CHAPTER 250*
GASOLINE AND MOTOR OIL SALES

Terms used in this chapter shall be construed as follows, unless another construction is clearly apparent from the language or context in which the term is used or unless the construction is inconsistent with the manifest intention of the General Assembly:
(1) The following terms shall be construed as they are defined in section 14-1: "Fuels", "motor vehicle" and "person";
(2) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Consumer Protection or any assistant to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection who is designated and authorized by, and who is acting for, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection;
(3) "Distributor" means any person, wherever resident or located, who imports fuels or causes fuels to be imported into this state, for sale or use; a person who produces, refines, manufactures or compounds fuels within this state; and a person who distributes gasoline by tank wagon in this state;
(4) "Local authority" means the selectmen or town manager of a town, the mayor of a city or the warden of a borough, except in any town or city having a zoning commission and a board of appeals, in which event "local authority" means the board of appeals;
(5) "United States Government Motor Gasoline" means gasoline which is or may be prescribed by the federal specification board of the United States government for use as fuel for motor vehicle, motor boat and similar engines;
(6) "United States Aviation Gasoline, Domestic Grade" means that gasoline which is or may be prescribed by the federal specification board of the United States government for use as aviation fuel; and
(7) "Retail dealer" means any person operating a service station, filling station, store, garage or other place of business for the sale of motor fuel for delivery into the service tank or tanks of any vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine.
(1949 Rev., S. 2535; P.A. 84-429, S. 43; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-9, S. 1, 10.)
History: P.A. 84-429 divided section into Subsecs., rephrased provisions, added definition of "local authority" in Subdiv. (3) and made other technical changes; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-9 deleted reference to "commissioner" in Subdiv. (1), inserted new definition of "commissioner" as Subdiv. (2) and renumbered remaining Subdivs. accordingly.
Cited. 131 C. 714.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) No person shall sell or offer for sale any gasoline or other product intended for use in the propelling of motor vehicles using combustion type engines over the highways of this state without having applied for and received from the commissioner a license to sell such gasoline or other product. Each person applying for any such license shall, in such application, state the location of each place or station where such person intends to sell or offer for sale any such gasoline or other product. Each such license shall be renewed annually. A license fee for each such place or station shall be charged as follows: For each station containing one pump, fifty dollars; and, for each station containing more than one pump, fifty dollars, plus fourteen dollars for each pump in excess of one. The fees shall be paid to the commissioner.
(b) The commissioner shall not refuse to grant or renew any license under this section on the ground that (1) any licensed activity shall be conducted by the licensee on real property on which shall also be located one or more other businesses, enterprises, or activities, whether or not licensed under section 14-52, owned or operated by one or more persons, other than the licensee, or (2) the licensee shall make use of any common areas or facilities together with the owner or operator of any such other business, enterprise or activity.
(c) In determining whether to grant or to renew any license under this section, the commissioner shall consider whether the applicant or licensee has been found in any judicial or administrative proceeding to have violated the requirements of subsection (c) of section 14-332a.
(1949 Rev., S. 2536; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 18; P.A. 83-489, S. 13, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 52, 62; 84-374, S. 2, 3; 84-391, S. 7, 8; P.A. 94-36, S. 21, 42; P.A. 98-128, S. 3, 10.)
History: 1961 act increased license fees; P.A. 83-489 increased license fees for each place or station as follows: For each station containing one pump, from seven to fourteen dollars; for each station containing more than one pump, from seven dollars plus two dollars for each pump in excess of one to fourteen dollars plus four dollars for each pump in excess of one; P.A. 84-254 periodically increased the fees scheduling the increases to take effect on July first of the following years: 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993; P.A. 84-374 divided section into Subsecs. and inserted new language in Subsec. (b), prohibiting the commissioner from refusing to grant or renew a gasoline sales license where another independently owned business shares the same property; P.A. 84-391 provided for the staggered renewal of gasoline sales licenses, deleting provision whereby licenses expired on first day of October following issuance; P.A. 94-36 amended Subsec. (a) by eliminating a staggered schedule of renewing licenses and a prorated license fee and made technical changes, effective January 1, 1995; P.A. 98-128 added Subsec. (c) to require commissioner to consider whether an applicant or licensee has violated the requirements of Subsec. (c) of Sec. 14-332a, effective July 1, 1998.
See Secs. 16a-6 and 16a-22d re information to be submitted by applicant.
See Sec. 21a-10(b) re staggered schedule of license renewals.
History of statutes concerning licensing of gasoline stations. 123 C. 312. Applicant for station in New Haven is not required to comply with section 14-321 before applying to commissioner under this section. 128 C. 701. Cited. 125 C. 720; 131 C. 715. Does not preclude zoning board from considering size of lot for proposed station in determining whether it will imperil public. 134 C. 155. Cited. 135 C. 709; 138 C. 326. A later decision of zoning appeals board constituted a conclusive determination that there had been a change in conditions and amounted to a revocation of certificate issued six years before. 139 C. 677. Cited. 139 C. 680; 140 C. 622; 142 C. 66; 144 C. 61; 147 C. 517; 149 C. 514, 515, 516.
Cited. 3 CA 556, 558.
