Juan R. Candelaria

Now that the new school year is underway, drivers need to remember to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and slow down in school zones. We have strengthened Connecticut’s laws to hold drivers accountable and help keep our children safe.

Under state law, drivers who fail to stop for a school bus displaying its flashing red lights face a $450 fine for the first offense. A second offense carries a $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the school bus stopping law for a third or subsequent time will also face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license.

Reminder: Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain until the lights are no longer displayed.

Please slow down, pay attention, and give our students the protection they deserve.

• Transit district: Bus passes are specific to the transit district or districts the Veteran uses
• 31-day validity: Bus passes are valid for 31 days from the date of first use. Veterans should request a new pass approximately 10 days before their current pass expires
• Online application: Veterans must apply for a bus pass online. For the initial application, Veterans will need to provide a copy of their Connecticut driver’s license or non-driver identification card with the Veteran indicator to verify eligibility
• Non-transferable: Bus passes are for the eligible Veteran’s use only and cannot be transferred to another person. Veterans must present their Connecticut driver’s license or non-driver identification card with the Veteran indicator when using the pass

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2026 will take place on Friday, September 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. across six statewide locations:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport at Wheeler Recreational Center - 400 University Avenue
• Bristol: DoubleTree by Hilton - 42 Century Drive
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial - 1 Memorial Drive
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point - 24 Stott Avenue
• Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs - 287 West Street
• Stamford: UConn Stamford - 1 University Place

Connecticut’s veterans, active duty, National Guard and reserve military personnel, and their immediate families are welcome to this “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans' organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the state. 

Held rain or shine.

Visit the DVA's dedicated Stand Down page for the most up-to-date information HERE. 
 

For any additional information, call 860-616-3772 or email standdown@ct.gov. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced a series of open houses to solicit feedback on the 2027-2030 State Rail Plan, to be held throughout September.

All meeting locations are ADA-accessible and conveniently located near local and regional transit services.

The Connecticut State Rail Plan is a federally required planning document that establishes a vision for passenger and freight rail transportation throughout the state and identifies strategies, policies, and potential investments to support Connecticut's rail network.

The plan helps guide future rail priorities and investments, supports economic activity and mobility, and informs transportation-related decisions across Connecticut and the broader Northeast region.

Click HERE for more information about the open houses and ways to provide comments and ask questions.