Research has confirmed that teenage drivers have the greatest risk of being involved in a vehicle crash. In fact, vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for teenagers in America. The State of Illinois has enacted specific laws and rules for teenage drivers to obtain a drivers’ license. These laws are designed to help teenagers be better drivers; and also to act as a deterrent to punish improper and illegal driving by minors. All of the laws are designed for the safety and protection of the minor drivers and others using the roadways in the State of Illinois.
The first set of laws concerns what the State calls the “Permit Phase”. Minors can begin their driver education and training at age 15 in Illinois. Some of the most important rules and laws during this time – when a minor is eligible for a driver’s permit at age 15 up to the time when a minor can obtain an actual driver’s license at age 16, are as follows:
► The consent of a parent or legal guarding is required to obtain a permit;
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► The minor must take an approved driver education course;
► The minor must pass a written test, and a vision exam;
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► There are certain restrictions for driving at night;
► Required 50 hours of practice driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night;
► Limit of one front-seat passenger;
► Limit of back seat passengers to total of number of seat belts;
► Everyone must wear seat belts;
► All cell phone use by driver is prohibited – even hands-free. This includes all drivers under age 18;
► Texting is prohibited;
► No convictions during the nine month “Permit Phase”, although you can have a permit for up to 2 years.
► If charged with a traffic violation, in order to obtain court supervision (not a conviction) the minor’s parent/legal guardian must be present in court, and the minor must complete driver safety school.
► If a minor, during this “Permit Phase”, is convicted of a moving violation, there is a mandatory 9 month period before the minor can then apply for an actual driver’s license.
These laws are designed to protect our children, keep them safe, and teach them about good, safe driving. In the end, it helps everyone on the roadways be safer.
On Wednesday, I will discuss the special rules for teenage drivers, after they have obtained their license.
For more information and resources, visit our website at payonklaw.com.
