11/3/05-Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed a bill into law Nov. 2 making it a felony to knowingly and willfully operate a commercial vehicle without insurance.
The bill won widespread support in the General Assembly.
Under existing state law, insurance companies must notify the state if insurance on an individual’s personal vehicle is canceled, but there is no similar requirement for commercial vehicles.
The new law, previously SB2102, requires trucking company owners to file evidence of insurance with the state Department of Motor Vehicles at least every six months. Violators could face five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
Previously, offenders faced up to $500 in fines, and/or three months behind bars.
The DMV commissioner now has authority to send a registration suspension notice to the owner of any commercial vehicle if it is not insured.
Existing Connecticut law allows the commissioner to request evidence of insurance. If no evidence is found, registration can be cancelled and license plates confiscated.

10/28/05-The House voted 130-11 Thursday, Oct. 27, to advance a bill that would make it a felony to knowingly and willfully operate a commercial vehicle without insurance.
Senators gave unanimous consent a day earlier. The bill now moves to Gov. M. Jodi Rell who is expected to sign it.
Currently, insurance companies must notify the state if insurance on an individual’s personal vehicle is canceled, but there is no similar requirement for commercial vehicles.
The measure – SB2102 – would require trucking company owners to file evidence of insurance with the state Department of Motor Vehicles at least every six months. Violators could face five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
State law now calls for all offenders to face $500 fines, and/or three months behind bars.
The DMV commissioner also would have authority to send a registration suspension notice to the owner of any commercial vehicle if it is not insured.
Existing Connecticut law allows the commissioner to request evidence of insurance. If no evidence is found, registration can be cancelled and license plates confiscated.
For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.

10/27/05-Senators voted unanimously Wednesday, Oct. 26, to advance a bill that would make it a felony to knowingly and willfully operate a commercial without insurance. It now moves to the House for further consideration.
The measure would also require trucking company owners to file evidence of insurance with the state Department of Motor Vehicles at least every six months. Violators could face five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
In addition, the DMV commissioner would have authority to send a registration suspension notice to the owner of any commercial vehicle if it is not insured.
Existing Connecticut law allows the commissioner to request evidence of insurance. If no evidence is found, registration can be cancelled and license plates confiscated.
SB2102 is expected to gain approval by House lawmakers and Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The new rules would take effect Jan. 1, 2006.
For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.