Search Connecticut Traffic Court Records
Connecticut traffic court records document motor vehicle violations issued by police officers throughout the state. The Centralized Infractions Bureau serves as the main clearinghouse for most traffic tickets in Connecticut. You can search these records to check ticket status, pay fines, or contest violations. This guide explains how to access Connecticut traffic citation records and what options drivers have when responding to tickets. Whether you need to pay a fine or prepare for court, understanding the traffic records system helps you handle your case properly.
Connecticut Traffic Records Quick Facts
Connecticut Centralized Infractions Bureau
The Centralized Infractions Bureau, known as CIB, handles most traffic tickets issued in Connecticut. This state agency processes payments and not guilty pleas for motor vehicle violations. CIB operates under the Connecticut Judicial Branch. Officers from police departments across the state submit tickets to this bureau for processing.
You can reach CIB by phone at (860) 263-2750 or toll-free at (866) 542-0010. Their office sits at 225 Spring Street, 3rd Floor, in Wethersfield. Mail payments to P.O. Box 5044, Hartford, CT 06102-5044. Email questions to Centralized.InfractionsBureau@jud.ct.gov. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visit their payment portal at jud2.ct.gov/CIBEpay/ to pay tickets online.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides detailed traffic violation information through their online resources. You can find answers to common questions about tickets and court procedures.
CIB receives tickets from police departments within 7 to 30 days after issuance. Your ticket may not appear online immediately. Wait three days after the officer submits it before calling CIB. Online payments take up to two business days to show in the system.
How to Respond to Traffic Tickets in Connecticut
Connecticut drivers have three ways to respond when they receive a traffic ticket. Each option leads to different outcomes for your driving record and finances. The answer date printed on your ticket sets your deadline. This date is assigned by the police officer who issued the citation. You must act by this date to avoid additional penalties.
Your first option is to pay the ticket. This enters a plea of nolo contendere, which means no contest. The ticket gets reported to the DMV. Under CGS § 51-164m, an infraction is not a crime. The only penalty is a fine. Most paid tickets do not add points to your license.
The second option uses the Online Ticket Review Program. Go to the CIB website and enter your ticket number plus the first three letters of your last name. You can submit a written explanation and upload documents. A prosecutor reviews your case within 4 to 5 weeks. They may dismiss the ticket, transfer it to court, or offer reduced fines.
Your third choice is to plead not guilty. This transfers your case to a Superior Court location. You may need to appear before a judge. The court will schedule a trial date. You can plead not guilty online, by mail, or by calling CIB at 860-263-2750.
Never ignore a traffic ticket in Connecticut. Failure to respond by the answer date causes serious problems. Your case moves to court automatically. The DMV will suspend your driver's license. You must pay a $60 reopening fee plus the original fine amount.
Types of Traffic Violations in Connecticut
Connecticut law divides traffic offenses into infractions and violations. Understanding the difference matters for your case. Under CGS § 51-164m, an infraction is an offense where the only penalty is a fine. It is not a crime. Speeding and most moving violations fall into this category. You can pay these tickets through CIB.
A violation under CGS § 51-164n is also punishable only by a fine. Some violations require a court appearance. Others allow payment by mail. The ticket indicates whether you must appear in court. Reckless driving under CGS § 14-222 is a criminal misdemeanor. This charge always requires a court appearance. DUI and DWI offenses under CGS § 14-227a are criminal matters with severe penalties.
Cell phone violations carry special rules. Under CGS § 14-296aa, improper use of a hand-held mobile device results in fines and points. First offenses cost $200. Second violations cost $375. Third or subsequent violations cost $625. This is the only infraction that adds at least one point to your license when paid through CIB.
Work zone violations trigger double fines. Under CGS § 14-212a, speeding or other violations in construction zones carry enhanced penalties. Officers take these violations seriously due to worker safety concerns.
Note: Criminal traffic matters like reckless driving and DUI require mandatory court appearances and cannot be paid through the CIB system.
Connecticut Traffic Court Locations
Connecticut operates two types of courts that handle traffic matters. The Centralized Infractions Bureau processes most routine tickets. Geographical Area Courts hear not guilty pleas and criminal traffic cases. These courts serve specific regions throughout Connecticut's eight counties.
