New Jersey implements Graduated-Driver-License amendments; enhanced by Kyleigh’s Law

What is the Graduated-Driver-License Law and when did it go into effect?

New Jersey’s Graduated-Driver-License Law (GDL) went into effect on Jan. 1, 2001, and recently was amended effective May 1, 2010. This law is designed to improve teen driver safety, help young drivers gradually gain experience and to bring home the importance of the major risks of injury in teen crashes (i.e., other passengers, texting or cell phone use while driving, the lack of seat belt use and night driving).

Who does this effect?

Any driver under age 21 which includes drivers with special learners permits, examination permits and probationary (formerly provisional) licenses.

What are the GDL restrictions?

All special permit, examination permit and probationary license holders may not:

• drive after 11:01 p.m. and before 5 a.m;
• use a hand-held or hands-free interactive, wireless communication device, including iPods, cell phones, etc.;
• drive without an accompanying adult driver in the front seat who is over 21 and possesses a valid New Jersey driver license with a minimum of three years driving experience; and
• have more than one additional passenger, unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle. A probationary license holder (who may drive without supervision) may transport only one passenger unless the passengers are the driver’s dependents.

Does the law change the time frames of the permit and provisional licenses?

No. The new law does not alter the length of a permit. Any teen under 21 who obtains a permit, must hold that permit for a minimum of six months. Under the GDL, a teen driver must hold a provisional license (following the completion of the permit phase) for a minimun of 12 months. Once that 12-month time frame is completed, the driver needs to obtain an unrestricted license from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Are there any GDL exemptions?

Permit- and probationary-licensed drivers, under age 21 are eligible for an exemption for the restricted hours for employment or religious reasons. Drivers must carry documentation on employers, organization or religious institution’s letterhead to include the reasons for this request, signature, title, address and telephone number of a designated official. Any current driver under age 21 who obtained their permit or provisional license prior to May 1, 2010, is not grandfathered. They are required to comply with the GDL provisions.

What is Kyleigh’s Law?

Kyleigh’s law, which went into effect May 1, 2010, was named after Kyleigh D’Alessio, a teenager who was fatally injured and it is believed that unexperienced teen driving contributed to the accident that took her life. This new law implements the use of decals on teen drivers’ vehicles.

Who is required to display these decals on their vehicles?

Drivers under 21 years of age, holding a permit or provisional license are required to display these decals on their vehicle.

Where do I get the decals and how are they displayed?

Since April 12, 2010, all Motor Vehicle Commission agencies have been selling the reflective decals at $4 per pair. The decals must be attached to the top, left corner of the front and rear license plates prior to the Graduated Driver License (GDL) holder operating the vehicle. Any individual may purchase the decal on behalf of the permit or provisional license holder. The decals are removable so that other family members who share a vehicle with a GDL holder may remove them prior to driving.

What are the fines associated with failure to comply?

Violation of the GDL restrictions, as well as failure to display the required decals, will result in a $100 fine, but no penalty points will be assigned.

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