5 Things in Connecticut That Are Surprisingly Illegal

Many crimes in Connecticut are well-known and common knowledge like no drinking and driving, don’t steal, don’t carry illegal drugs, or avoid violating the speed limit. However, Connecticut has a number of lesser-know laws that often catch people off guard. Whether you have lived in Connecticut you’re entire life, just moved here, or are just stopping by, you should understand what you should and shouldn’t do, and avoid criminal charges and costly fines in the process.

Here are 5 things that are surprisingly illegal. Understanding them can help you avoid trouble in Connecticut.

1. Recording a Phone Call Without Consent

   In many states, you can record a phone call as long as you are part of the conversation. This is called one-party consent. Connecticut is different.

   Connecticut is a two-party consent state. This means that every single person involved in a telephone conversation, must know they’re being recorded and agree to being recorded. Recording someone secretly can result in criminal charges and potential civil liability. This applies to phone conversations, Facetime calls, Zoom meetings, Teams meetings, and any real-time virtual conversation where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

   Why this matters: Many people are tempted to record conversations especially in divorce and custody cases, criminal cases, and cases involving high conflict. It can be frustrating when you believe someone is potentially providing proof of something over the phone, but keep in mind, not only are secret recordings like this illegal, but they will not be allowed in a court of law as evidence anyways, so doing this cannot benefit you in any legal case.

2. Driving With Headphones in Both Ears

   You can listen to music in your vehicle at any time, but covering both ears with headphones or earbuds is not allowed.

   Connecticut law allows one ear to be covered at a time, not both. The idea is that drivers must be able to hear law enforcement or emergency vehicles’ sirens to move over, other car horns, or other sounds that could alert the driver to a hazardous situation for themselves or someone else.

   If you are caught driving with both ears covered, you will face a traffic ticket and a fine, and in some cases, you could be considered at-fault if you are in a motor vehicle accident.

3. Having an Open Container of Alcohol in the Car

   In Connecticut, you cannot have an open container of alcohol in your car. This applies to the driver and any passengers. So, even if the passenger in the back seat has an open can of beer and never sits in the driver’s seat or drives the car, you can still be in violation of this law. This law often catches people off guard, especially visitors, because many states do allow open containers of alcohol. You must make sure that none of your passengers open alcohol in your car to avoid trouble.

4. Carrying Certain Self-Defense Items Without a Permit

   In Connecticut, you can legally carry pepper spray, and certain other self-defense items. However, certain self-defense items are much more restricted. Connecticut outright bans the following items:

   Blackjacks

   Brass knuckles

   Expandable batons

   Switchblade knives

   Possessing one of these items can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. Weapons charges of any kind can carry serious criminal penalties in Connecticut, including jail time. This is important because if police find one of these restricted items upon a search of your person or vehicle, it will lead to charges, even if you never used it in self-defense.

   This law is also often misunderstood because Connecticut differs from other states and if you’ve done any online shopping for self-defense items, you’ll see that these banned items are very easily accessible for purchase.

5. Leaving Your Car Running While Unattended

   For Connecticut residents, this is a tricky one. Especially in the cold, winter months. Many cars are equipped with remote-start, so the car can warm up before getting inside of it to drive. This seems harmless, but in Connecticut, it’s technically illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while running.

   This law is designed to protect against car thefts and accidents, but can have the opposite affect when the car owner is the one getting in trouble due to this law.

   You need to stay within immediate reach of your vehicle to avoid this violation.