Sec. 14-386a. Prohibited manner of operation. Penalty. Liability for property damage. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 14-386a. Prohibited manner of operation. Penalty. Liability for property damage. No person shall operate a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle in the following manner: (1) At an unreasonable or imprudent rate of speed for existing conditions; (2) in a negligent manner so as to endanger any person or property; or (3) while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-227a. Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (1) or (2) of this section, or any regulation relating thereto, shall be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars for each offense. Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (3) of this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 14-227a. In addition thereto, the operator or owner, or both, of a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, shall be responsible and held accountable to the owner of any land where trees, shrubs, crops, fences or other property have been damaged as a result of travel of such snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles over such land, or where consequential damage has resulted from such travel. Proof of the registration number of the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall be prima facie evidence in any prosecution or action for damages that the owner was the operator.

      (P.A. 76-381, S. 17; P.A. 06-147, S. 2.)

      History: P.A. 06-147 amended Subdiv. (3) to replace "while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by section 14-227a" with "while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, or both, as provided in subsection (a) of section 14-227a", made existing fine applicable only to violations of Subdiv. (1) or (2) of section or related regulation, and provided that any person who violates the provisions of Subdiv. (3) shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Sec. 14-227a.