§ 13a-151 — Violation of load capacity of bridge. Liability for damages to vehicle not in violation.

Connecticut § 13a-151

• Jurisdiction: Connecticut
• Title 13a: Highways and Bridges
• Ch. 238: Highway Construction and Maintenance

Text

(a) The owner of a motor vehicle that crosses or attempts to cross any bridge posted with a maximum weight limit notice, as required by section 13a-121, when such vehicle has a gross weight in excess of the posted weight limit shall be liable to the authority bound to maintain such bridge for any damage to the structure resulting from the passage or attempted passage of such vehicle. (b) The authority having control of any bridge shall be responsible for any damage sustained by reason of the passage of any vehicle having a gross weight not in excess of the maximum weight prescribed in the notice provided for in section 13a-121 , provided such vehicle shall not be operated at a speed in excess of the posted speed limit for such bridge while crossing such bridge. See Sec. 14-269(c) re maximum weight of vehicle allowed to operate on any highway or bridge.

Legislative History

(1949 Rev., S. 2186, 2188; 1955, S. 1189d; 1958 Rev., S. 13-73, 13-75; 1963, P.A. 226, S. 151; 395; P.A. 21-175, S. 2.) History: 1963 acts changed proviso in Subsec. (b) from speed in excess of 25 miles per hour to in excess of posted speed limit and restated previous provisions: See title history; P.A. 21-175 amended Subsec. (a) by replacing “stated maximum safe load” with “posted weight limit”, deleting “shall constitute reckless driving by the operator of such vehicle and the owner of such vehicle” and making technical changes, effective July 12, 2021. When read with Sec. 14-222, amounts to a penal statute; where there was no evidence that the sign on the bridge was legible for 50 feet, defendants were not proven guilty of reckless driving beyond a reasonable doubt. 24 CS 155.