Teen Driver and Other Teen Passengers
Teenagers must adhere to strict driving restrictions in California before obtaining a full driver’s license. Teenagers have different rules than other drivers, including who can ride with them and when they can drive.
In California, the law imposes restrictions based on the results of studies on teen behavior. Research shows that teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as distracted driving and speeding, especially with other teens riding along as passengers.
To obtain a driver’s license, teenagers must have the signature of a parent or guardian guaranteeing that they will comply with all rules and regulations. They must also pass vision exams, a driving test, and demonstrate knowledge of traffic laws and signs. Furthermore, completion of a driver training course with a certified driving instructor is required.
Why Specific Laws for Teenagers?
There’s a reason why teenagers have specific California licensed driver laws. Statistics from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of teenagers in America.
If you have any questions about restricted license California rules or teenage driving laws, don’t hesitate to contact our Sacramento car accident attorneys. We’ve helped many families affected by car accidents involving teen drivers.
California Laws About Teenage Drivers
Teenagers under 18 in Sacramento must comply with the following rules while they are driving:
- To transport passengers under 20 years of age, teen drivers must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver over 25 years of age for the first twelve months.
- Teenagers with a provisional license must be accompanied by an adult when driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Teens cannot be employed as drivers of motor vehicles.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are some exceptions to these rules. For example, when reasonable transportation is not available and an emergency arises, the law allows teenagers to drive or to transport someone unsupervised.
Other circumstances may allow teens to drive in non-emergency contexts if they meet certain exceptions. However, if an exception is necessary, the law requires that the minor carry a signed note explaining the necessity of the exception and the dates for which it is effective.
Under those circumstances, teens may drive:
- With medical necessity and a note signed by a physician. An example might be when a teen must drive themselves to regular doctor or therapy appointments.
- For a school-authorized activity with the signature of a school official.
- For employment purposes with a note signed by the employer verifying conditions of employment.
- To transport an immediate family member when no other transportation is available with a note signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Under these exceptions to the general rule, teenagers under 18 with a graduated driver’s license for less than a year still may not transport other teenagers. The only times that a teenager under 18 years of age can drive with other teenagers in the car is if there is an adult present or if the teenager has obtained a full driver’s license from the state with no restrictions.
Consequences of Violating Teen Driving Laws
California takes teen driving laws seriously. Drivers who break the rules are subject to penalties such as fines, points on their driving record, and license suspensions for repeated violations.
If a teen accrues three or more points on their record within a 12-month period, sanctions include a six-month suspension and one year of probation. Drivers must fulfill the full terms of their probation even if they turn 18 during the period of restriction, suspension, or probation.
Tips for Parents and Teen Drivers
Sacramento parents should work collaboratively with their teens to encourage safe driving habits during the learner’s permit and provisional licensing stages. Here are some suggestions:
- Model safe driving. Parents should lead by example by not texting, speeding, or engaging in aggressive behavior behind the wheel.
- Complete all 50 hours of supervised driver training as required by state law.
- Practice in all driving conditions.
- Make sure you understand the licensing process by reviewing the California DMV’s Teen Driver Roadmap.
- Set clear expectations and consequences for breaking the rules. Consider creating and signing a Parent-Teen Driver Agreement.
- Keep a level head when discussing hard topics like drinking and driving, distracted driving, and night driving.
FAQs About Teen Driving in California
Question 1. What is the minimum age to get a driver’s license in California?
Answer – Teen drivers can apply for a learner’s permit at 15-and-a-half years old. Applicants aged 17-and-a-half or older can apply for a learner’s permit without completing a driver’s education course, but can only receive a driver’s license at 18 and after taking driver’s ed.
Drivers can apply for a driver’s license when they turn 16 and have had their learner’s permit for at least six months, as well as having met other requirements.
Question 2. Can a teenager drive siblings under these laws?
Answer – Teens can transport siblings under 20 as long as they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, certified driving instructor, or licensed California driver over 25 for the first 12 months. They also must meet the California teen driving curfew by not driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Question 3. How long do the restrictions last?
Answer – Once a teen receives their provisional license, they must adhere to the driving restrictions for 12 months or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.
What Happens If a Teenager Drives With Other Teens in Sacramento?
In most cases, a teenager who is pulled over and is violating these laws will lose their driver’s license for a period of time. This situation can become more complicated if a teenager was breaking the law and caused a vehicle crash that injured other people. Although parents are required to sign statements saying that they accept responsibility for the involving teen, it is not always the case that they maintain the right insurance coverage. In those instances, it is important for the person who is injured by a teenage driver to consult with a Sacramento personal injury attorney.
Contact Sacramento Auto Accident Attorney Today
A Sacramento auto accident attorney may be able to help an injured victim recover damages through a lawsuit against the driver, the parents, the insurance company, and others who may be responsible for any car accident. Demas Law Group, P.C., is ready to help you hold a teenage driver, their parents, and their insurance responsible for your injuries and property damage.
You can reach us at (916) 764-3059.This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.
