Blog Archive

The national and state numbers on teen driving fatalities are high. In fact, AAA reports that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities http://www.driverzed.org/zedalert/FactSheet_Teen_Driving_Stats.pdf. Speed and inexperience are more often than not the cause of these crashes. With this in mind, the Commonwealth’s lawmakers went to work to create a solution that will keep our teens and roadways safe.

As of January 3, 2007 when the junior operator bill was signed into law, teens now, more than ever, need to think twice before they violate the restrictions of their junior operator license. The fines are higher, the suspensions longer, and in some cases, a State Courts Against Road Rage (SCARR) as well as an attitudinal course will be required. Think that is tough? In some cases, a teen may be required to re-take his or her road test and pay a sizeable reinstatement fee.

Why did the law need changing? Teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable with the proper classroom and behind the wheel training, and let’s face it, a little extra incentive to follow the rules. There is even more to the new law than stiff penalties for violations though. Parents/Guardians now have a greater responsibility to ensure that their teen is prepared to drive unsupervised.

Effective September 2007, parents and guardians will need to supervise 40 hours of their teen’s drive time. This is up from 12 hours. This provides a greater opportunity for teens to develop their skills behind the wheel with an experienced driver beside them.  There will also be significant changes to driver’s education. The curriculum will be standardized so to eliminate out-dated material from the classroom and consumer protections will be put into place. And perhaps most importantly, parents will receive a two-hour orientation to the Junior Operator Law and coaching on what to cover during the 40 hours of practice driving.

The RMV is diligently working on these changes and more. For more detailed information, please visit our Teens and Parents Section and be on the look out for frequent updates.