June Law: Graduate Driver's License Rules Protect Teen Drivers

This summer, many young people will be following the wheel for the first time as they work to get their driver's license, but it can be a dangerous time of year for young drivers.

According to the AAA, more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occur during the 100 deadliest days of summer - from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Wisconsin has a number of laws designed to prepare young people for safe driving, including the Graduate Driver's License Program. The GDL Wisconsin State Patrol is a June law.

Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Anthony Braille said "GDL restrictions and requirements help our teens make a safe start to their driving careers by limiting high-risk situations and distractions."

To be eligible for the Instruction Permit, you must be at least 15 years old, enrolled in a certified driver's education program, and pass the Knowledge and Marks test. Drivers with an instruction permit must have a valid, regular license holder in the front seat of the vehicle: an instructor, parent or guardian, or someone 21 or older.

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Drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply for a probationary license if they have been free of the offense for at least six months, with at least 50 hours of supervised driving with parents or guardians (including 10). Hours). Driver's course work and hours behind the wheel with an instructor, and pass the road test (or get a discount).

For the first nine months of a teen's probationary license, GDL restrictions are intended to give new drivers the opportunity to become proficient in low-risk situations.

Passengers. Only close people in the car, a person with a regular license, and another passenger can be in the car.

Late night driving Young people can drive alone from 5am to midnight. When traveling between home, school or work, they can drive alone until late at night.

GDL restrictions are extended to six months if the driver is found guilty of violating moving traffic, the driver violates any restrictions, or the driver's license is suspended or revoked for any reason. For a driver with a probationary license, demerit points are doubled for post-violation penalties.

All 50 states have GDL programs to limit high-risk driving conditions for new drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GDL rules can reduce a young person's risk of an accident by up to 50%.

Restrictions, along with safe driving practices, are key to saving lives on the roads. Parents play a key role in helping young people gain the experience and confidence they need to become good drivers.

"Our children learn a lot from us as parents and guardians. Set a good example when you're behind the wheel," said Superintendent Braille. "Talk to your kids about the rules of the road and the dangers of dangerous driving behaviors. Buckle, phone down. Every trip, every time."

These safe driving tips are important for drivers of any age:

Never drive badly. Any alcohol or drug use is illegal for teenagers.

Apply button. In Wisconsin, 88% of people wore seat belts in 2021, but half of the drivers and passengers who died in the crash did not wear seat belts.

Avoid distractions. Anything that takes your eyes off the road can be a nuisance, especially a cell phone. All use of cell phones is prohibited for probationary license holders.

Check your speed. Traffic accidents are more dangerous when they have excessive speed. Speed ​​is one of the factors contributing to crashes in Wisconsin.

Learn more about teen driver license requirements at wisconsindmv.gov/teendriver.

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