Brief Description: Enforcing restrictions on passengers of intermediate licensees.

Sponsors: Representative Dunshee.

Hearing Date: 2/19/03

Staff: Jill Satran (786-7315).

Background:

Drivers between the age of 16 to 18 are issued an "intermediate" license which places certain restrictions on the conditions of driving. One of these restrictions requires that during the first six months after obtaining an intermediate license (or until the driver turns 18 whichever is first), the driver is prohibited from operating a vehicle carrying passengers under the age of 20, unless the passenger is a member of the driver's immediate family. Although violation of this restriction is considered a traffic violation for the driver, there is currently no penalty for the passenger.

Summary of Bill:

This bill makes it a traffic infraction for a person under 20 years of age to ride in a vehicle operated by an individual who has held an intermediate driver's license for six months or less, unless the rider is a member of the driver's immediate family.

This bill also intends to clarify that during the six-month period following the initial restriction period, the holder of the intermediate driver's license may carry up to three passengers under the age of 20.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 11, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.