California Bill Would Restrict Drivers Under Age 21
Sept. 15--SACRAMENTO -- The right to drive was once guaranteed for every adult, but a new bill that was approved by the Legislature will restrict the rights of drivers under the age of 21 who are not actively serving in the military.
Assembly Bill 63, authored by Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Discovery Bay, will extend the age range of the provisional licensing program from 16 to 21. New drivers will first need to complete drivers ed to then get their provisional license, which will prevent them from driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting anyone under 20 years of age, unless accompanied by a driving instructor.
The license restrictions remain in effect for the driver's first year.
The bill only needs Gov. Jerry Brown's signature to become law, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Active-duty members of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve or the U.S. Armed Forces will be exempt from the program. Also, individuals age 18 and older who have an ambulance driver certificate, school bus driver certificate or a commercial driver's license from the program are also exempt.
Frazier promised the bill will save lives, and said it was backed by a broad coalition of public health organizations, law enforcement, insurance companies and child safety advocates.
"By extending the age group for participation in the program, older teen and young adult novice drivers will benefit from the gradual phase-in of full driving privileges over time and in lower risk settings," Frazier stated in a news release. "As teens and young adults mature and gain more driving experience under safer conditions, the danger level declines."
Frazier initially became involved in politics after losing his daughter Stephanie Marie Frazier in a car accident in 2000. Since then, he has pursued legislation surrounding transportation safety, and is the chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee.
The bill is not unique; the state of Maryland requires new drivers, regardless of age, to complete classes, hold a learner's permit and then maintain a safe record for the 18 months of their provisional license.
There are exceptions for different life paths that people take once they become an adult. People who work late or take night classes would need to keep a class schedule or work schedule in their car.
Additionally, the state's negligent driver point system, which determines when a driver's license is suspended or revoked, will have greater restrictions for people under 21. Speeding or failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian is counted as one point, while evading police, transporting explosives or driving with a suspended license are counted as two points.
Adults 21 or older will have their license suspended after accumulating four points in a year, but for drivers under 21, licenses will be suspended if the driver gets three points in a year-long period. Additionally, a license will also be suspended if the driver is convicted of a traffic violation and doesn't pay the required fines.
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