Cited. 3 CS 224.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

No station or place of business for the wholesale or retail sale of gasoline shall be established or maintained in a place adjoining a state highway, or in a town or city containing fewer than ten thousand inhabitants according to the last-preceding census of the United States, unless the person establishing or maintaining such station has procured from the commissioner a certificate stating that, in the opinion of the commissioner, the location of such station or place of business will not imperil the safety of the public. The commissioner may revoke any such certificate whenever, in his opinion, such station will, by reason of its location, imperil the safety of the public. For the initial examination of the location of each such station there shall be charged the sum of one hundred dollars, and on and after July 1, 1985, one hundred fifty dollars, on and after July 1, 1989, two hundred twenty-five dollars, on and after July 1, 1991, two hundred eighty dollars, and on and after July 1, 1993, three hundred fifty dollars. For the examination of each pump which is to be added to or relocated on the premises of any licensed station and of the proposed location and plan of installation of such pump, there shall be charged a fee of fourteen dollars, and on and after July 1, 1985, twenty-one dollars, on and after July 1, 1989, thirty-two dollars, on and after July 1, 1991, forty dollars, and on and after July 1, 1993, fifty dollars. For the examination of the location of any such station upon the change of ownership of such station, there shall be charged a fee of fourteen dollars, and on and after July 1, 1985, twenty-one dollars, on and after July 1, 1989, thirty-two dollars, on and after July 1, 1991, forty dollars, and on and after July 1, 1993, fifty dollars.
(1949 Rev., S. 2537; 1959, P.A. 221, S. 1; 1961, P.A. 581, S. 19; February, 1965, P.A. 52; P.A. 83-489, S. 14, 17; P.A. 84-254, S. 53, 62.)
History: 1959 act increased fee for initial examination of location; 1961 act increased fees for examination of additional pumps and for examination of location on change of ownership; 1965 act added provision re relocated pumps; P.A. 83- 489 increased fees as follows: For the initial examination of the location of each such station, from fifty to one hundred dollars; for the examination of each pump to be added to or relocated on the premises of a licensed station and of the proposed location and plan of installation of such pump, from seven to fourteen dollars, and for the examination of the location of any such station upon the change of ownership of such station, from seven to fourteen dollars; P.A. 84-254 periodically increased the fees scheduling the increases to take effect July first of the following years: 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1993.
Action of commissioner is reviewable only where he has acted arbitrarily, illegally or abused his discretion. 117 C. 262. Cited. 149 C. 513, 514, 515. Revocation cannot be by letter and without hearing. 149 C. 517.
Cited. 3 CS 224.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Any person who desires to obtain a license for the sale of gasoline or any other product, under the provisions of section 14-319, shall first obtain and present to the commissioner a certificate of approval of the location for which such license is desired. The certificate of approval shall be obtained from the local authority of the town, city or borough where the station or pump is located or is proposed to be located. A certificate of approval shall not be required in the case of the transfer of the last issued license from one person to another provided no more than one year has elapsed since the expiration of such license, or in the case of a renewal of a license by the holder of the license, or in the case of the addition or discontinuance of pumps. If adjoining physical properties are altered or changed, the applicant shall conform to the provisions of this section. The commissioner shall not issue any license under the provisions of section 14-319 for which a certificate of approval is a prerequisite unless the certificate is presented to him within three years after the date on which it was issued.
(1949 Rev., S. 2538; February, 1965, P.A. 229; P.A. 82-460, S. 7; P.A. 84-429, S. 44.)
History: 1965 act changed provision re transfer of station to transfer of the last issued license and added requirement that license not be issued if a required certificate has not been presented within three years of its issuance; P.A. 82-460 provided that a license cannot be transferred if more than one year has elapsed since its expiration; P.A. 84-429 rephrased provisions, substituted term "local authority" for definitional language and made other technical changes.
See Sec. 14-331 re revocation or suspension of license.
Authority of mayor to issue or refuse certificate of approval of location. 109 C. 586. Denial of certificate of approval is reviewable only to determine if it was arbitrary, illegal or in abuse of discretion. 110 C. 80; 128 C. 264; id., 354. 1927 act applies in New Haven, and authority is in mayor, not board of appeals, by virtue of exception in 1929 act. 123 C. 311; 128 C. 264. 1927 act held unconstitutional; this section is an amendment of the 1929 act and does not apply to New Haven. 128 C. 701, 706. Cited. 134 C. 150. Plaintiff held not a "holder" seeking renewal of license and application must be based upon certificate of approval by the zoning board of appeals. 135 C. 706. Cited. 138 C. 326; 138 C. 453; 139 C. 681; 140 C. 622, 650. In passing on an application for a certificate of approval for the use of certain property for the retail sale of gasoline, a zoning board of appeals serves, not in a zoning capacity, but as an agent of the state to pass upon suitability of the location in view of traffic and other conditions, and to determine whether the proposed use of the location would imperil the safety of the public. 142 C. 64. Zoning board of appeals is acting as agency of the state in determining suitability. 143 C. 316. Cited. 144 C. 61. When acting under this section, a board of appeals is not dealing primarily with zoning but is performing a separate function delegated to it as an agency of the state. 147 C. 517; 148 C. 507. Cited. 149 C. 513, 514, 515. Prior to 1965 amendment, dicta to effect certificate of local authority must be presented within reasonable time after approval granted. Id., 516. For the board validly to reverse an earlier decision by granting a subsequent application for approval of the same location, there has to be a showing of material change in conditions, that is, a change which militated against the objections formerly relied on. 150 C. 75. Cited. 150 C. 511, 559. Board acts as an agent of the state under this section and section 14-322, its sole function being to determine if the site in question will be suitable according to statutory criteria designed to promote and protect the public safety. 153 C. 95. Disapproval of application on grounds of potential traffic hazard anticipated from planned nearby shopping center was within discretion of board. 153 C. 257. When acting under this section, zoning board of appeals is acting as a special statutory agent of the state. Id., 259. Where plaintiff's application to board does not make it clear whether a permit under the zoning ordinance or an approval under the statutes is requested, the board must decide each issue separately and the required number of votes for each must be met in order for the application to be approved. 154 C. 32, 36. Cited. 153 C. 433; 154 C. 540. Probative value of conflicting evidence of suitability of property is for the board to decide. 155 C. 350. Zoning board acting under this section as special statutory agent of state is governed by requirements of section 14-322. Id., 539. Nonconforming use as gasoline station may survive period when station had been used for automobile repair work. 158 C. 86. In passing upon application for approval of location, zoning board as administrative agency of state is required to hold hearing 158 C. 208. Proceedings under this section and section 14-322 are not zoning matters. Certificate of approval should not be issued where location is violative of zoning regulations. 159 C. 234. Cited. 170 C. 154.
