Know your restrictions!

Graduated Driver Licensing in Michigan is designed to teach teens to drive by gradually increasing their driving privileges as they advance through the system. It is very important that drivers in training know the restrictions on them at each stage of the program.

At Level One with a learner's license, teens may only drive while accompanied by a licensed parent, legal guardian, or designated adult age 21 or older.

At Level Two with an intermediate license, a teen driver shall not operate a motor vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. except when:

• driving to or from or in the course of employment;
• driving to or from an authorized activity; or
• accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

Also at Level Two, a teen driver shall not operate a motor vehicle at any time with more than one passenger in the vehicle who is less than 21 years of age except:

• when the additional passengers are immediate family members;
• when driving to or from, or in the course of employment;
• while going to or from an authorized activity; or
• when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

In addition to the above restrictions, Kelsey's Law applies to all teen drivers with a Level 1 learner's license or a Level 2 intermediate license. If a teen is in the Graduated Driver Licensing program, they are prohibited from using a mobile phone while driving.

Violations will be a civil infraction with no points but the ticket may cost up to $240.

There are some exemptions to Kelsey Law, when a teen driver may use a mobile phone:

• Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, or serious road hazard.
• Reporting a situation if the person believes his or her personal safety is in jeopardy.
• Reporting or averting the perpetration or potential perpetration of a criminal act.
• Using a voice-operated system integrated into the vehicle.

If you are going to err, always err on the side of safety!

Safety is more than rules

"Safe driving involves more than learning the basics of operating a vehicle and memorizing the rules of the road. Safe driving also requires good judgment and reflexes, experience, patience and common sense." Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Control your speed

Michigan’s Basic Speed Law means you must drive at a “careful and prudent” speed in all driving conditions. You must drive at a speed that always allows you to stop within the clear distance ahead.

This speed is never faster than the posted speed limit. Depending on conditions, it may be slower than the posted speed limit. Anticipate trouble ahead. Be ready to stop safely.

Teaching tip for parents

When your teen makes a mistake, which will be often, do not criticize. Remain calm and simply repeat the maneuver until it's done correctly. To ease their frustration, emphasize that mistakes are a normal part of learning.

Eyes on the road!

With a recent survey indicating that texting while driving is on the rise in Michigan, it is crucial that new drivers learn the lesson now that this distracted driving practice is dangerous and puts you and others at a high risk of crash and injury.

Don't let this happen to you!