Georgia lawmakers propose changes to youth driver laws
In 2005, Georgia passed Joshua’s Law, which only allows an immediate family member to be in a vehicle with a teenage driver within the first 6 months of obtaining a driver’s license. New proposals call for adult non-family members to be allowed to ride.
ATLANTA – Georgian law currently allows only one immediate family member to ride in a vehicle with young people who have recently obtained a driver’s license.
However, the proposed legislation would include a provision to allow other adults to ride.
Inexperienced, teenage drivers need as few distractions as possible when behind the wheel.
In 2005, Georgia passed Joshua’s Law, which includes a limit on the number of people in cars.
“One of the things that was already being used in other states that we knew worked was limiting the number of people in a car with a new driver,” said Barry Schrenk of Taggart’s Driving School.
Under current law, new teenage drivers may only have immediate family in the car for the first 6 months.
Now some lawmakers want to change that, to allow teenagers to drive with someone who isn’t a family member, as long as that person is 21 or older.
State Senator Frank Ginn, who sponsored the bill, says it would give teenagers and their families more flexibility.
“If we’re talking about immediate family members, your aunt or uncle can’t ride with you because they’re not immediate family members,” Sen. Ginn said.
The proposed legislation would make all those aunts, uncles or even the neighbors on the street drive with a new driver as long as they are at least 21 years old.
But Sen. Ginn adds that parents should have the final say.
“When you’re 16, I hope your parents decide whether you drive or if you drive with whoever,” Sen. Ginn said.
Schrenk says, as the owner of a driving school, he has seen firsthand how easily some teenagers can become distracted while driving. But he says new drivers could also get advice from a 21-year-old, whether they’re family or friends. He says he is happy with the proposed law.
“I think it’s reasonable, and I don’t think it will increase the number of children killed. I think it will work well,” Schrenk said.
The bill does not go to the House Rules Committee before it goes to the entire Georgia House.
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