How to Start a Food Truck in Connecticut: The Ultimate 2024 Guide
One should identify strategic locations and events in Connecticut that attract a large crowd, ideal for a food truck business. Developing a menu that resonates with the culinary preferences of Connecticut's residents can significantly contribute to the success of a food truck. Consider the weather and seasonal factors in Connecticut when planning the operation schedule and menu for the food truck.
Example
Food Trucks in Connecticut
Smetana Food Truck
Eastern European food
Soulfully Vegan - Food Truck
Vegan food
East Coast Pizza Truck
Pizza
Summarized Business Regulations for Cottage Food Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut's Cottage Food Operation refers to a program allowing individuals to prepare certain low-risk foods in their home kitchens for sale directly to consumers. It permits the production of baked goods, jams, jellies, and other specified items, enabling entrepreneurs to start small-scale food businesses without the need for a commercial kitchen. However, there are limitations on sales venues and annual income, and specific labeling and registration requirements must be adhered to under this program.
Find a Food Truck for Sale in Connecticut
How to Register and Title Your Food Truck in Connecticut [2025]
In Connecticut, food trailers must be registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
To register, you’ll need the trailer’s title, a completed registration application (Form H-13B), proof of insurance for the towing vehicle, and payment for fees. Registration costs $20 annually for trailers weighing less than 3,000 lbs, and $40 for trailers exceeding that weight. A $5 Clean Air Act fee also applies. Farm-use trailers are exempt from registration.
Title costs are $25, and new registrations also incur a $10 administrative fee.
Insurance Coverage for Food Trailers in Connecticut
Trailers with a GVWR exceeding 10,000 lbs require a safety inspection before registration. VIN verification is also necessary if the trailer is newly purchased out of state. Inspections cost $20 and must be conducted at a DMV inspection lane.
Food trailers used commercially are subject to periodic DOT inspections. Trailers under 10,000 lbs are exempt from routine inspections unless title transfers from another state.
Connecticut Food Trailer Height, Width, and Length Limits
Connecticut permits trailers up to 8.5 feet in width, 13.5 feet in height, and 65 feet in combined vehicle-trailer length. The GVWR must not exceed 80,000 lbs unless a special permit is obtained.
Oversize permits cost $23 and require submission of Form OS-1 at least 48 hours before travel. Operating oversized trailers without permits results in fines up to $500.
Connecticut Food Trailer Braking System Requirements
Trailers with a GVWR of 3,000 lbs or more must have functioning brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 30 feet at 20 mph.
Electric or hydraulic brakes are permissible. Safety breakaway devices are also required for trailers exceeding this threshold. Trailers under 3,000 lbs are exempt from brake requirements but must have functioning lights.
Lighting, Reflectors, and Safety Chains Requirements for Food Trailers in Connecticut
Connecticut mandates all trailers to have two red tail lights visible from 500 feet, amber reflectors on the sides, and a white license plate light. Turn signals and brake lights are also required. Safety chains rated for the trailer’s full GVWR must connect the hitch to the towing vehicle. Reflectors must be mounted at the trailer's widest points.