New Teen Driving Law in Ohio

(Columbus, Ohio) By a vote of 29-3, the Ohio Senate approved a law which will limit the number of passengers a teen driver could carry in a vehicle. A driver under 17 will be allowed only one passenger who is not a relative. If the teen's parent or guardian is present, more passengers are allowed.

From Cleveland.com:

Brian Newbacher, spokesman for the AAA club covering most of Northeast Ohio, said the Senate's vote will save lives.

"This law will prevent approximately 20 percent of the fatalities that would have occurred," he said.

The law has been approved by the Ohio House and now goes to Gov. Bob Taft, who plans to sign it.

It also would block drivers under 17 from driving from midnight to 6 a.m. without a parent or guardian.

Drivers 17 to 18 couldn't be on the road between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. The only exception would be for driving to or from work, and the drivers would need documentation from employers.

The Ohio House previously passed the measure 90-3 in May. It takes effect in three months.

Violations will be misdemeanors punishable by fines of up to $150. Law enforcers, however, will be barred from pulling over cars for only a excess passenger violation. Citations for violations of the new law may only be issued in conjunction with another violation.