Greetings Teen Drivers:
Just want to pass along some state laws to you concerning having passengers in your vehicle when you first get your license. This law was to protect new drivers from distractions that may come your way. I know it keeps you from having your buddies with you, but it is for your safety. With all the technology these days with Ipods cell phones, CDs, and all the other gadgets that you play with in your vehicle, this law was put in to place to take away any added distractions that you may have. At this time is only illegal for those with INSTUCTIONAL PERMITS to talk on a cell phone while driving. Be safe and responsible when drivingl
Sgt. Romero
The following statue states:
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42-4-116. Restrictions for minor drivers - definitions.
(1) (a) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (c) OF THIS SUBSECTION (1), A MINOR DRIVER SHALL NOT OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINING A PASSENGER WHO IS UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE AND WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE DRIVER'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY UNTIL SUCH DRIVER HAS HELD A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.
So unfortunately for those of you that have freshly turned 16 and are cruising your friends around in your ride…well you can’t do that for the first six months. That immediate family deal…that means anyone who is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption.
(b) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (c) OF THIS SUBSECTION (1),
A MINOR DRIVER SHALL NOT OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINING MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER WHO IS UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE AND WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE DRIVER'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY UNTIL SUCH DRIVER HAS HELD A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR.
So what this means is after the first six months (the 7th month of having your license), you can now have one (1) buddy cruising with you for the next six months.
(c) PARAGRAPHS (a) AND (b) OF THIS SUBSECTION (1) SHALL NOT
APPLY IF:
(I) THE MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINS THE MINOR'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE ADULT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 42-2-108;
No brainer here…if Mom and Dad are with you it’s okay.
(II) THE MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINS AN ADULT TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO CURRENTLY HOLDS A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE AND HAS HELD SUCH LICENSE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR;
Again, 21 years of age and a VALID driver’s license for at least one year. So if that person just got their license back because of a suspension or revocation and it has not been a year, it doesn’t count.
(III) THE PASSENGER WHO IS UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE IS IN THE VEHICLE ON ACCOUNT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY;
It’s gotta be medical emergency…a good one too!!!
(IV) ALL PASSENGERS WHO ARE UNDER TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE ARE MEMBERS OF THE DRIVER'S IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND ALL SUCH PASSENGERS ARE WEARING A SEATBELT.
Here’s that immediate family deal again. Buckle Up, It’s The Law!!!
(2) (a) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SUBSECTION
(2), A MINOR DRIVER SHALL NOT OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE BETWEEN 12 MIDNIGHT AND 5 A.M. UNTIL SUCH DRIVER HAS HELD A DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR.
Just what is says, after a year then you can….but then there is that pesky curfew ordinance that you have to watch out for.
Anyone under the age of 18 has to be in by 11 p.m. EVERY day of the week.
(b) THIS SUBSECTION (2) SHALL NOT APPLY IF:
(I) THE MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINS THE MINOR'S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE ADULT
I don’t think I have to repeat this one do I?
(II) THE MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINS AN ADULT TWENTY-ONE YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER WHO CURRENTLY HOLDS A VALID DRIVER'S LICENSE AND HAS HELD SUCH LICENSE FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR;
This one either.
(III) THE MINOR IS DRIVING TO SCHOOL OR A SCHOOL-AUTHORIZED ACTIVITY WHEN THE SCHOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRANSPORTATION, SO LONG AS THE DRIVER POSSESSES A SIGNED STATEMENT FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICIAL CONTAINING THE DATE THE ACTIVITY WILL OCCUR;
As long as you can verify that you were coming to or from a school activity, you should be fine. Just explain that to the Officer if you get stopped. The Officer will do some verification, so don’t try to pull a fast one.
(IV) THE MINOR IS DRIVING ON ACCOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT WHEN
NECESSARY, SO LONG AS THE DRIVER POSSESSES A SIGNED STATEMENT FROM THE EMPLOYER VERIFYING EMPLOYMENT;
If you have to work past midnight, be sure and get a note from you boss showing the date and time you got off work. Keep in mind, the time frame is going to have to be with in a short time of you getting stopped. A note saying you got out of work two hours ago is not going to cut it. Some verification will probably take place here too.
(V) THE MINOR IS DRIVING ON ACCOUNT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY;
Remember, a good one….or at least something that is needing immediate attention.
OR
(VI) THE MINOR IS AN EMANCIPATED MINOR.
"EMANCIPATED MINOR" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER EIGHTEEN
YEARS OF AGE WHOSE PARENTS OR GUARDIAN HAS SURRENDERED PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, CUSTODY, AND THE RIGHT TO THE CARE AND EARNINGS OF SUCH PERSON, AND ARE NO LONGER UNDER A DUTY TO SUPPORT SUCH PERSON.
(3) A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION IS A TRAFFIC INFRACTION, AND,
UPON CONVICTION, THE VIOLATOR MAY BE PUNISHED AS FOLLOWS:
- 8 to 24 hours of community service for first offense
- 16 to 40 hours of community service for subsequent offense.
- Fine up to $50 for first offense and up to $100 for second offense and $150 for third or more offenses.
- Two point violation.
