New Teen Driving Law Amended, Passenger and Driving Time Restrictions Clarified
The law regarding Level 2 license holders under the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing program has been amended as of July 20, 2011, to clarify passenger and driving time restrictions. The law was originally changed in March 2011. Level 2 drivers shall not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is less than 21 years of age except: • When the additional passengers are immediate family members; • When driving to or from or in the course of employment; • While going to or from an authorized activity; or • When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.
Level 2 drivers shall not operate a motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. except: • When driving to or from or in the course of employment; • While driving to or from an authorized activity; or • When accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.
Authorized activity means any of the following: • A school or a school-sanctioned event or activity; school refers to a public or private school, including a home school. • A sporting event or activity, or extracurricular event or activity, that is not school-sanctioned but that is part of an official sports league or association or an official extracurricular club, or that is paid for as a service offered by a business specializing in those events or activities or training for those events or activities. • A class or program of vocational instruction offered by a college, community college, nonprofit association, unit of government, or by a business specializing in vocational training. • An event or activity sponsored by a religious organization that is tax exempt under federal law. • Transporting an individual in need of immediate emergency care or personal protection to a health care professional, hospital, police station, domestic violence shelter, or public safety location.
Penalties for Violating Restrictions • A civil infraction resulting in two points on the teen’s license. • Extension of the Level 2 license period for 12 months. • Driver re-examination and possible license suspension and/or additional restrictions.
A Level 2 license holder must be at least 16 years old and have successfully completed Segment 1 and 2 of a driver’s education program approved by the Michigan Department of State, as well as passed a driving skills test and possess a skills test certificate. A teen driver cannot have a crash or violation in the ninety days prior to applying for a Level 2 license. More information is available through the First & 10: Don’t exceed your first passenger and don’t drive after 10 p.m., campaign at www.firstn10.com
This material was developed through a project funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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