Laws Teen Drivers Must Know

In the United States, teens can often start driving with adult supervision from the age of 15 and gain a full license within a year. However, due to their inexperience, they are at a much higher risk of accidents than older drivers. To mitigate this, states have implemented graduated driver's license (GDL) programs that impose restrictions on new drivers. These laws vary by state, but they typically include a minimum age for a permit, supervised driving requirements, and limitations on unsupervised driving. Here are four laws that commonly apply to teen drivers:

1. Minimum Age for a Learner's Permit: In most states, teens must be at least 15 or 15 and a half years old to obtain a learner's permit. This permit allows them to drive under the supervision of a licensed adult.

2. Supervised Driving Requirements: Teens are typically required to complete a certain number of hours of supervised driving practice before they can obtain their license. This ensures they gain experience in a controlled environment.

3. Night Driving Restrictions: Many states implement curfews that prohibit teen drivers from driving after a certain time, usually starting between 8 p.m. and midnight. This is because driving at night is riskier for all drivers, especially those who are inexperienced.

4. Passenger Restrictions: States often restrict the number and ages of passengers that teen drivers can carry. For example, some states only allow teen drivers to have one passenger under a certain age. This is because the presence of passengers increases the risk of crashes for inexperienced drivers.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

To obtain a learner's permit, teens must take a vision test and a written road knowledge test. After that, they are allowed to drive but must be accompanied by a licensed adult. All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts, and teens are not permitted to have any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) – it must remain at 0%. After a set period of time with no crashes or traffic violations, teens may apply for an intermediate license.

Stage 2: Intermediate License

To obtain an intermediate license, teens must take a driving test. They are then allowed to drive without adult supervision, except when driving at night or with multiple passengers. After a further set period of time with no crashes or traffic violations, or once they turn 18, teens acquire a full license.

Stage 3: Full License

This is an unrestricted license, the same as what most adults hold.

GDL programs aim to reduce the risk of accidents by limiting high-risk driving situations for new drivers. In addition to the three stages outlined above, GDL programs may include the following restrictions:

• Night driving curfews, often starting at 8 pm or midnight
• Restrictions on the number of teenage passengers
• Bans on the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving
• Requirements for a certain number of supervised practice driving hours

Minimum age requirements

Minimum Age for a Learner's Permit

The minimum age to obtain a learner's permit varies across different states in the US. In California, for instance, the driving age starts at 15 and a half years, while in Virginia, teens as young as 15 and a half can obtain a driver's permit. This permit allows them to drive on public roads under the supervision of a licensed adult. The accompanying adult must be at least 21 years old in most cases, but some states, like Virginia, allow family members aged 18 or older to accompany the teen driver. Obtaining this permit often involves passing a vision test and a knowledge test and paying the required fees.

Minimum Age for a Provisional/Intermediate License

Once a teen has held their learner's permit for a specified period, typically six months to a year, they can apply for a provisional or intermediate license. This license grants them more driving privileges but still has certain restrictions in place. The minimum age for this license also varies by state. In California, for example, teens can apply for a provisional license at 16 years old, while in New Jersey, the minimum age for a similar license is 17 years. To obtain this license, teens usually need to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test.

Minimum Age for Full Licensure

The final stage of the graduated licensing process is full licensure, where teen drivers are granted unrestricted driving privileges. The minimum age for this license is typically 18 years old, as seen in California and Virginia. At this stage, teens have demonstrated responsible driving behaviour and are considered mature enough to handle the responsibilities of driving without the need for supervision or restrictions.

Minimum Age Exceptions

It is important to note that some states, like Alabama, link teen driving privileges to school performance. For example, in Alabama, for every disciplinary point a teen receives after the age of 12, they must wait an additional week before applying for a learner's permit. Additionally, some states have specific requirements for teens who are emancipated minors, allowing them certain exemptions from the standard restrictions.

Driving restrictions for teens

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the United States. In 2022, 2,883 teenagers (aged 13-19) died in the US from crash injuries. The risk of crashes is higher for teens due to their inexperience and immaturity. To address this, all states have enacted Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws to reduce the risk of crashes for teen drivers.

GDL laws

GDL laws vary from state to state, but they typically consist of three stages:

• Stage 1: Learner's Permit – Teens must take a vision and written road knowledge test and complete a certain number of supervised practice driving hours (usually 65 to 70 hours) before they can apply for an intermediate license.
• Stage 2: Intermediate License – Teens must pass a driving test and can then drive without adult supervision, except during the night or with multiple passengers. After 12 months with no crashes or traffic violations, or when they turn 18, teens can get their full license.
• Stage 3: Full License – This is an unrestricted license, the same as what most adults hold.

