As of July 1, 2015 teen drivers are no longer allowed to use any sort of telecommunication devices for any purpose while behind the wheel. The law is aimed at younger drivers, especially those under the age of 21. Under the new law, all drivers under the age of 21 with a probationary license are prohibited from using any telecommunication device including cell phones and hands-free devices for any purpose while behind the wheel. The only exception is using a cell phone to call 911 in the event of an emergency. This changes the prior law that applied to drivers aged 18 years and under.
Legislators are also cracking down on teen nighttime driving. According to the recent changes in the law, nighttime driving is restricted for teen drivers aged 18 years and younger. Drivers 18 and under who are unsupervised must have their cars parked from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Saturdays and Sundays there is no driving allowed between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Exceptions to the teen driving restrictions can be made for work, religious activities, or school activities.
Driver Education
Teen drivers who have successfully completed a state-approved driving education course are eligible to receive their probationary license 90 days after their 16th birthday. This is a change from the prior age of eligibility, which was 180 days after a driver’s 16th birthday. Teens must log 50 hours of supervised driving time and hold a permit for at least 180 days to be eligible for their probationary license.
The 50-hour driving log that must be completed for teens under age 18 can only be completed with a licensed driver education instructor, a certified driver rehabilitation specialist recognized by the Indiana BMV, a licensed driver 25 years of age and related to the teen driver by blood, marriage, or law, or a spouse of the teen driver who is a licensed driver and aged 21 years or older.
Teen drivers are eligible to enroll in a driver education course if they have a driver education permit and are 15 years of age. A teen who does not enroll in the education course is not eligible for a probationary licenses until 270 days after his or her 16th birthday.
Contact an Indiana Attorney
For more information on learner’s permits and driver’s licenses, visit the BMV website. If you have questions regarding the changes in the law and how it may impact your driving eligibility or your child’s driving requirements, contact an experienced Indiana attorney.
Indiana cell phone and texting laws are considered primary laws. Primary laws are laws that allow an officer to pull you over for the offense without having to witness some other violation. If you have been pulled over and cited for violating the cell phone law or the teen nighttime driving law, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney. Attorney Christopher L. Arrington represents those charged with traffic violations in Danville and surrounding counties. If you or your teen driver has been charged with a driving offense, please contact our office today to discuss your case.