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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
MEASURE TO REDUCE TEEN DRIVING DEATHS PASSES HOUSE
ST. PAUL - The Minnesota House of Representatives approved a measure (HF 2628) today authored by State Representative Kim Norton (DFL - Rochester). The initiative, included in a comprehensive transportation policy bill (HF 3800) would modify provisional licenses for teen drivers in Minnesota. If Norton's measure becomes law, Minnesota would join 46 other states that have similar laws in place already - laws proven to reduce teen driving deaths by 40 percent.
"Minnesota has the most teenagers in the nation behind the wheel in deadly crashes - this is not an area where we want to be number one," said Rep. Norton. "Our children die when there are more kids in the car. This bill is an effort to give them six more months to become better, more mature drivers, capable of driving responsibly."
Specifically, Norton's bill would require the following:
§ For the first six months, only one passenger under the age of 20 (who is not a family member) would be
allowed in the vehicle;
§ For the second six months, up to three non-family passengers would be allowed in the vehicle; and
§ Hours of driving for provisional license holders would be restricted between midnight and 5:00am, except
to drive to work, school, or with a licensed driver over the age of 25.
"With the growing rate of teenage driving deaths in Minnesota and across the nation, we need to take necessary precautions to protect our young people, and keep our roads safe," said Norton. "By enacting these new standards, we can give teen drivers the time they need to get comfortable behind the wheel before taking on additional passengers and distractions."
Provisional drivers licenses are licenses given to young drivers who are at least 16 years old, have completed their drivers education courses, passed their road test, and have possessed a drivers permit for at least six months without incident. Currently provisional licensees are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving and must have every passenger under 18 buckled up.
The Omnibus Transportation Policy bill passed this evening, and is headed for conference committee. The bill must then be re-passed before it is sent to Governor Pawlenty for final approval. Additional information on HF 2628 and HF 3800 can be found online at www.house.mn.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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