Connecticut Launches Distracted Driving Crackdown

Statewide enforcement and awareness campaign aims to curb dangerous phone use behind the wheel

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:20pm

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced a statewide distracted driving enforcement and public awareness campaign in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Law enforcement agencies across the state will ramp up efforts to identify and cite drivers using phones or other electronic devices while driving, as part of the 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' initiative running throughout April 2026.

Why it matters

Distracted driving remains a serious safety issue, with national data showing over 3,200 fatalities in 2023 due to crashes involving inattentive drivers. In Connecticut alone, there were over 5,200 distracted driving crashes in 2023, resulting in 12 deaths and 78 serious injuries. This campaign aims to raise awareness and change behaviors to improve road safety.

The details

The enforcement crackdown will see police departments across Connecticut actively looking for and ticketing drivers who are texting, using handheld devices, or otherwise distracted behind the wheel. Alongside these efforts, the state will continue its public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of diverted attention on the road.

  • The 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' campaign will run from April 1 through April 30, 2026.

The players

Connecticut Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for transportation infrastructure and safety initiatives.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

A federal agency that partners with states on traffic safety programs and data collection.

Connecticut State Police

The state law enforcement agency that will participate in the distracted driving enforcement efforts.

Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger

Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Driving requires your full attention every second you're on the road. Even a brief distraction, such as checking a notification or sending a quick text, can lead to devastating consequences. This campaign is a reminder that distracted driving is dangerous, illegal, and entirely preventable.”

— Garrett Eucalitto, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner

“Connecticut State Troopers see the devastating and tragic effects of distracted driving on our roads and highways every day. Distracted driving crashes are preventable – I urge all drivers to keep their full attention on the road.”

— Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police

“Police departments across Connecticut will be actively enforcing distracted driving laws throughout April. Reducing distracted driving is a shared responsibility, and we urge drivers to put their phones down and stay focused so everyone can travel safely.”

— Josh Bernegger, Watertown Police Chief, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee

What’s next

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will continue its public awareness campaign on the dangers of distracted driving beyond the April enforcement period.

The takeaway

This crackdown on distracted driving in Connecticut is a critical step in improving road safety and reducing the tragic loss of life caused by inattentive behaviors behind the wheel. By combining enforcement with education, the state aims to change driver habits and reinforce the message that no call, text, or social media post is worth risking a crash.