7/27/2008
The following are changes in state laws affecting 16- and 17-year-old drivers beginning Friday.
LEARNER'S PERMIT
- Required for 16- and 17-year-olds, vision and knowledge test required.
- Must complete an eight-hour safe driving course and 40 hours of practice driving with a licensed instructor or person at least 20 years old.
- No other passengers for first three months. After three months, may have immediate family as passengers.
- Must have permit for 180 days before applying for a license (20 days with completed driver training course).
NEWLY-LICENSED DRIVERS
- No passengers first three months except parents, legal guardian, licensed driving instructor, or a person at least 20 years old, licensed for at least four years (with no suspensions).
- During the next three months, may have immediate family members as passengers.
DRIVERS UNDER 18
- No cell phones (including hands-free devices) or mobile electronic devices while driving.
- No driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for employment, school, religious activities or for a medical emergency.
- Each passenger must wear a seat belt.
PENALTIES
- Immediate 48-hour suspension for 16- and 17-year-old drivers for violating driving restrictions, driving 20 mph or more over posted limit, driving under the influence, driving recklessly or racing a motor vehicle on a public highway.
- Police will seize the license and it will automatically be suspended for 48 hours. In addition, police are authorized to remove the vehicle from the scene.
- In order to regain possession of the license after 48 hours, the teen and their parent or guardian must go to the police station and sign a written statement acknowledging license has been returned.
- After conviction of a first offense, license suspension ranges from 30 days to six months, depending on the seriousness of the violation. Suspensions increase for all second and subsequent offenses.
- After suspension, driver must pay a $125 license restoration fee.
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