Cited. 3 CA 556, 558.
Station operator enjoined by motor vehicle commissioner where zoning board issued certificate of approval in error. 1 CS 165. Cited. 4 CS 462. History discussed. 5 CS 1. Authority of zoning board to issue certificate of approval. Id. Statute not applicable to municipalities it did not affect before 1935. 5 CS 214. Cited. 8 CS 277; id., 499. Constitutionality. 10 CS 462. Cited. 26 CS 476, 478. Hearing provided for in section 14-322 must take place not less than two nor more than four weeks from filing of application and not merely be assigned during that period for some future date. 27 CS 112, 117, 118.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) The local authority shall, upon receipt of an application for the certificate of approval referred to in section 14- 321, assign it for a hearing within sixty-five days of such receipt. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in the town, city or borough where the proposed location is situated at least twice, at intervals of not less than two days, the first not more than fifteen, nor less than ten days, and the last not less than two days before the date of the hearing and sent by certified mail to the applicant not less than fifteen days before the date of the hearing. All decisions on such certificate of approval shall be rendered within sixty-five days of the hearing. The applicant may consent to one or more extensions of any period specified in this section, provided the total extension of any such period shall not be for longer than the original period as specified in this section. The reasons for granting or denying such application shall be stated by such official or board. Notice of the decision shall be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in such town, city or borough and sent by certified mail to the applicant within fifteen days after the decision has been rendered. The applicant for the certificate of approval shall pay a fee of ten dollars, together with the costs of publication and the expenses of the hearing, to the treasurer of such town, city or borough. No certificate of approval shall be issued unless the local authority finds that the location is suitable for the sale of gasoline and the other products referred to in section 14-319, due consideration being given to the proximity of schools, churches, theaters or playhouses or other places of public gatherings, intersecting streets, traffic conditions, width of highway and effect of public travel, and that such use of the proposed location will not imperil the safety of the public.
(b) If it is ascertained that a certificate of approval was procured by misrepresentation or fraud by the applicant, the local authority issuing the certificate may, after a hearing, revoke the certificate. Upon notice of revocation of the certificate of approval to the commissioner, the license issued by him pursuant to section 14-319 may be revoked.
(1949 Rev., S. 2539; 1967, P.A. 794; P.A. 82-89; P.A. 84-429, S. 45.)
History: 1967 act replaced specific time limits for hearing with requirement that hearing date be fixed at reasonable time; P.A. 82-89 changed the hearing procedures to conform with other planning and zoning statutes, replacing previous provisions which required that hearing be held at "reasonable time" and that notice be given the applicant and published three times in newspaper circulating within the town, city or borough not less than a week before the hearing date; P.A. 84-429 divided section into Subsecs., rephrased provisions, substituted term "local authority" for definitional language and made other technical changes.
This section does not require formal finding of facts by board, but minutes should contain full statement of action on application. 118 C. 179. Cited. 123 C. 315. Hearing must be public; deliberations of board may be private. 125 C. 721. Section 8-7 determines number of board members needed to act. 125 C. 720. Denial of application invalid where opponent heard without notice to applicant and opportunity to be heard. 128 C. 354. Whether location is proper is to be determined on basis of existing situation at time of application. Ultimate question is whether it will unduly imperil public. 134 C. 153. Cited. 138 C. 326. Board acted illegally or arbitrarily in denying application when plaintiff showed that use of site would not unduly imperil safety of public. 138 C. 452. Where one was not member of board at time of hearing and after appointment did not examine all the evidence, his vote was unlawful. 138 C. 464. Cited. 139 C. 682; 140 C. 622, 650. See note to section 14-321. If board grants certificate of approval which it previously refused, its minutes must set forth the change in conditions which warranted reversal of its previous decision. 147 C. 517. Where issue of public safety is fairly debatable, court could not substitute its discretion for that of board. 148 C. 507. Cited. 149 C. 514, 515. For board validly to reverse an earlier decision by granting a subsequent application for approval of the same location, there has to be a showing of a material change in conditions, that is, a change which militated against the objections formerly relied on. 150 C. 75. Cited. 150 C. 511, 512, 560, 561. Board acts as agent of state under this section and section 14-321, its sole function being to determine if the site in question will be suitable according to statutory criteria designed to promote and protect the public safety. 153 C. 95; id., 259. It is advisable for board to state reasons for actions taken by it under this section, at the risk that reviewing court will be unable to find any reasonable basis for the decision made. Id., 96. Disapproval of application on grounds of potential traffic hazard anticipated from planned nearby shopping center was within discretion of board. 153 C. 257. Where plaintiff's application to board does not make it clear whether a permit under zoning ordinance or an approval under the statutes is requested, board must decide each issue separately and required number of votes for each must be met for application to be approved. 154 C. 32, 36. Zoning board nowhere in the record showed it had considered all of the various factors this statute requires it to consider; hence appeals court correctly sustained plaintiff's appeal. 154 C. 540. Probative value of conflicting evidence of safety of public is for board to decide. 155 C. 350. Requirements of this section must be met by applicant for certificate of approval and unanimous decision of zoning board that there was "a reasonable question of safety at this site" on facts considered at hearing was not abuse of discretion and appeals court would not disturb board's denial of certificate. Id., 539. Cross examination of member of zoning board is not permissible either at hearing or on appeal. 158 C. 208. Certificates should not issue under this section where the proposed use violates local zoning ordinances. 159 C. 234. Cited. 170 C. 154.
