Connecticut § 53-210 - Refusal to relinquish telephone party line.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 53-210 — Refusal to relinquish telephone party line., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53-210. Refusal to relinquish telephone party line.
Sec. 53-210. Refusal to relinquish telephone party line. No person shall wilfully refuse to relinquish a party line when informed that such line is needed for an emergency call to a fire department or police department or for medical aid or ambulance service, or secure the use of a party line by falsely stating that such line is needed for an emergency call. As used in this section, “party line” means a subscriber line telephone circuit, consisting of two or more main telephone stations connected therewith, each station with a distinctive ring or telephone number, and “emergency” means a situation in which property or human life is in jeopardy and the prompt summoning of aid is essential. Violation of this section shall be an infraction as provided for in sections 51-164m and 51-164n.
(1957, P.A. 375, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 517, S. 126; P.A. 75-577, S. 10, 126.)
History: 1961 act made grammatical correction in definition of emergency; P.A. 75-577 restated provisions and replaced maximum fine of $50 with statement that violation is an infraction as provided in Secs. 51-164m and 51-164n.
See Sec. 53a-183b re interfering with emergency call as class A misdemeanor.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 53-210
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 53-210 cover?
Section 53-210 ("Refusal to relinquish telephone party line.") 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 § 53-210?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 53-210" (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 § 53-210 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.