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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
GRADUATED DRIVERS LICENSE LAW GOES INTO EFFECT AUGUST 1ST
ST. PAUL - As of August 1, 2008, Minnesota is the 47th state in the nation to adopt a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) standard for new drivers. Minnesota's new GDL law, authored by State Rep. Kim Norton (DFL - Rochester), gives provisional licensees more time behind the wheel with fewer distractions before being given the full and serious responsibilities that come with driving in our state.
"Forty-six other states with similar Graduated Drivers License standards in place have already seen up to a 40 percent drop in teen driving deaths," said Rep. Norton. "By following suit with a similar standard in place in our own state, we can save the lives of teens and others on the road right here in Minnesota."
According to studies conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in Minnesota. By giving Minnesota teens the opportunity to hone their driving skills without dangerous distractions, lawmakers and key public safety officials hope to improve safety on the roads for teens and other drivers alike.
"These laws will help teens become safer drivers and, as a result, prevent deaths and injuries on Minnesota roads," said Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion.
Minnesota's new GDL standard now requires the following:
· For the first 6 months, only one passenger under the age of 20 (who is not a family member) would be allowed in the vehicle;
· For the second 6 months, up to 3 non-family passengers would be allowed in the vehicle; and
· Hours of driving for provisional license holders would be restricted between midnight and 5:00 am, except to drive to work, school, or with a licensed driver over the age of 25.
“The mountain of evidence supporting this legislation clearly shows that GDL is a common sense, effective solution to a very serious problem - a small effort that will go a long way in saving the lives of Minnesota teens, and others on our roads, in every corner of the state," said Norton.
Enacting the new GDL standard in Minnesota was a bipartisan effort - but it wasn't without its challenges. Throughout the process and up until the final hours of session the idea met opposition from some members of both parties. But after a number of hearings and some compromise, the facts supporting a GDL standard outweighed its criticism - and the bill was passed by a broad, bipartisan margin with support from Governor Tim Pawlenty.
"I am pleased that Governor Pawlenty signed this bill into law," said Norton. "By working together, we were able to enact a long-overdue standard that will protect teens and prevent unnecessary deaths on Minnesota roads."
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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