Connecticut Driving Laws and Rules of the Road
Connecticut's rules of the road blend statewide statute with a few quirks worth memorizing. Start with right-of-way: at an uncontrolled intersection the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right. A vehicle already in the intersection has the right-of-way, and left-turning traffic yields to oncoming traffic going straight or right. At a four-way stop, proceed in arrival order and never assume a wave-through from another driver overrides the rules.
Speed limits are a classic trap. Unless posted otherwise, Connecticut's statutory limit is 25 mph in business and residential districts and 55 mph on most rural highways, with posted limits controlling where they exist. School zones and construction zones carry reduced limits when workers or children are present. Questions love the phrase "unless otherwise posted" - the default applies only absent a sign.
Passing is prohibited on the left when approaching a hill crest, curve, or railroad crossing where visibility is limited, and you may never pass on the shoulder or across a solid yellow line. On multi-lane roads, slower traffic keeps right. Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants and for all passengers under a specified age; children must be in an appropriate child restraint. Connecticut also restricts handheld phone use while driving.
Traps to watch: questions about who goes first at a T-intersection (the through road has priority), whether a yellow light means stop if safe (yes), and the difference between a full stop and a rolling stop at a stop sign (a complete stop behind the line or crosswalk is required).
Worked example: You arrive at a four-way stop at the same moment as a car to your right. You must yield and let that car proceed first - the "yield to the right" rule resolves the tie.