New PA Teen Driver Law Takes Effect
Pennsylvania's new teen driver law, also known as "Lacey's Law," has gone into effect statewide as of December 27, 2011. Lacey’s Law is named for a Philadelphia teenager who was killed in 2007 in a crash on the PA Turnpike while she was riding with six other teenagers on prom night. The car lost control in dense fog, killing Lacey and injuring the other teenagers. Authorities say no alcohol was involved in the crash.
The new law imposes tougher restrictions on teen drivers in Pennsylvania. New provisions include increased behind-the-wheel training requirements for teen drivers in PA. The number of total hours of behind-the-wheel training is increased from 50 to 65, with a new requirement that 10 of those 65 hours must be at night, and 5 hours must be in inclement weather.
Another main component of the new PA teen driving law is a restriction on the number of passengers a junior driver may have during the first several months after a Pennsylvania driver’s license is issued. Exceptions exist within the law for immediate family members and those accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For the first six months, a teenage driver cannot have more than one passenger under the age of 18 who is not an immediate family member. After the first six months, a junior driver can have up to three passengers, but only if the driver has not been convicted of a driving violation or been responsible for a reportable crash.
The law also makes failing to wear a seatbelt a primary offense for teen drivers and passengers under 18, meaning that the police may pull a vehicle over on those grounds without any additional cause.
Jason B. Martin is a Pennsylvania attorney and the founder of The Martin Law Firm, P.C., located in Blue Bell, Montgomery County, PA. Visit our home page to view our practice areas, and contact The Martin Law Firm today for a free consultation.