Big changes took effect concerning teen drivers in Indiana July 1st. New laws address cell phones, nighttime driving, and passenger restrictions.
The new Indiana laws state that all drivers under 21 will no longer be able to use any sort of telecommunications device — even hands-free — for any purpose behind the wheel. The only exception is calling 911 in the case of an emergency. Previously the law only applied to drivers 18 and under.
The law changes continue efforts to keep teen drivers focused behind the wheel. That also includes distractions from those inside the car.
The only passengers allowed in the vehicle with an unsupervised driver up to 21 years old for the first six months are siblings, the driver’s children, or a spouse.
The Indiana legislation has buckling down on nighttime driving too. Unsupervised teen drivers 18 and under will have to park their vehicles between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights into the following morning. Also, no driving is allowed between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Exceptions to the rule are for work, school activities, or a religious event.
There is some good news with the new laws for teens. Those who complete an approved driver’s education course are eligible for their probationary license at age 16 and 90 days. The previous rule was 16 and 180 days. Those drivers also need to have completed 50-hour supervised driving log and held a permit for at least 180 days.
