Just a few months after installing a statewide technology upgrade—which may have played a part in causing average wait times to soar last fall—the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is once again facing the fallout from issues caused by the new software.
A backlog stemming from the installment of the new program has led to some CT drivers being falsely labeled as having suspended vehicle registrations. That issue has, in turn, resulted in many residents being pulled over and ticketed due to the incorrect information.
The issue stems from the state policy having the DMV share registration status data with police across Connecticut – a routine which will be suspended while the problem with the technology is sorted out, CT DMV Commissioner Andres Ayala, Jr. said.
While the issue was discovered earlier this month, the fix won’t be immediate, and the backlog will cause some information to remain inaccurate for longer periods. Once the issue is resolved, the DMV will continue sharing information with police.
In the meantime, the state agency will be offering refunds for anyone who has had continuous insurance coverage on their vehicle, but was fined for a suspended vehicle registration any time between August 18, 2015 to January 9, 2016.
As well as refunding the cost of the ticket, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will refund:
- The $200 insurance compliance fine.
- Any costs related to towing.
To apply for a refund, residents must:
- Complete the DMV fee refund form.
- Check “other” for “Reason for Refund,” and write in “insurance fine refund.”
- Include with or on the form:
- Your daytime telephone number.
- Copies of receipts for infractions, tickets, and/or towing-related fees paid.
- Send the above information to ichelp@ct.gov.
You can also mail the above information to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
Attn: Insurance Refund
