Know the law regarding 16- and 17-year-old drivers

By Sgt. Charles Smedick
Special to The Citizen

You're 16 or 17 years old and you've finally passed your driving test. The long-anticipated freedom that comes with obtaining your Connecticut driver's license also comes with the responsibility of knowing and following the law.

Many young drivers are charged each day throughout the state because they choose to disregard the laws pertaining to underage drivers. Some parents send their children off to driving school and anticipate that the school will teach their children everything about the law. In most cases they do; however, parents, it's your responsibility, as well as your child's, to abide by the law.

Connecticut law clearly states that for a period of three months after the date of issuance of your Connecticut driver's license, a new driver shall not transport more than one passenger. That passenger must be the driver's parent or legal guardian, who holds a motor vehicle operator's license and is at least 25 years old.

For the period beginning three months after the date of issuance of your license and ending six months after the date of issuance, a new driver shall not transport any passenger other than the driver's parent or legal guardian, who holds a motor vehicle operator's license and is at least 25 years old and any additional member or members of such person's immediate family;

This means that as a new driver, you can not transport your friends around town or to school. The law is clear; you must have your driver's license for six months before you are allowed to transport your friends in your car. In addition, you shall not transport more passengers in your car than the number of seat belts permanently installed in your vehicle.

Violating the passenger restriction laws for new drivers can lead to license suspension. That means you're back to walking; follow the law and be safe.

Sgt. Charles Smedick is the head of the Plainville Police Department Traffic Division.