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Jan. 18, 2000
Big changes could be in the works for Utah's teenage drivers.
A bill proposed on Catitol Hill would put limitations on that first license to drive.
News Specialist Jill Atwood has details.
We all remember when we first got our license--how excited we were to borrow Mom's car, pick up our friends and go cruising. But if Senate Bill 93 goes through, it'll put the brakes on that.
The bill would make it illegal for a new driver under 16 and a half years old, to drive anyone other than a family member. If the teen wants to drive someone of their own age they can, but there must be someone at least 21 years old in the front seat.
Lawmakers feel it's crucial for new drivers to get their initial driving experience in the presence of an experienced driver. They also say kids can be easily distracted with their friends in the car and lose concentration. They say that has lead to deadly mistakes.
Sen. Robert Montgomery/(R) North Ogden: "It's critical to give them some understanding as to how fast automobiles may go, how rapid situations can change, requiring immediate responses. And they don't get that until they get a little experience."
The bill still has to pass through the senate and the house before it becomes law.
How does something like this get enforced? Lawmakers say police will keep an eye out, but they're relying mostly on parents to make this work. They say enforecement starts at home.
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