Another obstacle to participation in school activities is the unintended consequence of well-intentioned additional restrictions on new drivers:  the time after which they can operate a car legally without being accompanied by a parent or other licensed driver over 21 has been changed from midnight to 10 p.m.

It is apparent from conversations we’ve had that some legislators who voted for this change in December believed the graduated driver’s license bill included an exception for school activities; but they were mixing two parts of the bill.  Graduated driver’s license Level 2 status makes an exception for traveling to or from school or school-sanctioned events for the number of passengers under age 21; the new restrictions do not make an exception to the 10 p.m. curfew for driving without adult supervision.

Insurance industry data appears compelling, but it’s simply common sense:  teen driving accidents spike when students are not in school or sleeping.  Not surprisingly, many parents and students are complaining about this intrusion in their family decision-making.

The legislation will be of less consequence to families where there is at least one unworking parent and one working car at home at 10 or 11 p.m.; but to less traditional families, this legislation will be of greater concern.  Likewise, those schools whose attendance area is only a few square miles may have a different opinion than the opinion of those in very expansive school districts. 

The new rules took effect March 30.  Visit firstn10.com for more information.