House Republican Press Release

September 28, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

LAW ESTABLISHING DRIVING RESTRICTIONS FOR LEARNER’S PERMITS TAKES EFFECT MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

Legislation Authored by Brookfield State Rep.

HARTFORD- A new law that adds restrictions to learner’s permits issued in Connecticut similar to the state’s graduated driver’s license limitations takes effect on Monday, October 1. The legislation was authored by State Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel), who serves as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee.

Under previous law, 16 and 17-year-old youths with learner’s permits do not have a limit on the number of passengers they may have in a vehicle. They are only required to be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years old. This is in direct contrast to newly-licensed drivers, who are subject to passenger restrictions for the first six months. For the first three months a 16 or 17 year old has a driver’s license, they can only drive with a parent or other licensed driver, with only additional immediate family members allowed during the following three months.

The new law changes statutes to include learner's permit holders, effectively better protecting all first-time 16 and 17-year-old drivers, said Rep. Scribner.  

“Extending graduated drivers license laws to those who are just learning to drive is a common sense measure than can help save lives,” said Rep. Scribner. “These 16 and 17 year olds should be learning with as few distractions as possible. The restrictions will both help protect the young drivers and ensure safety on our roadways.”

In addition to passenger restrictions, Connecticut’s graduated licensing law prohibits a sixteen or seventeen-year old who has an operator’s license from driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the person is driving for work or a school activity, or out of medical necessity. Exemptions are made for ambulance, fire and EMS personnel who are 16 or 17 years of age.