seat until they are both eight years old and 60 pounds. They must use a lap and shoulder seat belt.
• All children should be securely strapped in during any ride in a vehicle.

Gas prices in Connecticut

The average gas price in Connecticut is $3.76 per gallon.

Based on manufacturers’ average fuel figures:

• For a small car like a Ford Focus, that’s about $0.10 per mile.
• For a family car like a Nissan Rogue, it works out at $0.15 per mile.
• And for an SUV like a Chevrolet Equinox, it’s around $0.18 per mile.

Gas price figure last updated November 4, 2022.

Electric car charging in Connecticut

Connecticut has an extensive electric charging system, with more than 1,489 charging stations across the state. It has lots of incentives for greener, sustainable modes of transport so all charging stations are available to use with your credit or debit card.

Most electric chargers are located in public parking lots or on the street and are easily accessible. You can expect to pay around $0.35-$0.43/kWh.

Driving between Connecticut and other states

With Hertz, you don’t need to worry about dropping off your car before you cross a state line. We can arrange for you to make a one-way trip, which may help if you are driving through Connecticut’s neighboring states – New York, Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Speak to a Hertz expert before you reserve your rental car for help and guidance on getting the perfect car for your trip.

Driving conditions in Connecticut

The climate in Connecticut is split into two, with northern Connecticut enjoying colder winters with some snowfall and summers that are hot and humid. Southern Connecticut has cooler winters and longer summers, which are much hotter and more humid than the northern area.

If driving in winter, look out for snow, ice and large amounts of rainfall that may inhibit visibility on the roads.