HB0351S01 | Driving by Minors Amendments

Description
General Description: 

This bill amends the restrictions on a newly licensed driver.

Highlighted Provisions: 

This bill: repeals the restriction that prevents a minor from driving with a passenger that is not an immediate family member within six months after receiving a driver license.

Bill Details
Bill Number: 
HB0351S01
Year: 
2024
Status: 
House/ filed
Last Action: 
Mar 01, 2024
Sponsor
Representative
Kera Birkeland
Republican - District 4
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note Amount: 
$0
None
View Fiscal Note
Utah PTA Response
Utah PTA Position
Oppose w/ Comment

The Utah PTA advocates for laws ensuring the care and protection of children and youth. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws in Utah facilitate skill development for teenage drivers before obtaining an official license, effectively reducing high-risk driving situations and lowering teen accidents by up to 50 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Impact on Children: 

"The Utah PTA actively supports legislation aimed at safeguarding the well-being of children and youth. Utah's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws play a crucial role in fostering skill development among teenage drivers before acquiring their official licenses, resulting in a significant reduction of high-risk driving situations and a 50 percent decrease in teen accidents, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

However, the proposed substitute in this bill, which allows for one passenger—a measure aligning with NHTSA best practices—comes with a potential downside. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), such a modification could increase the likelihood of fatal crashes by 19%, posing a concern for the safety of young drivers."

Commission: 
Safety
Utah PTA Public Policy Program
National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions: 

National PTA Resolution on Teen Driving Safety

 

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent organizations promote educating parents, students, school personnel and communities regarding the risks associated with teen driving, the legal requirements of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, and the crucial role of parents in helping teens become safe drivers;

Resolved, That PTA work with parents, students, and community partners to urge local, state and national leaders to support research and adopt policies and legislation to reduce traffic incidents involving teen drivers and their passengers;

Utah PTA Legislative Policy: 

To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.