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2001 SESSION

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SB 1329 Provisional driver's licenses.

Introduced by: William C. Mims | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Operation of motor vehicles by person less than 20 years old. Requires that driver training programs include a minimum number of miles to be driven during the behind-the-wheel portion of the training; this number will be determined by the state Board of Education. The bill further provides that, to be eligible to receive a driver's license, an applicant less than 18 years old must present a certification, signed by a parent or guardian or adult spouse, that he has driven at least 40 hours (10 of them after dark) while he held a learner's permit. In addition, the bill prohibits operation of a motor vehicle between midnight and 4:00 a.m. under a learner's permit. Also, the minimum age for obtaining a learner's permit is increased from 15 years to 15 years and six months; the minimum "hold period" for a learner's permit is increased from 6 months to 9 months.

As to driver's licenses, to receive a driver's license, an applicant must be at least 16 years and three months old (instead of 16 years old). Drivers less than 17 years old cannot transport more than one passenger who is less than 18 years old; drivers who are at least 17 but less than 18 years old cannot transport more than three passengers who are less than 18 years old. These limitations do not apply to members of the driver's family or household. Drivers less than 18 years old cannot drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m., except for going to or from businesses where they are employed, going to or from a school-sponsored activity, when accompanied by adult parents, guardians, or spouses, or in emergencies. Violations of the passenger restrictions and hours of operation restrictions are secondary offenses.

Drivers who are at least 18 but less than 20 must attend driver improvement clinics if they are convicted of a moving violation, a safety belt violation, or a child restraint violation.

The increase in the minimum age for issuance of a driver's licenses does not apply to persons who received learner's permits prior to July 1, 2001.

This bill is the same as HB 2554 and was incorporated into SB's 937, 1066, 1330 and 1357.


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