NEW OHIO TEEN DRIVING RESTRICTIONS TAKE EFFECT APRIL 6

Under a new law effective April 6^th, Ohio teenage drivers face stricter limits on the number of passengers they can transport and the hours they can drive.

The following restrictions are placed on probationary license holders and temporary permit holders who are less than 18 years of age:

·         Probationary driver license holders under the age of 17 will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle with more than one person who is not a family member in the vehicle, unless accompanied by the license holder’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have shown that additional passengers increase the risk of a crash among teen drivers.

·         Probationary license holders between 17 and 18 years of age will be restricted from driving between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless the holder is accompanied by a parent or guardian, with the following exceptions: an emergency situation, driving to or from a school activity, or driving to or from work. Travel to or from work is permitted provided the teen has written documentation from the employer.

·         Probationary license holders under the age of 17 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian with the same exceptions as above. This is a change to the previous restriction of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

·         Permit holders under the age of 18 will be prohibited from driving between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian who holds a valid license. This is a change to the previous restriction of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

·         If a probationary driver license holder under the age of 17 is convicted of having committed one moving violation during the first six months of having a driver license, the person must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whenever operating a motor vehicle during the six-month period commencing on the date on which the person is convicted of or pleads guilty to the moving violation or until the person attains the age of 17.