Tougher requirements for teen drivers licenses
Posted: 02.01.2010 at 4:47 PM
The graduated driver licensing (GDL) requirements for teen drivers’ legislation, signed by Governor David Paterson, will become effective February 22, 2010. The Governor signed the new GDL requirements legislation into law on August 27, 2008 as part of a bill that also prohibited the use of portable electronic devices to send text messages, e-mail or view video images while operating a motor vehicle for drivers of all ages. The text messaging ban became effective November 1, 2009.
Parents of teen drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new process of obtaining a drivers license.
The new, stronger graduated driver licensing system bans teens from using any portable electronic devices - hand-held or otherwise, reduces the number of non-family passengers to one, and increases mandatory in-car practice from 20 to 50 hours of certified, supervised driving, with at least 15 hours at night. Under the new law, teens under the age of 18 will also be required to hold a learner's permit for six months before they can obtain a driver license.
The stronger New York State GDL requirements encourage more behind-the-wheel practice and discourage distracted driving.
Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York said, "Teens drive the least of any age group, but crash the most, making these new requirements vital to enhancing traffic safety in our communities."