TEENAGE DRIVER SAFETY ACT - New Law Goes into Effect July 1, 2008

For more information on this and other related topics, please visit AAA's new parent and teen driver website: www.TeensAtTheWheel.com.

What is it?

Since 1999, legislation aimed at strengthening teen driver laws had been introduced multiple times in the Arizona legislature, with little success. In fact, such legislation had never received a hearing in the Arizona Senate. As an advocate for the safety and security of all motorists, AAA Arizona spearheaded legislation in the 2007 session that would create an intermediate drivers license law for new teen drivers. The legislation was entitled the Teenage Driver Safety Act.  

Thanks in large part to State Senators Barbara Leff and Ron Gould and State Representative John McComish, the act was introduced to the Arizona legislature on January 25, 2007 and after a successful trek through the House and Senate, was signed into law by Governor Janet Napolitano on May 17, 2007.

As part of the Teenage Driver Safety Act effective July 1, 2008, anyone under the age of 18 getting their license for the first time will hold a graduated driver license for the first six months after their instruction permit phase. 

Why do we need it?

Up until recently, Arizona was one of only five states without an intermediate teen driver program. States that have adopted similar legislation have seen reductions in teen-related incidents by as much as 30 percent.

In addition, research has shown that the crash risks for teenage drivers increase exponentially with each additional passenger in the vehicle. With three or more passengers, the crash risk for teenage drivers is about four times greater than when driving alone.

Further, states with nighttime driving restrictions show crash reductions of up to 60 percent during those restricted hours.

How will it affect you?

As of July 1, 2008, anyone under the age of 18 getting their license for the first time will hold a graduated driver's license for the first six months.

The GDL is an intermediate stage between holding an instruction permit and holding a full license. With the graduated license there are restrictions on how and when a teen can drive. The GDL has two main components: nighttime restrictions and passenger restrictions.

For new sixteen or seventeen year-old drivers, they will carry a graduated driver license for the first six months. This will mean you can only carry one passenger (other than family members). Also, with a GDL, you will not be allowed to drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Exemptions can be made for work, school or church activities. If you have a clean record (no crashes or violations) after six months you can get your full license.

What Can I do to Prepare?

• Attend a Dare to Prepare Workshop. These 90-minute pre-permit presentations for parents and teens provide the information teens need to know before they take the wheel. For a list of dates and locations visit www.aaaaz.com/news/DareToPrepare.htm

• Consider attending classes at one of our Approved Driving Schools. AAA's Approved Driving School Network serves the need for guidance on choosing a driving school by inspecting and approving driving schools according to a stringent list of requirements. For more information and for a list of approved schools visit http://www.aaaaz.com/news/articles/ADSN.htm

• Train at Home. Driver-ZED is a computer-based DVD software program that helps novice drivers (teens) recognize and avoid driving hazards. http://www.aaaaz.com/news/articles/driverzed.htm

• Teach your teen yourself. This driving course is especially helpful to parents who choose to teach driving to their teenager themselves. It is available as a DVD and workbook combination and can be found at http://www.aaaaz.com/news/articles/TeachingYourTeenstoDrive.htm

• Receive a newsletter. The AAA StartSmart program helps families get through the crucial period when teens are learning to drive. A series of newsletters helps you identify the challenges you and your teen will face and how to work as a team to reduce risk.

• Visit our new website created specifically for new teen drivers and their parents: www.TeensAtTheWheel.com
  

What if you get a ticket?

Getting a citation for a moving violation will cost you in several ways. First, tickets can be expensive, especially when you factor in an increase in insurance. Also, depending on the severity of the violation, your license can be suspended or the GDL period can be extended.

If you have a GDL and are caught driving with too many passengers or during restricted hours, there could be monetary fines and potential intermediate license extensions.

For more information on the components of the law and how to get a GDL, visit http://www.azdot.gov/MVD.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Teenage Driver Safety Act, visit http://www.aaaaz.com/news/documents/TDSAFAQs.pdf