Cited. 28 CA 500, 504.
History discussed. 5 CS 1. Cited. 5 CS 214. It is expected that gasoline stations will be located on streets where traffic is moderately heavy. 8 CS 499. Disadvantage in property value to a single owner resulting from the application of zoning restrictions does not ordinarily warrant relaxation in his favor. 10 CS 462. Mayor's memorandum on hearing for certificate of approval of property for gasoline station expunged from pleadings in common pleas court. 14 CS 16. Mayor acting as zoning board of appeals is vested with wide discretion which will be interfered with only when it is abused. Id., 42. Certificate of approval could not be granted until a zoning variance had been allowed plaintiff. 26 CS 476. Hearing must actually take place not less than two nor more than four weeks from filing of application and not merely be assigned during that period for some future date. 27 CS 112, 117, 118.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Section 14-323 is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 2540; 1959, P.A. 253, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 309, S. 1.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Any person aggrieved by the performance of any act provided for in sections 14-319 to 14-322, inclusive, by the local authority may take an appeal therefrom to the superior court for the judicial district within which such town or city is situated, or in accordance with the provisions of section 4-183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the judicial district of New Britain if the act was performed by the commissioner.
(1949 Rev., S. 2541; 1967, P.A. 309, S. 2; P.A. 76-436, S. 348, 681; P.A. 77-603, S. 39, 125; 77-604, S. 72, 84; P.A. 78-280, S. 5, 127; P.A. 84-429, S. 46; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4—6; P.A. 99-215, S. 24, 29.)
History: 1967 act replaced reference to repealed Sec. 14-323 with reference to Sec. 14-322; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court and added reference to judicial districts, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-603 replaced previous appeal provision with requirement that appeals be made in accordance with Sec. 4-183 except venue is in Hartford county; P.A. 77-604 restored provision re appeals to superior court and qualified venue provision for appeals in accordance with Sec. 4-183 so that Hartford county is site of appeal only if commissioner's act involved; P.A. 78-280 replaced Hartford county with judicial district of Hartford-New Britain; P.A. 84-429 substituted term "local authority" for definitional language and made another technical change; P.A. 88-230 replaced "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain" with "judicial district of Hartford", effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; P.A. 93-142 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-215 replaced "judicial district of Hartford" with "judicial district of New Britain", effective June 29, 1999.
Nature of appeal. 109 C. 585; 110 C. 82. Appeal from zoning board of appeals on gasoline license application must be taken under this section, not under section 8-8. 116 C. 556. Burden of proof that board acted improperly is upon appellants. 118 C. 178. Cited. 123 C. 315. No fatal objection to joinder of application for approval as to gasoline station under section 14-321 and application for approval as to repair business under section 14-54. 134 C. 151. In directing board to pursue the course which it selected the court encroached on administrative function of board. 138 C. 464. One may be aggrieved when he is affected only in a representative capacity. 139 C. 677. Trial court had no jurisdiction over appeal from action of commissioner in reinstating revoked certificate of approval of location since none of sections enumerated authorized commissioner to so reinstate. 149 C. 515. What constitutes being aggrieved when appealing from a finding of suitability of location under section 14-322. 150 C. 510. Plaintiffs must show that they are specially aggrieved. 151 C. 510.
Unconstitutional for board to refuse certificate on ground that public convenience does not require it. 3 CS 304. Cited. 5 CS 1; id. 214.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

No license shall be issued to sell gasoline or other fuels by means of any curb pump, or of any pipe or hose extending over or under any sidewalk, except the renewal of the license of such curb pump, pipe or hose, if the same was licensed for the sale of gasoline or other fuels on June 1, 1935, and has been continuously licensed for such purpose at such location since that date; and except that any such license may be transferred or devised by a holder thereof to his child or spouse.
(1949 Rev., S. 2542; February, 1965, P.A. 585.)
History: 1965 act added exception for transfer or devise to child or spouse of holder.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Any person licensed under section 14-319 to dispense motor fuel for sale to the public for any motor vehicle, as defined in subdivision (47) of section 14-1, except any such person who is licensed to so dispense such fuel at a retail food store which he owns and operates and which dispenses less than ten thousand gallons of gasoline in any one month, shall provide for free public use an air compressor for the purpose of tire inflation during the hours such premises are open for business. Each such licensee shall post a sign in a conspicuous location upon the premises and in such form as the commissioner may require, informing the public of the availability of an air compressor for free public use during the hours such premises are open. Such compressor shall be capable of producing at least eighty pounds per square inch pressure at the outlet.
