Kyleigh’s Law is the first teen driver-decal program in the nation, and the law, along with other companion rules that celebrates 10 years!  The law applies to all drivers with a Special Learner’s Permit or first-year provisional or probationary licenses. Virtually all 17-year-olds, and many 18-year-olds, will be affected by the changes, which also apply to 19- and 20-year-olds if they are in their first year of their driver’s license.  New Jersey has some of the most effective laws in the country, so to celebrate 10 years of Kyleigh’s Law and 20 years of the GDL, we’re asking NJ to #StickToIt.

 

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are recognized as the single most effective tool for keeping young drivers safe and reducing teen driver crashes, injuries and deaths.  This program is 20 years old!  The GDL is a three-stage licensing process that is designed to give new drivers increased, step-by-step instruction and driving experience on the road to obtaining a basic driver license.

No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m for anyone with a permit or probationary license under 21.
WHY? Because 16 and 17-year old drivers are 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash at night than during the day.

No more than one passenger besides parent/guardian for anyone with a permit or probationary license under 21.
WHY? Passengers significantly increase a teen driver’s crash risk – one passenger increases risk by 50%, and three passengers increase risk by 400%.

Decal must be displayed on top left corner of front and back license plates for anyone with a permit or probationary license under 21.
WHY? This decal helps law enforcement keep teens safe and encourage other drivers to be alert for novice drivers.
It has proven to be an effective tool in several other countries.

No use of cell phones (hand-held or hands-free).
WHY? Studies have shown that among teen drivers, use of a device while driving, even for 1-2 seconds, causes a 3-6x increase in crash risk.

Seat belts must be worn at all times.

GDL holders face a fine of $100 for each violation and municipal prosecutors are banned from offering 0 point plea agreements.

For additional information and/or resources, please click here.