Laws For 16 and 17 Year-Old Drivers

 

 
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 Learner Permit Restrictions for 16/17 Year Olds:

Passenger

For the entire time a driver holds a learner’s permit,
he or she may not have any passengers except for
either:
• A licensed driving instructor giving instruction
and others accompanying that instructor.
• One person who is providing instruction and is
at least 20 years old, has held a driver’s license
for four or more consecutive years and whose
license has not been suspended during the four
years prior to training. Parents or legal guardian
may accompany the instructor.

Curfew

No curfew, but must be accompanied by a qualified trainer.

Seatbelts

All passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.

Cell phones, etc.

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.


Driver License Restrictions for 16/17 Year Olds:

Passenger

For the first 6 months after obtaining a driver license, may only drive with:

  • Parents or legal guardian at least one of whom holds a valid driver license
  • Licensed driving instructor or
  • Person providing instruction who is at least 20 years old, has held a license for at least 4 years with no suspensions during the last 4 years

For the second 6 months, may drive with the above people and may also drive with immediate family (e.g., brothers, and sisters).

Curfew

Until 18 th birthday, may not drive between hours of 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. unless it is for:

  • employment
  • school
  • religious activities
  • medical necessity

*See exemptions below

Seatbelts

Until 18 th birthday, all passengers in vehicle must use permanently installed seat belts.

Cell phones, etc.

Until 18 th birthday, may not use cell phones (even if hands-free) or other mobile electronic devices while driving.  This includes any hand-held computers or other device with a video display.

*Passenger and Curfew Exemptions:

The passenger and curfew restrictions do not apply to:

  • active members of a volunteer fire company or department responding to an emergency
  • active member of volunteer ambulance service or company responding to an emergency

Motorcycle Restrictions for 16/17 Year Olds:

Passenger

·         For first 6 months, no passengers.


Motorcycle Restrictions for 18 Year Olds and Older:

Passenger

·         For first 3 months, no passengers.


Additional Restriction for 16/17 Year Old Permit/License Holders:

May not operate any public service vehicle or vanpool vehicle.