Teen Driving: New Laws For 16 and 17 Year-Old Drivers
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 New Teen Driving Laws for
16- and 17-Year-Olds

 

 

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Learner Permit Restrictions for 16/17 Year Olds:

 

Passenger

Only a parent, legal guardian or qualified trainer for the duration of the permit.

Curfew

No curfew, but must be accompanied by a qualified trainer.

 

Seatbelts

All passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.

Cell phones, etc.

May not use cell phones (even if hands-free) or other mobile electronic devices while driving.  This includes any hand-held computer or other device with a video display.

 

 

Driver License Restrictions for 16 and 17 Year Olds who Obtained a Driver License on and after 8/01/08

Passenger

For the first 6 months after obtaining a driver license, may only drive with:

  • Parents or legal guardian at least one of whom holds a valid driver license
  • Licensed driving instructor or
  • Person providing instruction who is at least 20 years old, has held a license for at least 4 years with no suspensions during the last 4 years

For the second 6 months, may drive with the above people and may also drive with immediate family (e.g., brothers, and sisters).

 

Curfew

Until 18th birthday, may not drive between hours of 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. unless it is for:

  • employment
  • school
  • religious activities
  • medical necessity

*See exemptions below

Seatbelts

Until 18th birthday, all passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.

Cell phones, etc.

Until 18th birthday, may not use cell phones (even if hands-free) or other mobile electronic devices while driving.  This includes any hand-held computers or other device with a video display.

 

 

*Passenger and Curfew Exemptions:

The passenger and curfew restrictions do not apply to:

  • active members of a volunteer fire company or department responding to an emergency
  • active member of volunteer ambulance service or company responding to an emergency

Driver License Restrictions for 16 and17 Year Olds who Obtained a Driver License before 8/01/08

Passenger

·   For first 3 months, only parents or qualified trainer.

·    For second 3 months, parents, qualified trainer or immediate family (e.g., brothers and sisters).

 

Curfew

Until 18th birthday, may not drive between hours of Midnight – 5 a.m. unless it is for:

  • employment
  • school
  • religious activities
  • medical necessity

*See exemptions below

Seatbelts

Until 18th birthday, driver and front passengers must be seat belted

 

Cell phones, etc.

Until 18th birthday, may not use cell phones (even if hands-free)

*Passenger/Curfew Exemptions:

The passenger and curfew restrictions do not apply to:

  • active members of a volunteer fire company or department responding to an emergency
  • active member of volunteer ambulance service or company responding to an emergency
  • actice member of the Safe Ride Program

Motorcycle Restrictions for 16/17 Year Olds

Passenger

·         For first 6 months, no passengers.

 

Motorcycle Restrictions for 18 Year Olds and Older

Passenger

·         For first 3 months, no passengers.

 

Additional Restriction for 16/17 Year Old Permit/License Holders:

 

May not operate any public service vehicle or vanpool vehicle.


 





Content Last Modified on 10/1/2009 10:51:22 AM





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