Assembly Members Issue Multimedia Package Related to Teen Driver Safety Legislation
Assembly members Anthony Chiappone, John S. Wisniewski and Pamela R. Lampitt issued a multimedia package on a legislative package aimed to improve teen driver safety in New Jersey, which was approved by the General Assembly on March 5, 2009. The bills would implement the top recommendations of the state’s Teen Driver Study Commission.
The multimedia package consists of a video press release on the legislative package, audio of same and quotes from the sponsors. The video can be accessed directly onine here.
Under the bill, teen drivers with a learner’s permit would have to log at least 50 hours of practice driving — including 10 hours of night driving — certified by a parent, guardian or supervising driver, along with the required six-hour driving course. Drivers ages 17 to 20 who obtain an examination permit would be given the option to either complete the learner’s permit certification requirements or complete 100 hours of certified driving, including 20 hours of night driving.
Additionally, any driver under 18 years old would not be able to obtain a permit until their parent or guardian attends a teen driver orientation program approved by the state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Drivers under 21 who have been issued learner’s or examination permits would further be required to hold those permits for one year before being eligible for a provisional license.
The measure also would require the MVC to adopt a standardized, up-to-date curriculum to be used in public and private driving schools that would include private, one-on-one instruction for permit holders. The bill passed by a vote of 76-0-2.