Driving restrictions for teens

Take the time to understand the rules of the road, especially regarding curfews, seatbelts, and cell phone use

Driving restrictions for teens

Take the time to understand the rules of the road, especially regarding curfews, seatbelts, and cell phone use

Use the dropdown below to learn more about specific driving restrictions

Learner’s permit restrictions for drivers age 16 or 17


Passenger
For the duration of the permit, the driver may not have any passengers in the vehicle except for a parent, legal guardian, or qualified trainer. Parents or guardians may accompany the instructor.
Curfew
 There is no curfew, but the driver must be accompanied by a qualified trainer.
Seatbelts
 All passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.
Cell phones, etc.
Driver cannot use a cell phone (even if hands-free) or other mobile electronic devices while driving. This includes any handheld computer or other device with a video display.
Commercial/ carpool The driver cannot operate any public service vehicle, commercial motor vehicle or vanpool vehicle.

Driver’s license restrictions for drivers age 16 or 17


Passenger

 

In the first six months a newly licensed driver may not have any passengers in the vehicle except for: 

  • A licensed driving instructor
  • Parents and/or legal guardians, at least one of whom holds a valid driver’s license
  • Person providing instruction who is at least 20 years old, and who has held a license for at least four years with no
  • suspensions during the last four years

For the second six months, the newly licensed driver may drive with the above people and/or drive with immediate family (i.e., brothers and sisters). 

*See exemptions below
Curfew 

Until the driver’s eighteenth birthday, they may not drive between hours of 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. unless it is for: 

*See exemptions below
Seatbelts 

All passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.
Cell phones, etc.


Until the driver’s eighteenth birthday, they may not use cell phones (even if hands-free) or other mobile electronic devices while driving. This includes any hand-held computer or other device with a video display.
Commercial/ carpool May not operate any public service vehicle, commercial motor vehicle or vanpool vehicle.

 

*Passenger/curfew exemptions:

 

The passenger and curfew restrictions do not apply to:

  • Active members of a volunteer fire company or department who are responding to, or returning from, an emergency or carrying out
  • duties.
  • Active members of a volunteer ambulance service or company who are responding to, or returning from, an emergency or carrying out duties.
  • Active members of a medical service organization who are responding to, or returning from, an emergency or carrying out duties.
    Assigned driver in a Safe Ride program.

Motorcycle Restrictions for drivers age 16 or 17

 

For first six months, no passengers are allowed

Motorcycle restrictions for drivers age 18 and older

 

For first three months, no passengers are allowed.

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