(P.A. 79-260; P.A. 88-100.)
History: P.A. 88-100 required each licensee to post a sign informing public of availability of an air compressor for free public use.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Each retail dealer as defined in section 14-318 which offers self-service and full-service facilities for the sale of gasoline or motor fuel shall provide, at a self-service pump, upon request, refueling service to a handicapped driver of a vehicle which bears a special international symbol of access license plate issued pursuant to section 14-253a, at a price no greater than that which such dealer would charge the public to purchase gasoline or fuel without any refueling service. The provisions of this section shall not apply to dealers which sell gasoline or fuel, which (1) have remotely controlled pumps, or (2) are operated by a single cashier.
(P.A. 84-151.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Sec. 14-326. Gasoline sold for aircraft or other engines to be of United States standard. No person shall sell, offer for sale, deliver or have in possession for the purpose of sale, any article or product represented as gasoline for use in internal combustion engines used in aircraft that is not equal to or better in quality and specifications than that known as "United States Aviation Gasoline, Domestic Grade", or for use in such engines other than those used in aircraft that is not equal to or better in quality and specifications than that known as "United States Government Motor Gasoline".
(1949 Rev., S. 2543.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

All tests to determine the quality of gasoline or diesel fuel shall be made in accordance with the most recent revision of either Standard D439, Specification for Automotive Gasoline, or Standard D975, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, of Part 23 of the American Society for Testing and Materials.
(1949 Rev., S. 2544; P.A. 81-172, S. 16.)
History: P.A. 81-172 updated the method of testing gasoline and included a test for diesel fuel.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

As used in sections 14- 327a to 14-327e, inclusive:
(1) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Consumer Protection.
(2) The "American Society for Testing and Materials" means the scientific and technical organization established for the development of standards of characteristics and performance of materials, products, systems and services and the promotion of related knowledge.
(3) "Distributor" means any person who imports or causes to be imported into this state motor fuel for sale or use in this state or any person who produces, refines, blends, manufactures or compounds motor fuels within this state for sale or use in this state and includes any affiliate of either such person who purchases motor fuel for sale, consignment or distribution to another or receives motor fuel on consignment for consignment or distribution to his own motor fuel accounts or to accounts of his supplier, but does not include any person who is an employee of, or merely transports motor fuel for, such supplier.
(4) "Retailer" means any person engaged in the business of selling motor fuel to the general public for ultimate consumption.
(5) "Motor fuel" means (A) all products commonly or commercially known or sold as gasoline, including casinghead and absorption or natural gasoline, regardless of their classification or uses, (B) any liquid prepared, advertised, offered for sale or sold for use, or commonly and commercially used, as a fuel in internal combustion engines, including any liquid commonly referred to as "gasohol" which is prepared, advertised, offered for sale or sold for use, or commonly and commercially used, as a fuel in internal combustion engines, but excluding aviation fuel and liquefied petroleum gases.
(6) "Person" means a natural person, company, partnership, foreign or domestic corporation, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization, association and any other legal entity.
(P.A. 91-322, S. 1, 6; P.A. 95-79, S. 42, 189; 95-126, S. 24, 25.)
History: P.A. 95-79 redefined "person" to include a limited liability company, effective May 31, 1995; P.A. 95-126 amended the exclusion in Subdiv. (3) to substitute the phrase "transports motor fuel" for "serves as a common carrier providing transportation service", effective July 1, 1995.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Sec. 14-327b. Annual registration of distributors. Application for certificate of registration. Required information. Fee. (a) No distributor shall sell or offer to sell motor fuel in this state unless such distributor has first registered with the Department of Consumer Protection each type of motor fuel which he intends to sell and has received from the department a certificate of registration for each type of motor fuel which he intends to sell.
(b) Each distributor required to register with the department as provided in subsection (a) of this section shall apply annually to the commissioner, in writing on a form provided by the commissioner, for such certificate of registration.
(c) The application for a certificate of registration shall include: (1) The name and address of the person registering the motor fuel, (2) the name, brand or trademark under which the type of motor fuel will be sold, (3) the antiknock index or Cetane number, as is applicable, at which the motor fuel will be sold, (4) a certification that each individual type of motor fuel registered shall conform to the provisions of sections 14-327a to 14- 327e, inclusive, and (5) any other information required by the commissioner. A separate application shall be made for each type of motor fuel to be registered. Such application and its contents shall not be available to the public.
(d) Each application for a certificate of registration shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars.
(P.A. 91-322, S. 2.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 establishing standards for the quality of motor fuels sold or offered for sale in this state. The regulations shall be consistent with standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials, unless otherwise required by federal statute or regulation.
(P.A. 91-322, S. 3, 6.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) The commissioner or his authorized agent shall have free access, at all reasonable hours, to all places or premises where motor fuels intended for eventual sale to the public are stored or sold, for the purpose of testing such motor fuels in compliance with sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive. The commissioner or his authorized agent is authorized to take samples of such motor fuels and cause them to be tested. No distributor, retailer or person shall deny the commissioner or his authorized agent access to any such motor fuels for the purposes of testing in compliance with sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive.
