Full Notification

**NEW LAW AFFECTING YOUNG DRIVERS TAKES EFFECT DECEMBER 24**

On December 24th, 2011 provisions of Act 81 will take effect. Act 81 increases supervised, behind-the-wheel skill building for learner's permit holders less than 18 years of age from 50 hours to 65 hours. Ten of the added hours must be nighttime driving, and five of the additional hours must be in poor weather conditions.

In addition to these changes, for the first six months after receiving a junior drivers license, the driver is not permitted to have more than one person under the age of 16 who is not an immediate family member (brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, and adopted or foster children living in the same household of the driver) unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

After this sixth month time period, if the driver has not been convicted of a driving violation or been partially or fully responsible for a reportable crash (a crash that involves injuries or towing), they may have up to three passengers under the age of 18 who are not immediate family members in the vehicle without a parent or guardian present. If the driver has had any convictions or reportable crashes during that six month probationary time period, they are once again restricted to one passenger.

Act 81 also changes passenger restrictions, dictating that drivers and occupants who are under the age of 18 must wear a fastened seat belt, and children under the age of 8 must be securely fastened in a child restraint system. Failure to comply will be a PRIMARY offense, meaning that a driver can be pulled over and cited solely for that violation.

For more information, please visit www.dmvstate.pa.us.