Connecticut’s New Driving Laws for Teenagers

Connecticut recently passed new laws restricting driving conditions for young drivers under eighteen years old. Connecticut’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws require all new drivers under 18 to complete a parent/guardian training program and adhere to restrictions on passengers, time, and electronic device use.

1. A learner’s permit driver may not have passengers except the instructor.
2. For a new licensed driver in the first six months, no passengers are allowed except the instructor, parents, or a licensed driver over age 20 and licensed for over four years.
3. In the second six months, a new licensed driver may only have passengers who are members of the immediate family.
4. Curfew: driving is prohibited for 16 and 17 year old drivers from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. with special exceptions.
5. After twelve months, no more passengers are allowed than there are available seatbelts.
6. Cell phones are strictly prohibited, even if it is hands-free.

Miscellaneous

* In 2009, over 3,000 teenagers were killed in motor vehicle crashes.
* Eight teenagers die every day in motor vehicle crashes.
* Drivers who text while driving take their eyes off the road 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds on average.
* Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs) may result in automotive license suspension or worse.
* A written contract between parents and new drivers can be very helpful in promoting safe driving habits.