States Target Teen Drivers

It’s either a terrible week for teen drivers or a great one. Which it is likely depends on whether you’re a teen or the parent of one. Several states have passed new laws making the rules of the road far more stringent for new drivers.

In Illinois, the state House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that puts new restrictions on teen drivers, including: A longer learner’s permit stage (up to nine months from three); increased curfews for night-time driving (with some exceptions); harsher penalties for having too many passengers (who aren’t family members); six hours of on-road driving instruction in schools (instead of just on simulators); harsher penalties for street racing. The new rules would take effect Jan. 1. The bill has already passed the state Senate and awaits the governor’s approval.

In Arizona this week, Gov. Janet Napolitano signed a law that does much of what Illinois’ new law would do: It creates a tougher curfew period for teen drivers (with exceptions) and limits the number of passengers to one for teen drivers (again, excluding immediate family members). Those who break the law would be hit with big fines and possibly jail time.

In Maine, lawmakers are getting ready to vote on a bill that would ban anyone under 18 from using a cell phone — even with a hands-free device — while driving. A separate bill to ban all handheld-cell-phone use by drivers appears unlikely to get lawmaker approval. It could be pricey if teens get caught: $50 for the first offense, but a whopping $250 for additional offenses.

While teens in all three states may complain about these restrictions, studies have shown they are more at risk than older drivers.

With One Voice, House OKs Teen Driving Bill (Chicago Tribune)
Napolitano Passes New Teen Driving Bill (Eastern Arizona Courier)
Teen Drivers May Have to Go Low-Tech (Portland [Maine] Press Herald)

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