So You Have A Teenage Driver!

Do you know the rules for a Junior Driver’s License?

Turning 16 years old often old marks an occasion feared by parents and eagerly anticipated by teenagers – getting a driver’s license. Exciting as it may be, there are a few things you should know about the junior driver’s license in Pennsylvania. Here’s a primer on the regulations and restrictions.

• Junior driver’s license is effective from 16 years of age to 18 years of age (automatically becomes a regular license when the holder turns 18).

• Cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is 18 years of age or older EXCEPT in the course of employment, public or charitable service, or in service to a volunteer fire company and have a certificate of authorization from employer, supervisor, or fire chief which states a likely schedule.

• For the first six months after receiving junior license, cannot have more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• After the first six months, cannot have more than 3 non-family passengers under 18 years of age without a parent or guardian.

• If junior driver has been convicted of driving violation or has been at fault in a reportable accident (any accident involving injury, death, or damage to a vehicle that prevents it from being driven away), they are prohibited from having more than 1 non-family passenger under 18 years of age until they attain their regular driver’s license.

• If junior driver is at fault in a reportable accident, the license may be suspended until the junior license holder turns 18.

• Mandatory suspension upon accumulation of 6 or more points or conviction for speeding 26 mph or more over speed limit.

A detailed outline of what can you need to know regarding a new driver in Pennsylvania can be found here:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/young_drivers/yng_drv_fact_sheet.pdf

Know the law surrounding your teenager’s license. Call us to ask the questions surrounding any situations your teenager may encounter. 610-945-9456.