Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) to improve the safety of teen drivers, including drivers with learner’s permits and provisional licenses, was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.
The legislation, known as “Kyleigh’s Law,” implements certain recommendations of the Teen Driver Study Commission that were released this spring as part of the commission’s final report. The bill was introduced in memory of Kyleigh Dalessio, a 16-year old honor student from Long Valley, New Jersey who died in an accident involving a young driver with multiple passengers.
“For many teens, learning to drive represents their ascension to adulthood,” said Kean. “Unfortunately, distractions and reckless driving prevent too many teens from actually reaching adulthood.”
Under the legislation, Senate Committee Substitute for S-2314, the holders of special learner’s permits, examination permits and provisional drivers licenses would be required to display a special decal on any motor vehicle that they are operating, which would identify to law enforcement officers that the driver is the holder of such a permit or license.
The decals would be designed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in such a way that they would be removable, highly visible and reflective to be seen at night. The holder of a permit or provisional license would be prohibited from driving a vehicle unless the decal is properly displayed. The decal would no longer be required once the permit or provisional license period has ended.
“New Jersey has a number of good laws on the books that are designed to allow those with learner’s permits and provisional licenses to learn to drive in a safe and responsible manner,” said Kean. “It is hard for law enforcement officers to enforce restrictions on young drivers, including limitations on the number of passengers they may carry, if it isn’t clear that a driver is in fact the holder of a learner’s permit or provisional license. This special decal will help law enforcement to identify teen drivers and stop risky behavior before horrible accidents occur.”
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