New AAA Texas Brochure Explains New Teen Driving Law

HOUSTON--Aug. 15, 2002--Driving to school will no longer be the same for Texas teens. The reason? A new law called - graduated driver's license.

On Jan. 1, 2002, a new state law sponsored by AAA Texas changed the way teenagers obtain driving licenses. Called graduated driver licensing, the new law takes a three-step approach to obtaining a driver's license. The goal is to give teens more experience behind the wheel, reduce crashes and save lives.

Details of the graduated driver license system are explained in a new AAA Texas brochure called "Teen Drivers: A Guide to Texas' New Graduated Driver License." The brochure is available to the public in English and Spanish at all AAA Texas offices and on the Internet at http://www.aaa-texas.com.

"Traffic crashes are the leading cause of deaths for teenagers," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Graduated driver licensing limits teen exposure to dangerous driving situations so they can develop better driving skills. It's important for teens and their parents or guardians to understand this new system and make it work for them."

Graduated driver licensing adds several new requirements to the licensing process for teens under 18 including:

-- Hold the instructional permit for at least six months.

-- Drive with an adult 21 or older (occupying the seat next to the driver) who has been licensed for a minimum of 1 year. (Instructional permit)

-- Certain restrictions apply during the first six months of a provisional license (for teens under the age of 18).

-- Passenger restriction: A teen may not drive with more than one passenger under age 21 unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. An exception exists for driving family members under age 21.

-- Late night hours restriction: A teen may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older. Exceptions are permitted for employment, school-related activities and medical emergency.