As of May 1, 2010, New Jersey drivers with probationary licenses face new rules. Among these rules is a restriction that they may only drive with a single other passenger, unless that passenger is a dependent of the driver or the driver is accompanied by a parent or guardian. In addition, probationary drivers may only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless the driving is for work or a church-related activity, or in the case of an emergency.
In addition to other new regulations mandating more time practicing driving before receiving the license and a no-cell-phones rule, the biggest sticking point for many teens is what is known as Kyleigh's Law.
Named after Kyleigh D'Alessio, a 16-year-old killed in a car accident in 2006, the Kyleigh's Law legislation was signed last year by Democrat Governor Jon Corzine. It mandates the use of red license plate decals for all drivers under 21 who have a driver's permit or probationary license. The decals are intended to alert law enforcement that a young driver is in charge of the vehicle.
The response, however, has been less than what was hoped for. According to officials, roughly a quarter of a million drivers are legally obligated to purchase the decals - but after the first week, fewer than 70,000 sets had been purchased. Some teens have claimed age discrimination, wondering why elderly drivers were not also forced to use the stickers. Others have stated they feel unsafe while driving with the new stickers because young drivers could become easy targets for predators. But Detective Ed de La Fuente told the Millburn-Short Hills Patch newspaper, "If a criminal really wanted to target a teenage driver, he could identify a younger driver by sight, so the decals don't create a new problem."
A group of legislators is already planning to amend the bill to remove the decal requirement, a move current Republican Governor Chris Christie says he would be open to considering if the new law eventually proves ineffective at reducing teen driving accidents. "I see the upsides and the downsides to it," he said. "If I were governor at the time, I don't know if I would have gone that route." He added that his 16-year-old son, who does not currently have his provisional license, has already complained about the decal requirement.
