November 14, 2008
 | DOHERTY-SPONSORED TEEN DRIVING LEGISLATION |
The Assembly Transportation Committee approved four bills yesterday that address requirements and provisions relating to teenage driving. The bills, all sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Doherty, (R-Warren and Hunterdon) seek to 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 committee’s vote starts the process of enacting reforms that will go towards improving driver responsibility and safety for our youth,” stated Doherty. “Anyone who operates an automobile must be aware that it is a privilege to drive and that proper training is a basic ingredient for ensuring not only their own safety, but for everyone else on the road. I am proud to have served on the study commission that recommended these improvements.”
Doherty was referring to his participation on the New Jersey Teen Driver Study Commission which was formed in 2007 and developed the proposed legislation. Doherty is the only original member of the task force still serving.
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/A-3069 (Kyleigh’s Law): 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.
“As both a parent and legislator I wholeheartedly support the effort to reduce accidents and fatalities where young drivers are involved,” continued Doherty. “Education, training, and experience are the critical ingredients to safe driving. Life is a precious commodity and I believe this legislation will be a valuable tool in creating a safer driving environment. The goal of the revised provisions is not to make it more cumbersome for young people to obtain a driver’s license but rather to provide constructive and improved guidelines that will ultimately save lives.”
