New Ohio Laws for Teen Drivers
Ohio has taken another step in their “Drive Towards A Safer Ohio Initiative” with passing a new law that restricts teens with a probationary license. It is intended to increase the level of experience for teenage drivers under 18.
Research conducted by AAA shows that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident between the months of May and September when school is out. Their research also shows that teens are significantly more likely to be involved in car accidents after 9 p.m. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20-year-olds in the United States every year.
This new Ohio law has placed more emphasis on the experience of teenage drivers rather than just going by their age. The new law puts restrictions on what hours teen drivers are allowed to drive in and how many passengers they can have in their car.
This new law was put into effect on July 1, 2015. It states that probationary drivers under the age of 18 will have these restrictions during the first 12 months after receiving their license.
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m., unless that driver is accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- No driving with more than one nonfamily member in the vehicle.
- All passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times.
- No use of mobile/cellular communication while driving.
Previously, teenage drivers who had a probationary license had restrictions based on their age, not experience. This new law applied to all drivers under 18 years of age with a probationary license. The new law has expanded the restricted times of driving from midnight to 6 a.m. from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Ohio hopes this new law will help teenage drivers become more responsible behind the wheel while they gain the learning experience necessary to become successful drivers.
If you or your teenage child have been involved in a car accident, contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible will make the claims process much easier. Attorney Charles V. Contrada will explain your legal options, guide you through the process.
To speak to attorney Charles V. Contrada about a car accident in Ohio or Michigan, call 419.841.4400. Charles has helped thousands of individuals with car accident claims and will explain the legal options that are available to you. Call Contrada & Associates for comprehensive legal guidance that will help you to receive the most favorable outcome.