In N.J., a law was recently passed which will affect only teenage drivers. Or will it? Kyleigh’s Law, which will take effect on May 1st in the Garden State, requires, among other things, that a brightly colored sticker is placed in the windshield of a car identifying the driver as a teenager. Opponents claim that it is purely and simply age discrimination. Certainly, there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.
Under the new law, teens that are 16 years old and who possess a learner’s permit have to be accompanied by a driver with at least 3 years experience and who is considered an adult (over 21); they must also wear a seat belt, must not use any wireless or handheld device, and are not allowed to drive between specific hours.
Teens that have reached the age of 17 can drive with a provision license and may drive unsupervised for 1 year. All passengers but one must be from their household (i.e. same address). Seat belts, cell phone restrictions and hours within which a teen driver cannot drive are still in place.
Finally, between the ages of 18 and 21, a driver can earn a basic driver’s license provided that they’ve completed a full year of driving unsupervised, but must continue to adhere to all other restrictions.
The (infamous) teenage driver sticker is transferable, and must be visible at all times, and can be removed only after the driver reaches the age of 21. Arguments about the sticker abound… it’s a form of profiling, cops will unjustly target teens, predators will be on the lookout, it won’t force a teen driver to perform better, etc., etc, etc. Whether or not the legislation becomes law depends on many factors and the success of appeals.
FYI: Six thousand teenagers die in motor vehicle accidents every single year. Oh my — not very happy statistics — it is imperative that you check out car insurance for teenagers.
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