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Tuesday, June 18, 2002
The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S. 7714) that would require more behind-the-wheel driving experience for all young, beginning drivers. The bill, which has been agreed on by the Senate, Assembly and the Governor, will implement a more restrictive licensing system that will help reduce accidents and fatalities among teen drivers in New York State.
"The concept of providing young people with more driving experience through a graduated license system was part of the Senate�s package that included Sean�s Law, which allows the courts to take away a younger person�s driving privileges if they are charged with drunk driving," Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. " The combination of these measures will ensure that we have better, safer drivers on the road."
The legislation requires drivers under the age of 18 who hold a learner�s permit to hold the permit for a minimum of six months before they would be eligible to take a road test and obtain a junior license.
However, the bill creates a "limited class" license, with which young drivers could drive to and from school, work, medical appointments, day care and, if accompanied by a parent, any other place. The "limited class" license would not be valid for operating a motor vehicle in the city of New York, Long Island, or Westchester, Rockland or Putnam counties.
Learner�s permit holders also would be required to obtain a specified number of hours of supervised driving with an experienced driver or instructor before being eligible to get a junior license. Persons supervising permit holders� driving would have to be at least 21 years of age, and could be the only front seat passenger.
When the person has held a permit and /or a limited class junior license for a total of six months and obtained the requisite hour of supervised driving, they would be eligible to take the road test to obtain the junior license.
Other restrictions that apply to all three graduated license categories include passenger limitations, special suspension and revocation rules, and mandatory seat belt use of all passengers.
The bill was sent to the Assembly.
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