(b) The commissioner or his authorized agents may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of any person and the production of any documentary material concerning any matter under investigation under sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive.
(c) If any person refuses to appear, to testify or to produce any documentary material when so ordered, the Attorney General, at the request of the commissioner, may apply to the Superior Court for such order as may be appropriate to aid in the enforcement of this section.
(d) The commissioner shall adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54 to carry out the provisions of sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive.
(P.A. 91-322, S. 4.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Sec. 14-327e. Hearing. Refusal to issue certificate of registration. Revocation or suspension of certificate of registration. Violations. Civil penalty. (a) The commissioner, after a hearing in accordance with chapter 54, may refuse to issue, revoke or suspend any certificate of registration issued to a distributor if the distributor does any of the following:
(1) Misleads, deceives or defrauds the public or the commissioner;
(2) Sells or attempts to sell any motor fuel which is not registered pursuant to sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive, or a motor fuel which is registered but does not conform to the standards of such registration; or
(3) Violates any of the provisions of sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive, or any regulation established thereunder.
(b) The commissioner, after a hearing in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, may impose a civil penalty of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars per day for any violation of sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive, or any regulation adopted thereunder. Such civil penalty may be imposed in addition to any action taken under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The commissioner may issue stop sale orders with respect to any motor fuel sold, offered for sale or intended to be sold to the public which does not conform to any registration or to any standards established by sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive, or the regulations adopted thereunder. No person shall sell or offer to sell any motor fuel in violation of the terms of such stop sale order.
(d) The Attorney General, at the request of the commissioner is authorized to apply to the Superior Court for an order temporarily or permanently restraining and enjoining any person from violating any provision of sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive, or from violating or refusing to comply with any order, stop sale order or civil penalty issued by the commissioner pursuant to sections 14-327a to 14-327e, inclusive.
(P.A. 91-322, S. 5.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Section 14-328 is repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 2545; 1951, S. 1410d; February, 1965, P.A. 474; P.A. 73-678, S. 10, 12; P.A. 74-285, S. 18, 20.)
See Sec. 16a-15.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) The standard gallon shall be the unit of measurement for all sales of gasoline, kerosene, fuel oils or similar substances sold or offered for sale for the purpose of creating power or heat. Each delivery of gasoline in a quantity of fifty gallons or more and each delivery of kerosene, fuel oil or similar substance in a quantity of five gallons or more shall be the complete contents of a vehicle tank or it shall be through a meter. Each such tank or meter shall be sealed by a sealer of weights and measures before being used. The term "vehicle tank", as used herein, means a container, which may or may not be subdivided into two or more compartments, mounted upon a wagon or motor truck and used for the delivery of such fluids. The term "compartment" means the entire tank whenever the tank is not subdivided; otherwise it means any one of those subdivided portions of the tank which are designed to hold such fluids. Each delivery through a meter shall be delivered through a meter equipped with a numeral reset counter, a register with a zero start or an accumulative ticket printer, which meters shall print an accurate record of all deliveries in gallons and tenths. Such ticket printer shall print the gallonage reading of the meter before and after delivery is made and each ticket shall be locked in the meter between readings so as to prevent fraud. Each delivery shall be accompanied by a delivery ticket and a duplicate thereof, on which shall be distinctly expressed in ink or other indelible substance, in gallons, or gallons and tenths when so required, the quantity of such fluid so delivered, with the name of the seller and the name of the purchaser of such fluid. One of such tickets shall be surrendered, upon demand, to the sealer of weights and measures, for his inspection, and such ticket or, when the sealer desires to retain the original ticket, a measure slip issued by the seller or his agent, shall be delivered to the purchaser or his agent or representative at the time of the delivery of such fluid. If the purchaser or his agent takes such fluid from the place of purchase, a delivery ticket showing the actual number of gallons, or gallons and tenths, delivered shall be given to the purchaser or his agent at the time of delivery. Delivery tickets shall bear the name or identification number of the seller's driver and shall be sequentially numbered. Copies of delivery tickets shall be retained by the seller for one year and shall be available for inspection during normal business hours. No seller, or agent of such seller, shall possess a delivery ticket which has been printed with a record of a delivery which has not occurred. The method of determining the number of gallons of any such fluid delivered shall be by measuring the same in measures that have been tested and sealed by a sealer of weights and measures.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to barge, railroad tank car, drum or slow flow meter delivery.
(c) The provisions of this section requiring meters to print tenths of a gallon shall not apply to bulk plant deliveries to a reseller, or bulk delivery of gasoline to service stations for resale. On other high-speed, large volume deliveries, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection may waive the one-tenth gallon requirement, upon request. On all of these deliveries the meters shall print an accurate record in gallons.
(d) Any person who, by himself or by his agent or employee, or as the employee or agent of another, violates any provision of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 43-9.
(1949 Rev., S. 2546; 1959, P.A. 565; 1961, P.A. 100; 1963, P.A. 104; 1967, P.A. 341, S. 1; P.A. 85-250.)
