OLR Report 2013-R-0479 answers two questions: During fiscal years (FYs) 2010 to 2012, how many people violated state law requiring motorists to maintain automobile insurance (CGS §§ 14-213b and 38a-371) and what were the dispositions for those offenses?
In Connecticut, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without having the required minimum automobile insurance (CGS § 14-213b). It is also illegal to fail to insure a private motor vehicle (CGS § 38a-371).
According to Connecticut Judicial Department data, there were 75,882 instances in FYs 2010 to 2012 in which police cited a person for not having automobile insurance. Of these, 62,869 (83%) were for operating a vehicle without insurance under CGS § 14-213b and 13,013 (17%) were for failing to insure a private motor vehicle under CGS § 38a-371. Of the 75,882 offenses, 85 (less than 1%) resulted in convictions; 4,531 (6%) entered guilty pleas; and 63,499 (84%) were nolles (i.e., not prosecuted). In 7,591 (10%) cases, the person cited failed to appear in court.
For more information, read the full report.
