November 13, 2008

ANGELINI TEEN DRIVING SAFETY LEGISLATION PASSES ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE FOUR BILLS SEEK TO ADDRESS TEEN DRIVER CONCERNS

The Assembly Transportation Committee today approved four bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini that seek to address safety concerns related to teenage drivers in New Jersey.

“It is vital that we take steps to make sure that teenage drivers are operating motor vehicles in a safe manner,” said Angelini, R-Monmouth. “This issue not only affects the safety of the teen drivers themselves, but also the safety of other motorists on our roads.”

The bills will increase parental involvement when obtaining a learner’s permit, require special decals be displayed by newly licensed drivers, and increase the penalties for motor vehicle violations by drivers subject to the Graduated Driver Licensing Law. The four bills approved today in committee were based on the recommendations of the New Jersey Teen Driver Study Commission, which was formed in 2007.

The four bills approved by the committee address different aspects of driving for those under 21.

• A-3067: those holding a special learner’s permit, examination permit, and provisional driver’s license who are convicted of motor vehicle violations are prohibited from entering into a plea agreement to a lesser offense in order to avoid the assessment of points, thereby sidestepping the progressive penalty system, including the suspension of one’s license.

• A-3068: amends the Graduated Driver Licensing Law by imposing a new requirement stipulating the completion of 50 hours of practice driving before receiving a special learner’s permit or examination permit.

• A-2089: requires that participants in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program prominently display decals identifying their association with the program.

• A-3070: revises restrictions for permit holders, including allowing only one passenger in the vehicle; changing the commencement time on the overnight driving prohibition from midnight to 11:00 p.m.; and forbidding the use of wireless communications.

“We can never be too vigilant in taking steps to ensure the safety of all drivers, especially those who are the youngest and least experienced,” Angelini said. “These bills are a significant step toward making sure that when teen drivers get behind the wheel, they have the necessary skills, and are operating under the optimal conditions, to ensure the safe operation of that vehicle.”