Green Driver State Incentives in Connecticut
Driving green might earn you green, thanks to Connecticut's money-saving state incentives for owners of fuel-efficient cars. Read on for details.
Note that CT incentives and green-vehicle laws might change as the effort to protect our planet increases. Two additional resources to keep pace with include your local Department of Motor Vehicles branch and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Connecticut Emissions Testing Exemptions for Fuel Efficient Cars
Only full electric-powered vehicles (non-hybrid) earn an exemption from Connecticut's bi-annual emission testing requirement that ties in with vehicle registration and registration renewal. Hybrid cars that partially rely on electric propulsion are not eligible.
If you have questions regarding exemptions or Connecticut's smog check policies as defined by the Department of Motor Vehicles, contact the Connecticut Emissions Program at (877) 469-2884 Owners of hybrid cars (and all other vehicles requiring an emissions check) can find a test center by city name or zip code. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to access our emissions test center locator.
For detailed smog information, visit our CT Smog & Emission Checks page.
Federal Tax Incentives for Green Vehicles
Though Connecticut does not offer any state incentives for individual drivers at this time, you might be eligible for a tax break by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. The Internal Revenue Service offers federal tax credits to owners of the following eco-friendly cars:
- Electric cars (EV).
- Hybrids.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
- Diesels.
- Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV).
To find out if you're eligible to save even more money, check out fueleconomy.gov.
If you have tax incentive-related questions, consider contacting a tax professional, the CT Department of Revenue Services and/or your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center when it comes time to file.
Weight Tolerance Exemption for Idle Reduction Technology
If you own a commercial motor vehicle installed with an auxiliary power unit (APU) or idle reduction technology, Connecticut grants you a weight tolerance exemption of up to 400 lbs to compensate for the added weight. To qualify, you might have to:
- Provide written certification of your unit's weight.
- Prove the unit is fully functional at all times—either in writing or via physical demonstration.
For specifics, refer to Connecticut General Statutes (Chapter 248, Section 14-267c) .
Auto Insurance Discounts for Eco-Friendly Driving and Green Vehicles
Save money on auto insurance rates with a Connecticut auto insurance provider that gives insurance discounts for having green driving habits and/or driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. These might include:
- Hybrid auto discounts.
- Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) discounts.
- Economy car discounts.
- Low-mileage discounts.
- Pay as you drive discounts.
Auto insurance discounts vary by provider and circumstances. With some insurance carriers you can save up to 10% for driving a hybrid and even more if you have low mileage.
If your current Connecticut auto insurance carrier doesn't reward eco-friendly driving, compare auto insurance rates online, and ink a deal with one that does.
Transportation & Climate Initiative of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States
Connecticut is one of the participating states of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI). This collaboration of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions aims to grow the clean energy economy, shrink oil dependence, and reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. As an eco-friendly driver, you might be interested in TCI's efforts to enhance the environment.
Find a Nearby CT Emission Testing Center
If you're the owner of a hybrid or hybrid SUV (or any other vehicle in need of a smog check), you'll need to visit a smog test station as part of Connecticut's vehicle registration process:
