Teen-driving law among 304 taking effect in Utah

On Monday, a new law will go into effect that limits when — and with whom — a teenage motorist can drive legally.

Safety advocates say the law, one of two new measures that affect teenage drivers, will help teens gain needed driving experience. Parents say they generally support the measure.

The law forbids a new driver until age 17 from being on the road between midnight and 5 a.m. Exemptions are given for agricultural work, traveling home from a school activity or if an adult is in the car. It also prohibits teen drivers from having friends in the car for six months, unless a licensed adult is with them.

"When teens get together, the chance they will crash just increases dramatically," said Rolayne Fairclough, spokeswoman for AAA Utah. "I hope parents will find this law easier to understand and also see it as a way to protect their children."

Teenage drivers are involved in 27.6 percent of all motor-vehicle crashes in the state, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. They represent only 7.7 percent of licensed drivers.

In 1999, Utah lawmakers passed a law that required a teen to drive for 30 hours with a parent or guardian before getting a license. In 2001, a law was passed that forbade new drivers from having friends in the car for six months, but parents could sign a note allowing them to bypass the law.

The new law that goes into effect Monday, SB118, repealed that provision.

Mark Farnsworth of West Valley says that he supports the changes. His daughter, Sara, just received a learner's permit.

"What the kids really need is experience," he said. "There is no way to replace that experience unless you put them behind the wheel and you're behind them."

On Aug. 1, a second graduated-license law will go into effect. That law allows a teenager to get a learner's permit at age 15. Teenagers would not, however, be able to get a license until age 16. They would also have to enroll in a drivers' education course.

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