"In New Jersey, “probationary” drivers younger than 21 must display red, reflective decals on the front and rear license plates of any vehicle they operate. Are these motorists on probation for driving drunk, recklessly, or otherwise in contravention of the law? No: They’re on probation simply for being under 21.
The Garden State’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program, established in 2001, affects all new drivers below drinking age in their first full year behind the wheel. Probationary license holders have a midnight driving curfew, are prohibited from driving with more than one nonrelated passenger, and are issued specially marked licenses that advertise their ineligibility to purchase alcohol.
But these restrictions, already among the most stringent in the country, did not go far enough for state legislators. So in April 2009 they approved Kyleigh’s Law—the first bill of its kind in the United States—by sweeping bipartisan majorities, including a unanimous vote of 78 to 0 in the New Jersey Assembly."................
This is a pretty interesting article - particularly the parental reaction against the unintended consequences of the "advertising" of minor-aged drivers. I'm so glad I grew up when I did!
My wife gets totally paranoid when she sees a driver instructor vehicle next to her. I tell her not to worry, the student is being watched and is actually paying attention unlike 90% of other drivers.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
posteryoyo wrote: That sounds like something the CO folks would love....because it does more harm than it solves, we love that stuff.
Unintended consequences. Any legislative body that has a defined calendar time in session has to find something to legislate.
It is usually better if they stay home.
posteryoyo wrote: That sounds like something the CO folks would love....because it does more harm than it solves, we love that stuff.
no we don't. I was OK with (not necessarily supportive of) some laws imposing restrictions the first year a teenager has his/her license, but it is stupid to lump a 20 yr old driver in with 16 yr old drivers. If we allow someone to vote....if we allow them to carry a gun and join the military.....we can sure as hell give them full driving privileges. Laws like New Jerseys are nutz.