History: 1959 act added Subsec. (b) and amended Subsec. (a) by adding specifications for meter devices and provisions for recording gallons and tenths on delivery ticket; 1961 act amended Subsec. (a) by removing limitation of section to "retail" deliveries and added expiration date and renewal provisions for permit in Subsec. (b); 1963 act added exception for slow flow meter deliveries in Subsec. (c); 1967 act amended Subsec. (a) to delete provision re mailing of tickets, deleted Subsec. (b) detailing permits which allowed mailing of tickets, relettered former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (b) and inserted new Subsec. (c) re waiver of tenths printing requirement; P.A. 85-250 amended Subsec. (a) to require delivery tickets to bear the name or identification number of the seller's driver, to require such tickets to be numbered, to require sellers to retain copies of such tickets for a year, to require sellers to make such tickets available for inspection and to prohibit the possession of a delivery ticket which has been printed with a record of a delivery which has not occurred.
Cited. 40 CS 295—298.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Each person who sells, offers for sale or has in his possession for the purpose of selling any gasoline or any other product intended for motorboats or motor vehicles shall, at the request of the commissioner or any of his deputies or authorized representatives, furnish to the commissioner a statement in writing, giving the name and address of the person from whom such gasoline or other product was so purchased or obtained.
(1949 Rev., S. 2547.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Sec. 14-331. Penalty. Revocation or suspension of license. Bond. Appeal. Rights of franchisor. Any person, except a distributor, who violates any provision of this chapter or who makes any false statement to the commissioner, or to the local authority described in section 14-321, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars and, for any subsequent offense, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both, and his license may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be suspended or revoked. The commissioner may, after notice and hearing, suspend or revoke the license of any person he finds has violated any provision of any statute or regulation of this state or the federal government concerning his business as a licensee. If the commissioner makes such a finding, he shall require the licensee, as a condition to continued licensure or the reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license, to furnish a bond satisfactory to the commissioner in the amount of one thousand dollars, conditioned upon compliance with all laws concerning the business of the licensee and the regulations of the commissioner. This bond may be forfeited for any further violations. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall, upon notice from the Commissioner of Revenue Services of the name and address of any retail dealer licensed under this chapter who has failed to file any tax return required by the Commissioner of Revenue Services or to pay any tax due the state or to perform any act or duty imposed by the general statutes relating to gasoline or motor fuel, special fuel or motor bus taxes, suspend such retail dealer's license until such time as written notice from the Commissioner of Revenue Services has been received authorizing reinstatement. Any such person whose license has been suspended or revoked may appeal therefrom in accordance with the provisions of section 4-183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the judicial district of New Britain. Such appeals shall be preferred cases, to be heard, unless cause appears to the contrary, at the first session of the court. If the court, upon such appeal, determines that the license should not have been suspended or revoked, it may direct the commissioner to reissue the license, and, upon such appeal, costs may be taxed at the discretion of the court. Nothing in this chapter shall in any way affect, reduce or diminish the right of any franchisor to remain in business at any location for the sole reason that the franchisee has been subject to disciplinary action of any type pursuant to this chapter.
(1949 Rev., S. 2548; 1949, S. 1412d; 1959, P.A. 224, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 870, S. 104; P.A. 74-53, S. 2, 3; P.A. 76-436, S. 349, 681; P.A. 77-603, S. 40, 125; 77-614, S. 139, 610; P.A. 78-280, S. 5, 127; P.A. 82-245, S. 1; P.A. 88-230, S. 1, 12; P.A. 90-98, S. 1, 2; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-9, S. 2, 10; P.A 93-142, S. 4, 7, 8; P.A. 95-220, S. 4—6; P.A. 99-215, S. 24, 29.)
History: 1959 act provided for suspension of license on notice of nonpayment of tax or other default; 1971 act replaced superior court with court of common pleas, effective September 1, 1971, except that courts with cases pending retain jurisdiction unless matters deemed transferable; P.A. 74-53 made technical change; P.A. 76-436 replaced court of common pleas with superior court, effective July 1, 1978; P.A. 77-603 replaced previous appeal provisions with requirement that appeals be made in accordance with Sec. 4-183 except venue is in Hartford county; P.A. 77-614 replaced tax commissioner with commissioner of revenue services, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 78-280 replaced Hartford county with judicial district of Hartford-New Britain; P.A. 82-245 clarified violations which are grounds for revocation or suspension of license, adding specific reference to violation of federal law and added provisions regarding furnishing a bond after a violation and the rights of franchisors; P.A. 88-230 replaced "judicial district of Hartford-New Britain" with "judicial district of Hartford", effective September 1, 1991; P.A. 90-98 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1991, to September 1, 1993; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 91-9 substituted commissioner of consumer protection for commissioner of motor vehicles; P.A. 93-142 changed effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1993, to September 1, 1996, effective June 14, 1993; P.A. 95-220 changed the effective date of P.A. 88-230 from September 1, 1996, to September 1, 1998, effective July 1, 1995; P.A. 99-215 replaced "judicial district of Hartford" with "judicial district of New Britain", effective June 29, 1999.
Cited. 3 CS 224.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, governing the administration of all statutes relating to gasoline or any other product intended as a fuel for motor vehicles or internal combustion engines or relating to the sale of such gasoline or such other product, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) The commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, shall adopt emergency regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish a program to monitor and enforce compliance with the requirements of subsection (c) of section 14-332a.
(1949 Rev., S. 2549; P.A. 98-128, S. 4, 10.)
