House Republican Press Release

April 14, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Votes In Favor of Teen Driving Bill

HARTFORD – Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-114) voted this week in favor of legislation that tighten restrictions on the number of teens that new teen drivers can have in their vehicle and expands a ban on nighttime driving.  The measure also requires an increase in the amount of training hours required to obtain a license, and requires parents or guardians to spend two classroom hours with their children while they are taking driving instruction.

Recent tragedies in Connecticut involving young and inexperienced drivers have caused the legislature to reexamine the current requirements for teen driving instruction and licensure. 

The bill also requires the immediate 48-hour suspension of a teen’s license if they are found in violation of the passenger restrictions, or are apprehended drag racing or otherwise driving recklessly. 

“The heavy increase in tragic traffic deaths caused by inexperienced or reckless teen drivers has demonstrated a clear need to make significant changes to the way we teach and license teens to drive,” said Klarides.  “Statistics as well as the headlines show that these first years as drivers are the most dangerous in a driver’s life.  We need to take a measured approach to instructing teens, involving parents, and making penalties strict.”

The measure now goes to the State Senate for action there.

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to conclude at midnight, May 7^th, 2008.