Connecticut § 14-96a - Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 14-96a — Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-96a. Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when.
Sec. 14-96a. Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when. (a) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state shall display such lighted lamps and illuminating devices as may be required under the provisions of sections 14-96a to 14-96aa, inclusive, (1) at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, (2) at any time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of five hundred feet ahead, and (3) at any time during periods of precipitation, including, but not limited to, periods of snow, rain or fog.
(b) Whenever in said sections any requirement is declared as to distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, such requirement shall apply during the times stated in subsection (a) of this section in respect to a vehicle without load when upon a straight, level, unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.
(c) Whenever in said sections any requirement is declared as to the mounted height of lamps or devices, such requirement shall mean the height measured from the center of such lamps or devices to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands when such vehicle is without a load.
(d) Failure to provide lighted lamps and illuminating devices at such time as required by this section shall be an infraction.
(1967, P.A. 834, S. 1, 2; P.A. 75-577, S. 27, 126; P.A. 87-230; P.A. 90-4; P.A. 05-288, S. 58.)
History: P.A. 75-577 added Subsec. (d); P.A. 87-230 amended Subsec. (a) to clarify that “unfavorable atmospheric conditions” include, but are not limited to, periods of snow, rain or fog; P.A. 90-4 rearranged Subsec. (a) dividing it into subdivisions, and added new language clarifying requirement re display of headlights during periods of precipitation; P.A. 05-288 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective July 13, 2005.
Cited. 216 C. 172.
Cited. 30 CA 917; 45 CA 165; Id., 722.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 14-96a
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 14-96a cover?
Section 14-96a ("Lighted lamps and illuminating devices required, when.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 14-96a?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 14-96a" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 14-96a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.