Restrictions for teens

• Night driving – Many states impose a curfew that limits night driving for teenagers. While many curfews begin around midnight, research shows that nighttime teen crashes often occur between 9 pm and midnight.
• Passengers – The presence of passengers increases the risk of crashes for teen drivers. Many states restrict the number and/or age of passengers that teens can have when they first get their license.
• Cell phone use – Distracted driving is a major concern for parents of teen drivers. Many states have laws prohibiting the use of cell phones (including hands-free devices) while driving for teens.
• Seat belt use – Teens are the least likely age group to wear seatbelts, but it is important to stress the importance of wearing them as it can reduce the risk of death and injury in a crash.
• Drinking and driving – Underage drinking is illegal and driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, loss of license, and increased insurance rates.
• Curfews – Many states' provisional licenses don't require teens to be home until midnight, but parents may want to set an earlier curfew and extend it as their teen gains experience.
• Speeding – Speeding can lead to potentially deadly crashes and costly tickets. Teens should understand the consequences of speeding and be made responsible for paying any speeding tickets.

Parent's role

Parents play a crucial role in helping their teens become safe and responsible drivers. They can do this by:

• Setting rules and consequences for their teen driver and getting it in writing through a parent-teen contract.
• Being a good role model by practising safe driving habits themselves.
• Supervising their teen's driving and providing opportunities for practice.
• Teaching their teen basic car maintenance tasks such as checking fuel levels, tire pressure, fluids, and oil changes.
• Setting ground rules about which conditions are safe to drive in, such as pulling over during bad weather.

Penalties for violating teen driving laws

The penalties for violating teen driving laws vary from state to state in the US, but there are some common consequences that teens and their parents should be aware of. Here are some general penalties for violating teen driving laws:

• License Suspension: One of the most common penalties for violating teen driving laws is a suspension of the teen's driver's license. The duration of the suspension can vary depending on the state and the severity of the violation. It may range from 30 days to 6 months or even longer for multiple violations.
• Fines and Court Costs: Teens who violate driving laws may be subject to fines and court costs. These can vary depending on the specific violation and the state, but they can often be several hundred dollars.
• Community Service: In some cases, teens may be required to perform community service as a penalty for violating driving laws. The number of hours required can vary, but it is typically between 20 and 100 hours.
• Probation: For more serious violations or multiple offenses, teens may be placed on probation in addition to having their license suspended. This means that they will be under close supervision and may have to follow specific rules or restrictions during the probationary period.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Violating teen driving laws can also have financial consequences in the form of increased insurance rates. Insurance companies may view teens with violations as high-risk drivers and charge higher premiums as a result.
• Loss of Driving Privileges: In some cases, teens who violate driving laws may lose their driving privileges entirely, even after they turn 18. This means they may have to reapply for a driver's license and start the licensing process from the beginning.
• Jail Time: For more serious offenses, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving, teens may face jail time in addition to other penalties. The length of jail time can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the number of violations.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: If a teen is convicted of a DUI or drug-related offense, they may be required to participate in substance abuse treatment or education programs as part of their sentence.
• Ignition Interlock Device: In some states, teens convicted of a DUI may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
• Impact on Education and Career: Underage DUI convictions can also have consequences for a teen's education and future career. Some colleges and universities may take these convictions into account during the application process, and they can also impact scholarship eligibility and financial aid.

It's important to note that the penalties for violating teen driving laws can be strict, and they are designed to encourage safe driving habits and reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities. While the specific laws and penalties may vary by state, it's crucial for teens and their parents to be aware of the restrictions and consequences to ensure compliance and promote safe driving.

Alcohol and drug use laws

• Zero-Tolerance Laws: In all 50 states, people under the age of 21 are prohibited from driving after consuming alcohol. These zero-tolerance laws typically set the legal limit at a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.02% or lower for underage drivers. This means that any detectable amount of alcohol can result in legal consequences, such as license suspension, fines, and even jail time.
• Drinking Age Laws: The minimum legal drinking age in the United States is 21. This law restricts the access of alcohol to teenagers and helps reduce the number of crashes caused by underage drinking.
• Graduated Licensing: Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs are implemented in all states to some extent. These programs allow teens to practice driving under supervision and restrict their driving privileges when they first obtain their license. GDL laws often include night driving restrictions and limits on the number of teenage passengers for newly licensed drivers.
• Parental Supervision: Parents play a crucial role in enforcing alcohol and drug use laws for teen drivers. This includes setting rules, establishing consequences, and being a positive role model for safe driving habits. Many states require parental certification of supervised driving hours and the completion of driver's education programs.
• Drug-Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs, including illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter medications, is illegal and can have deadly consequences. Zero-tolerance laws often apply to drug-impaired driving as well, and law enforcement officers can test for the presence of drugs.
• Education and Awareness: Educating teen drivers about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, as well as the legal consequences, is essential. Sharing statistics, personal stories, and fact sheets can help teens understand the risks and make informed decisions.
• Emergency Situations: While the use of cell phones while driving is generally prohibited for teen drivers, most states allow exceptions for emergency situations. Teens should be aware that they can call for help or contact a trusted adult if they suspect alcohol or drug use by themselves or their peers.

Frequently asked questions