New Jersey Law for Drivers Under 21 Just Became More Restricted
On Wednesday, Governor Corzine put more restrictive driving laws into effect for young drivers (i.e. those under 21 years old). The new law includes a provision requiring placement of a car decal on vehicles operated by permit holders or provisional license holders. The rules have also been refined to limit the times that teens on a provisional license may operate a car. The law now prohibits operation after 11:00 p.m. The final piece of the legislation prohibits provisional drivers under 21 from operating a vehicle with more than one passenger and this limitation applies irrespective of whether the passengers are related or reside together.
My observations regarding this NJ amendment are multiple. While I am certainly sympathetic as to the horrors of teen motor vehicle deaths, it seems to me that the statute is somewhat unrealistic. To limit children under 21 to one passenger has the real potential for being excessive and having negative effects. This law will also undoubtedly provide additional opportunities for stops and motor vehicle searches as it has been the experience of our NJ Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys that, at least insofar as it relates to young people, the law against unreasonable search and seizure becomes very grey in the field.
I believe this new law will present hardships to families. I know it will to mine. I do understand the need for limiting # of occupants in a new drivers vehicle if they are not related(family or same household). How many times I have asked my son to pick up his brother & sister from school for me because they have a half day or have to stay after and I have to work. Employers don't want to hear I have to go get my kids from school I have to leave early. Especially in this economy. And how about sharing a ride to school or work to save on gas-carpool to save the enviroment.
I certainly don't want to see cars full of teenagers getting killed. But has the death toll gone up since the last restriction law was put in place? If not than why restrict more. If so than restrictions don't really work do they? Are there exceptions with proper documentation? what documentation is needed? I'm just so frustrated with government taking over and making my life more difficult. I really think NJ should stop taking the payoffs/kickbacks from the Insurance Lobbiests and start helping the citizens of this state, both North & SOUTH!!!