Geographical Area Courts, called GA courts, handle motor vehicle cases that require hearings. GA 2 in Bridgeport serves Fairfield County communities. GA 1 in Stamford and GA 20 in Norwalk also cover Fairfield County towns. Hartford County residents may go to GA 14 in Hartford, GA 15 in New Britain, GA 12 in Manchester, or GA 13 in Enfield depending on where the ticket was issued.
New Haven County has GA 23 in New Haven, GA 4 in Waterbury, GA 7 in Meriden, and GA 22 in Milford. New London County uses GA 10 in New London and GA 21 in Norwich. Middlesex County residents appear at GA 9 in Middletown. Litchfield County cases go to GA 18 in Torrington. Tolland County uses GA 19 in Rockville. Windham County has GA 11 in Danielson.
Each courthouse has specific hours and procedures. Most open at 9:00 AM with doors opening at 8:30 AM. Clerk offices close at 5:00 PM. You should arrive early for your scheduled hearing. Bring all relevant documents and identification. The court directory at jud.ct.gov/directory/courthouses.htm lists all locations and contact numbers.
DMV Points and License Suspensions
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles manages driver's license points and suspensions. Courts do not suspend licenses directly. They report ticket dispositions to the DMV. The DMV then decides whether to add points or suspend driving privileges.
Most traffic infractions paid through CIB do not add points to your Connecticut license. This is different from many other states. The exception is cell phone violations under CGS § 14-296aa. These always add at least one point. The points appear on your driving history. Insurance companies can access this information.
License suspensions happen when you fail to respond to tickets. The court notifies DMV when you miss your answer date. DMV then suspends your license until you resolve the matter. You must pay all fines and fees to reinstate your driving privileges.
Contact DMV Driver Services at 860-263-5720 for questions about suspensions. Email them at dmv.suspension@ct.gov. Their website at portal.ct.gov/dmv provides online services. You can request your driving history record through their portal.
Tickets get reported to the DMV once disposed. This happens after you pay, after a court decision, or after a prosecutor dismisses the case. The disposition determines what appears on your driving record.
Finding Lost Traffic Ticket Information
Losing your traffic ticket does not excuse you from responding. You must still meet the answer date deadline. The CIB can help you find your ticket information. Call them at 860-263-2750 during business hours. You will need to provide your full name and date of birth.
You can also email CIB at Centralized.InfractionsBureau@jud.ct.gov. Include your name, date of birth, and approximate date of the violation. They can look up your ticket in the system. This process works for in-state and out-of-state drivers. Connecticut treats all drivers the same regardless of residence.
Out-of-state drivers face the same consequences for non-payment. Your home state will suspend your license if you fail to respond. Interstate agreements ensure that traffic violations follow you across state lines. Do not ignore a Connecticut ticket because you live elsewhere.
Browse Connecticut Traffic Records by County
Each of Connecticut's eight counties has courts that process traffic violations. Select a county below to find local courthouse information and resources for handling traffic tickets in that area.
Traffic Records in Major Connecticut Cities
Connecticut's larger cities have dedicated courthouses or share regional facilities for traffic cases. Choose a city to learn about local traffic court procedures and record access.
Note: Contact the court clerk before your visit to confirm hours and any required documents for your specific case type.
Contact Information for Traffic Court Records
Multiple agencies handle different aspects of Connecticut traffic court records. Knowing who to contact saves time and ensures you reach the right office. The Centralized Infractions Bureau serves as the primary contact for most traffic tickets. They handle payments, not guilty pleas, and general questions about infractions.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains a contact page at jud.ct.gov/contactus.htm. This page provides email options for various departments. You can reach Traffic Tickets, Court Service Centers, Law Libraries, and other court operations through their system.
For questions about driver's licenses, points, or suspensions, contact the DMV directly. Their Driver Services line at 860-263-5720 handles these matters. Email dmv.suspension@ct.gov for reinstatement questions. Visit portal.ct.gov/dmv for online services and additional contact options.