Gov. Corbett Signs Teen Driving Bill into Law

The law also has ramifications for child passenger safety and teen driving throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Read more…

The new law implements stricter requirements for teen drivers, who have been victims of automobile accidents related to driver inexperience and non-use of safety restraints. Highlights of the new law include:

• Everyone under the age of 18 in a vehicle to be properly buckled up, whether in a seat belt or a child safety or booster seat. This is now a primary violation, meaning a law enforcement officer can pull over a vehicle if a passenger under 18 is not properly restrained.

• Sets restrictions for the number of passengers in a vehicle driven by a teen.  During the first six months of being licensed, a teen can only carry one, non-family passenger who is younger than 18. After the first six months and until the junior driver turns 18, a limit of three non-family passengers until 18 is permitted.

• Increases the number of hours from 50 to 65 for behind-the-wheel training for those with learner’s permits. Ten of those hours must be at night and five logged during inclement weather.

This law takes effect in 60 days. For a detailed article about the law, fines associated with the new violations, and history behind the law visit Rep. Katherine Watson's website, the author of the upgrades to the law.

October 25, 2011
Source: PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project