Friday, June 16, 2006

House Passes Amended Teen Driving Bill

Yesterday the House overwhelmingly passed a less controversial version of the teen driving bill, H4826 (with amendments), by a vote of 140-5. We'll post the bill as amended when we get our hands on it, but in the meantime, here are the highlights:
  • The minimum age to get a license will not be increased, but will remain 16-1/2
  • Minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours in drivers' ed will increase from 6 to 12
  • Minimum number of hours driving with a parent or guardian will increase from 12 to 40
  • Parents must participate in at least 2 hours of the required 30 hours of drivers' ed in the classroom
  • A first offense for speeding at least 10 miles an hour over the speed limit will result in a 90-day license suspension for junior operators; a second offense carries a one-year suspension
For more information, see The Republican.