Driving while streaming? CT could close ‘loophole’ letting drivers watch videos behind the wheel
Connecticut doesn't explicitly ban watching videos while driving, especially on a car's dashboard display. The state transportation commissioner urged lawmakers to close what he called a dangerous "loophole."
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When you think of distracted driving, you probably think about texting. But a new danger is lurking – drivers watching videos behind the wheel.
And in some cases, it could be legal.
Connecticut’s transportation commissioner calls it a dangerous “loophole.” On Wednesday, he urged state lawmakers to close it.
LEGAL GRAY AREA
Briana Dancy, of Norwalk, spends up to 10 hours a day on her phone.
“Too much, too much,” she said.
But not while she is driving.
“Oh, of course not.”
Dancy was surprised to learn that Connecticut doesn't clearly ban watching videos behind the wheel.
Although state law prohibits drivers from using hand-held mobile devices, streaming videos is a gray area – especially when they are played on a car's dashboard display or a phone that isn't in your hand.
“Connecticut’s current hands-free driving laws were passed in 2005. Since then, technology has advanced very quickly,” Connecticut Department of Transportation commissioner Garrett Eucalitto told lawmakers on Wednesday. “At the time, portable DVD players and texting were the primary technologies of concern with distracted driving.”
Aftermarket devices allow drivers to display video content on a car's infotainment system using CarPlay or Android Auto connections.
NEW RULES COMING?
Two new bills would specifically classify viewing videos – including on a car’s infotainment system – as distracted driving, which carries a $200 fine for the first offense. The law would not apply to parked vehicles, navigation systems or backup cameras.
The penalties are even stricter in a highway work zone.
Streaming videos in a work zone would be considered reckless driving, which can lead to a 90-day license suspension.
Some lawmakers worry that the legislation creates even more confusion.
“I’m deeply concerned about the ambiguity, whether or not this could actually be enforceable,” said state Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-Suffield). “If you start specifying one thing, does it all of a sudden exclude the others?”
But supporters said it’s important to clear up confusion about what is legal and what is not.
“We think these video converters are already illegal,” said state Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford). “However, there is an argument to be made that technology is rapidly changing and we don’t specifically speak to some of these devices.”
DANGEROUS ROADS
One thing everyone agrees on? Drivers who aren’t paying attention is a growing problem.
In 2025, Connecticut State Police initiated 2,808 traffic stops solely for distracted driving.
“Sometimes when you’re busy and watching videos, you don’t focus on the front, what people are doing in the front,” said Rigaud Francois, of Norwalk. "When I'm driving, I focus on what I'm doing."
Dancy thinks a new, clearer law would help. “I mean, I already assumed that it was,” she said. “I feel like it is a distraction.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
You can submit written testimony these bills HERE and HERE.
One bill cleared the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee on Monday, while the other is awaiting a vote in the Judiciary Committee.
