Small Town News

Changes in Driving Legislation for Teens Start January 1

---

Kansas new Graduated Driver's License Legislation (House Bill 2143) takes effect January 1, 2010. This new legislation was developed to help young drivers obtain more experience, and become safer drivers prior to becoming a fully licensed driver.

Teens already holding valid instructional permits, as well as restricted and full driver's licenses, including farm permits prior to January 1, 2010, are included in the Grandfather Clause, and will not be under the GDL provisions. Any teen driver receiving a license or permit on January 1, and thereafter, will be under the GDL requirements.

For those drivers covered by the GDL, no wireless communication devices are to be used while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help. Once a driver has a full, unrestricted license, use of wireless devices is permitted.

The minimum age for an Instructional Permit is 14, and the permit expires in one year, however, it may be renewed. To receive an instructional permit, a teen must pass vision and written examinations. An adult with a valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience must be present in the front seat with the driver.

A Restricted License is offered to teens who are a minimum of 15 years of age, and the teen must have held an Instructional Permit for at least one year, and must have completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving. Someone 15 or younger must have successfully completed an approved Driver's Education course.

A Full (Unrestricted) License is available at age 17, if first time applicant, not including instruction permit. To receive a full, unrestricted license, teens must pass vision, written, and driving exams; must provide proof of age and ID; and a signed affidavit of parent/guardian, stating applicant has completed at least 50 hours of adult supervised driving with at least 10 of those hours being at night.

A Farm Permit can be issued at a minimum age of 14. The driver must reside on a farm, or be employed for compensation on a farm.

The Motorcycle License has the same restrictions as a Farm Permit. The operator must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid class M driver's license. The supervising rider must be operating a motorcycle in the general proximity of the licensee.

Teen drivers also face new revocations or suspension if they are not abiding by the law. A Restricted License shall be suspended for any violation of restrictions. If a GDL driver is involved in 2 or more accidents chargeable to the licensee, the license shall be suspended and not reinstated for one year. If a GDL driver is under the age of 16 and is convicted or 2 or more moving traffic violations committed on separate occasions they shall not be eligible to receive the unrestricted license until age 17. If under the age of 17, but at least 16, and convicted of 2 or more moving traffic violations committed on separate occasions, the driver will not be eligible to receive a full license until age 18.

Drivers are also reminded that when vehicles are involved in non-injury crashes, move vehicles out of the lane of traffic if it is safe to do so. If vehicles can be driven, move them to a safe location such as a shoulder or the nearest exit to exchange information or to contact law enforcement. Law enforcement should always be called if:

* there are injuries.

* a vehicle cannot be moved;

* one of the drivers appear to be intoxicated

* damage exceeds $ 1,000

* one of the drivers has no insurance; or

* one of the drivers leaves the scene of the crash.

"Right Lane Law: or Senate Bill 145 prohibits vehicles on highways outside the corporate limits of any city divided into two or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction from being operated in the far left lane, except when:

* Overtaking and passing another vehicle

* Preparing to make a proper left turn

* Otherwise directed by official traffic-control devices; or

* Otherwise required by other provisions of law. (e.g. Stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles.)

These provisions do not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, including those operated by law enforcement officers. Kansas Turnpike Authority & KDOT vehices performing maintenance or construction are also exempt from this legislation.



Copyright 2010 Western Kansas World, Wakeeny, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Western Kansas World Wakeeny, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Western Kansas World