Colorado Minor Driver’s License Restrictions Aim to Improve Safety
In an effort to improve safety on Colorado’s roads and highways, the state has implemented new restrictions for minors obtaining their driver’s licenses. These restrictions are aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving young drivers and ultimately saving lives.
One of the most significant changes is the implementation of a graduated driver’s license (GDL) program for minors. This program requires drivers under the age of 18 to go through three stages of licensure before obtaining full driving privileges. The first stage is a learner’s permit, which requires the driver to practice driving with a licensed adult over the age of 21. The second stage is a provisional license, which allows the driver to drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions in place. The final stage is a full driver’s license, which is granted once the driver has completed all requirements of the GDL program.
One of the key restrictions of the provisional license is a curfew. Minors with a provisional license are not allowed to drive between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am, unless they are driving to or from work or school. This restriction is aimed at reducing the number of accidents that occur late at night, when young drivers are more likely to be on the roads.
Another restriction of the provisional license is the limitation on the number of passengers a minor driver can have in the car. For the first six months of holding a provisional license, minors are only allowed to have one passenger under the age of 21 in the car with them. After six months, they can have up to three passengers under the age of 21 in the car, as long as they are all wearing seat belts. This restriction is designed to reduce distractions for young drivers and decrease the likelihood of accidents.
Additionally, minors with a provisional license are not allowed to use any wireless communication devices while driving, unless it is an emergency. This includes cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. This restriction is aimed at reducing distracted driving, which is a leading cause of accidents involving young drivers.
While these restrictions may seem strict to some, they are ultimately designed to protect young drivers and other road users. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. By implementing these restrictions, the state hopes to reduce the number of accidents involving young drivers and ultimately save lives.
In addition to the restrictions for minors with provisional licenses, Colorado has also implemented a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Minors under the age of 21 are not allowed to have any measurable amount of alcohol in their system while driving. If they are found to have any alcohol in their system, they can face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. This zero tolerance policy is aimed at reducing the number of accidents caused by underage drinking and driving, which is a serious problem in Colorado and across the country.
Overall, the new restrictions for minors obtaining their driver’s licenses in Colorado are designed to improve safety on the state’s roads and highways. By implementing a graduated driver’s license program, a curfew, restrictions on passengers, and a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, the state hopes to reduce the number of accidents involving young drivers and ultimately save lives. These restrictions may seem strict, but they are necessary to protect young drivers and other road users, and to ensure that everyone can safely enjoy the roads in Colorado.
