PASSENGER LIMIT FOR NEW DRIVERS - H.B. 4600 (H-4): COMMITTEE SUMMARY
sans-serif">House Bill 4600 (Substitute H-4 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Edward Gaffney
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to prohibit a person issued a level two graduated driver licensing status from transporting more than one passenger, other than family members, unless the driver were accompanied by his or her parent or legal guardian or had in his or her possession the written authorization of his or her parent or legal guardian. The bill would take effect on May 1, 2004.
MCL 257.310e
BACKGROUND
Under the Code, a person who is at least 14 years and nine months old may be issued a level one graduated licensing status if he or she has passed a vision test and met health standards prescribed by the Secretary of State (SOS); successfully completed segment one of a driver education course, including at least six hours of on-the-road driving time with an instructor; and received a parent’s or legal guardian’s written approval. A level one driver may drive only when accompanied either by a licensed parent or legal guardian or, with the parent’s or legal guardian’s permission, a licensed driver who is at least 21.
A person who is at least 16 may be issued a level two status if he or she has satisfied the following conditions:
-- Has had a level one status for at least six months.
-- Has successfully completed segment two of a driver education course.
-- Has not incurred a moving violation resulting in a conviction or civil infraction determination or been involved in an accident for which the police report indicates a moving violation within 90 days immediately before applying for level two status.
-- Has presented certification by his or her parent or guardian that he or she has accumulated at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience, including at least 10 nighttime hours, with a parent, legal guardian, or other licensed driver over 21.
-- Has successfully completed an SOS-approved performance road test.
A person issued a level two status must remain at level two for at least six months and may not drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or other licensed driver over 21, or except when going to or from employment.
If a driver violates the provisions of either the level one or level two period, the periods must be expanded and/or extended, and the driver is responsible for a civil infraction.
A person who is at least 17 may be issued a level three status if he or she has completed 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, an accident, suspension, or restricted period violation while at level two status.
- Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate impact on the State and local units of government. Enforcement costs and fine revenue would depend on the number of violations.
- Fiscal Analyst: Bill BowermanS0304\s4600sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.