By: Jenn Livingstone

New Jersey recently passed a new law which went into effect on Saturday, May 1^st.  This law was created to help police officers identify and enforce the driving restrictions for teenagers.

The law is named after Kyleigh D’Alessio who died in a car crash in 2006 because she was not wearing a seatbelt while in the passenger seat of another teen driver’s car.

Teenagers ages 16-20 are now required to display a red decal on their license plate during the first year of driving. The fine can raise up to $100 if you are caught without one. Decals must be placed in the upper left hand corner of the license plate. These new decals will cost you about $5 and can be purchased at DMV agencies.

Three Republican state assemblymen are planning to introduce a bill that would get rid of the new decal. National Youth’s Rights Association is also against this new law; they are trying to get rid of the law asking for drivers and their parents not to buy or use the new decals even if they are required to do so.

After talking with Sergeant Bierman and Mr. Calder, much was learned, including the fact that even police officers, the ones enforcing the law, do not completely agree with it. On the other hand, Mr. Calder, Principal of Spotswood High School, agrees with the law saying that “this is for the safety of the kids.  They may not agree, but it’s for their safety. They do not need distractions and they need to focus more on the road.”  He says that during his commute to and from work, he often observes teens texting while driving and not paying attention to what they are supposed to be doing.  He says they could cause serious injuries to themselves or others around them by not paying attention to the road.

To make sure that the students of Spotswood high school understand the new law completely Sergeant Bierman is available to answer any questions.  Mr. Calder gladly summarized what he and Sergeant Bierman will be doing to enforce this new law here at the high school, “we will be doing checks, either early morning while they drive to school or after school while they are leaving.  We will also checking parking lots to make sure everyone is following the rules.   We don’t want anyone to get into trouble.”

 Sergeant Bierman was nice enough to provide a copy of a hand out that he passed out to his officers which helped explain the law a little better for everyone:

 

MAY 1, 2010 CHANGES TO THE GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE (GDL) LAW

On May 1, 2010, the requirements for all teens (16-20 years of age) holding a permit or provisional license under New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law, will change. To ensure that GDL holders comply with the law, they and their parents should be aware that the teen driver:

• May not be on the road between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• May transport only one passenger in the vehicle besides his or her dependents.

(Note: If a parent or guardian is in the vehicle, the passenger restriction is waived and the teen may transport as many passengers as there are seat belts.)

• May not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free), iPod or other wireless electronic device.

(Note: GPS systems – portable or built-in – and iPods connected to a vehicle’s sound system are permitted, but a teen should not make any adjustments to these devices while driving.)

• Must ensure that all vehicle occupants are properly restrained in child safety seats or seat belts.
• Must display decal on the front and rear license plate.
• May not plea bargain any point carrying offenses.

There will be NO grandfathering of existing permit and provisional license holders. Regardless of how much time a GDL holder has remaining on her or his permit or provisional license, s/he must abide by these requirements beginning May 1. In addition, the name of the provisional license will change to probationary; this will be reflected on documents issued after May 1.

 

THE DECAL

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is charged with designing and distributing the decal, which must be displayed on a vehicle’s front and rear license plate when a permit or provisional license holder under 21 years of age is driving. The decal will be:

• Affixed with a Velcro system to allow for its removal when the GDL holder is not behind the wheel
  • Reflectorized so that it can be seen at night.
• Non-descript

(it is intended for enforcement purposes).

o       $4 per pair at MVC agencies.

(Note: MVC is developing a bulk purchase program for driving and high schools, police departments, and other organizations.)