History: P.A. 98-128 added Subsec. (b) to require adoption of emergency regulations, effective May 27, 1998.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) As used in subsection (b) of this section: (1) "Surcharge" means any charge by a retail dealer to any person for the pumping or sale of gasoline or other product intended for use in the propelling of motor vehicles using combustion type engines which exceeds the amount of the posted retail price displayed on such price signs as may be required by law; and (2) "tie-in-sale" means any sale by a retail dealer of any petroleum product, except gasoline, or of any other product or merchandise or of any service which is made a condition for the purchase of gasoline.
(b) Any retail dealer that adds a surcharge to the price of gasoline or other product intended for use in the propelling of motor vehicles using combustion type engines sold by him at retail, or requires a tie-in-sale as a condition of such sale, shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 14-331. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit any charge for financing in accordance with sections 36a-675 to 36a-685, inclusive.
(c) (1) During the period commencing on July 1, 1998, and ending on October 1, 1998, upon the reduction in the tax required by section 12-458, that is effective July 1, 1998, and during the period commencing on July 1, 2000, and ending November 1, 2000, upon the reduction in the tax required by said section 12-458, that is effective July 1, 2000, each retail dealer shall, in accordance with subdivision (2) of this subsection, reduce the per-gallon price of gasoline or other product intended for use in the propelling of motor vehicles using combustion type engines sold by such retail dealer at retail in an amount equal to the amount of the reduction in such tax that is imposed on each gallon of such gasoline or other product. Such retail dealer shall maintain any such price reduction in effect for a period of not less than one hundred twenty days after such tax reduction.
(2) The price reduction required by subdivision (1) of this subsection shall take effect not later than (A) two days following the effective date of the applicable tax reduction, or (B) the close of business on the business day on which the retail dealer has completed the sale of an amount of such gasoline or other product equal to the total number of gallons of such gasoline or other product in the inventory of the retail dealer at midnight on the effective date of such tax reduction, whichever is later.
(3) Any retail dealer that violates this subsection shall be subject to the penalties set forth in section 14-331. A violation of this subsection shall be deemed an unfair or deceptive trade practice under subsection (a) of section 42-110b.
(4) The following shall be affirmative defenses to any action or administrative proceeding brought against a retail dealer under section 14-331 or chapter 735a for an alleged violation of this subsection: (A) An increase in the wholesale price of such gasoline or other product that occurs after any such tax reduction; (B) an increase in any other tax imposed on such gasoline or other product that occurs after any such tax reduction; or (C) any other bona fide business cost increase incurred by a retail dealer and upon which the retail dealer relied in making the decision to forego the implementation or continuation of any such price reduction in whole or in part.
(P.A. 74-53, S. 1, 3; P.A. 98-128, S. 5, 10; P.A. 00-170, S. 14, 42.)
History: P.A. 98-128 added Subsec. (c) to establish specific requirements for the period July 1, 1998, to October 1, 1998 re reduction in per-gallon price of gasoline and amended Subsec. (a) to delete definition of "retail dealer" and make technical changes, effective May 27, 1998; P.A. 00-170 amended Subsec. (c)(1) to add requirements for reduction of gasoline prices during the period July 1, 2000, to November 1, 2000, effective July 1, 2000.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Secs. 14-333 to 14-341. Distributor's license. Records and sales slips. Gasoline tax. Suspension or revocation of distributor's license. Receipts to be added to Highway Fund. Sections 14-333 to 14-341, inclusive, are repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 2550—2557, 2559; November, 1949, S. 1414d; 1953, S. 1413d, 1415d, 1416d; June, 1955, S. 1414d; November, 1955, S. N165; 1957, P.A. 170; 543, S. 1, 2; 620, S. 1; 1959, P.A. 132, S. 29; 241, S. 1; 579, S. 26.)
See Secs. 12-456—12-461, 12-463, 12-476.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

(a) No person, firm or corporation shall sell or offer or expose for sale any motor lubricating oils used in motor vehicles in such manner as to deceive the purchaser as to the nature, quality and identity of such product.
(b) No person, firm or corporation shall expose for sale, offer for sale or sell, from any tank or container or other distributing device or equipment, any other motor lubricating oils than those indicated by the name, trade name, symbol, sign or other distinguishing mark or device of the manufacturer or distributor, appearing upon the tank, container or other distributing equipment from which the same are sold, offered for sale or distributed.
(c) No person, firm or corporation shall expose for sale, offer for sale or sell, under any trademark or trade name in general use, any motor lubricating oils, except those manufactured or distributed by the manufacturer marketing motor lubricating oils, under such trademark or trade name; or substitute, mix or adulterate the motor lubricating oils sold, offered for sale or distributed under such trademark or trade name; or refill used packages or containers, which have contained goods sold under a trademark, unless with products of the same manufacturer and of the same grade. No person, firm or corporation shall sell or offer for sale, as lubricating oil, any oil that has been rerun, refiltered, reclaimed or refined from crankcase draining, or any other oil that has been used for purposes of lubrication, unless such oil is sold and labeled "reconditioned motor oil", and such person, firm or corporation shall, upon the request of the commissioner, disclose the source of supply of the above-named products.
(d) Any person, firm or corporation which violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or both for each offense.
(1949 Rev., S. 2560; 1949, S. 1417d.)

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)

Sections 14-343 and 14-344 are repealed.
(1949 Rev., S. 1419d, 2561; 1953, S. 1418d; 1957, P.A. 666; 1959, P.A. 132, S. 29; 579, S. 26.)
See Secs. 12-462, 12-464.

(Return to List of Chapters)

(Return to List of Titles)