Impaired Driving and Teenagers

All 5o states have adopted the graduated licensing laws. Graduated licensing imposes restrictions on new drivers that are systematically lifted as the driver gains experience. Until graduated licensing laws are universal, parents can implement their own form of graduated licensing with restrictions and privileges.

Key Components of Graduated Licensing

During the Instructional Permit Phase, drivers must:

Be supervised by a licensed adult age 21 or older at all times;

Be convicted of no moving violations or other driving-related safety laws;

Comply with zero blood-alcohol tolerance and drug laws;

Wear a safety belt and require all occupants to wear safety belts; and

Have a valid instructional permit for at least 6 months, pass a driver's education course, and pass a Department of Motor Vehicle road test before applying for an intermediate license.

During the Intermediate License Phase, drivers must:

Be supervised by a licensed adult age 21 or older when driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.;

Be convicted of no moving violations or other driving-related safety laws;

Comply with zero blood-alcohol tolerance and drug laws;

Wear a safety belt and require all occupants to wear safety belts; and

Have a valid intermediate license for at least 6 months before applying for a regular.