Trucking in Connecticut
Connecticut looks small on a map but packs three surprises that catch truckers off guard. The Highway Use Fee charges every truck 26,000 lbs or heavier a per-mile tax on any CT highway — $0.025 to $0.175 per mile depending on weight, with quarterly filing required even for zero miles. The Merritt Parkway bans every commercial vehicle along its entire length, with 40+ low-clearance bridges that will trap any truck that tries. And I-95 through southwest CT between Greenwich and Bridgeport ranks among the worst congestion corridors in the country, routinely adding 30-60 minutes during rush hours.
CT insurance minimums of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 are moderate compared to the region. The $25,000 property damage minimum is significantly higher than Pennsylvania $5,000 or Delaware $10,000. Connecticut is an at-fault state with required UM/UIM coverage. Vehicles carrying 8+ passengers face a $1,500,000 minimum liability requirement. Vehicles with GVWR over 18,000 lbs (intrastate) or 10,000 lbs (interstate) must report insurance annually to CT DMV. Federal minimums of $750,000 apply to all interstate for-hire carriers, and RMS recommends $1,000,000 CSL — I-95 congestion means higher collision frequency through the Bridgeport-Stamford corridor.
The state operates 6 fixed weigh stations plus extensive mobile enforcement. Greenwich on I-95 NB and Union on I-84 WB use WIM pre-screening. Portable scale teams patrol I-84, I-91, I-95, and I-395. PrePass and Drivewyze bypass services are expanding in CT. Truck parking is limited throughout the state, especially in southwest CT near the I-95 congestion zone — service area spots fill early, with better options available on I-84 and I-91 corridors.
Starting a Trucking Company in Connecticut?
If you’re launching a new carrier in Connecticut, our free guide walks you through every step from business formation to passing your first FMCSA safety audit. Start with the decision guide or jump to insurance costs for new authorities.
Major Trucking Corridors in Connecticut
Connecticut Trucking Insurance Requirements
State Minimums (Intrastate)
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
Federal Minimum (Interstate)
$750,000
Required for interstate for-hire carriers
RMS Recommendation: We recommend $1,000,000 CSL for most carriers. Most brokers and shippers require $1M, and it protects your personal assets.
Coverage Types for Connecticut Truckers
Major Freight Hubs in Connecticut
Hartford Distribution Corridor
I-84 and I-91 intersection hub serving New England distribution with access to Hartford warehouse district.
Connecticut Trucking Regulations
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Highway Use Fee | Per-mile tax for vehicles 26,000+ lbs GVW. $0.025-$0.175/mile. Quarterly filing required even for zero CT miles. |
| Merritt Parkway Ban | 7,500 lbs GVW max, 8 ft height limit, 40+ low-clearance bridges. All commercial vehicles and trailers prohibited. |
| OS/OW Rush Hour Ban | No oversize/overweight movement during 6:30-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Extra-large loads limited to Tuesday-Thursday 9 AM-4 PM. |
| Chain Season | Chains and studded tires allowed November 15 through April 30 only. No mandatory chain requirement exists. |
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Connecticut Trucking Insurance FAQ
What is Connecticut Highway Use Fee and do I have to pay it?
The Highway Use Fee is a per-mile tax for all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 lbs or more operating on any Connecticut highway. Rates range from $0.025/mile (26,000-28,000 lbs) to $0.175/mile (over 80,000 lbs). You must register with CT Department of Revenue Services before operating and file quarterly through the myconneCT portal -- even if you drove zero miles in CT that quarter.
Can I drive a truck on the Merritt Parkway?
Absolutely not. The Merritt Parkway has a 7,500 lb GVW limit, an 8-foot height limit, and 40+ low-clearance historic overpasses. All trailers, tractor-trailers, rental trucks, and RVs are prohibited along the entire length. The Wilbur Cross Parkway has similar restrictions. Both run parallel to I-95 -- use I-95 instead.
How much does the Highway Use Fee cost per trip through Connecticut?
An 80,000 lb truck driving 100 miles through CT pays approximately $17.50 in Highway Use Fee. A carrier crossing CT twice weekly at 100 miles each way at the maximum rate pays roughly $1,800 per year in HUF alone. The fee is reported and paid quarterly through the myconneCT portal.
Where are the weigh stations in Connecticut?
CT has 6 fixed weigh stations: Greenwich (I-95 NB, WIM capable), Danbury (I-84 EB), Middletown (I-91 NB), Union (I-84 WB, WIM capable), and Waterford (I-95 NB and SB). CT also runs extensive mobile enforcement with portable scales at locations on I-84, I-91, I-95, and I-395.
When can I move oversize loads through Connecticut?
Standard oversize/overweight loads move daylight hours Monday through Friday only, with blackout periods during rush hours (6:30-9 AM and 4-6 PM). Loads over 13 foot 6 wide or 14 feet tall are restricted to Tuesday through Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM only. Many CT bridges require capacity reviews for heavy or wide loads.
Does Connecticut have toll roads?
No. Connecticut has no toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. However, the Highway Use Fee functions as an effective truck toll -- you pay per mile driven on any CT highway. E-ZPass is not needed within CT itself, but is critical for travel to neighboring New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.