AAA Minnesota/Iowa Supports 
Graduated Drivers Licensing For Young Drivers

What is the current law? On January 1, 1999, the state of Minnesota activated a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) system, adding a provisional license stage for young drivers. The current law is a three-phase system for youth under the age of 18: Phase –I, Instruction Permit; Phase –II, Provisional License; and Phase –III, Full License. The current law also places additional restrictions on receiving a full license for moving violations and/or alcohol/controlled substance violations. There are also several conditions that must be met before drivers can receive their license, including testing, behind-the-wheel instruction and parent/guardian consent. 

What is the problem with Minnesota’s current law and what change does AAA Minnesota/Iowa seek? The current law is still lacking two key components that would help enhance the safety of all drivers. AAA Minnesota/Iowa would like the current law to incorporate time-of-day and passenger restrictions for the Phase II Provisional License. AAA Minnesota/Iowa supports restricting driving between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5 a.m. as well as limiting the number of passengers to one person, excluding family members, during the Phase II Provisional License stage.

Why is this change important? Young, inexperienced drivers account for the largest percentage of all vehicle crashes, and night driving as well as the distraction of multiple passengers significantly increases the risk factor. With an enhanced GDL system, AAA Minnesota/Iowa believes young drivers will receive additional supervised driving time and the additional skills needed to be safe night-time drivers; and therefore, reduce the number of injuries and fatalities for Minnesota’s young drivers. 

Important facts about the strengthening of Minnesota’s GDL Law:
  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

Vehicle crashes involving a teenage driver killed 7,884 teenagers in 2003.

41 percent of the teenage motor vehicle deaths happened between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. and nighttime driving restrictions in other states have resulted in up to a 60 percent reduction in crashes during restricted hours.

62 percent of teenagers killed in crashes are in vehicles driven by another teenager.

Counter arguments:
      It is not fair to target younger people because older people have just as many crashes as teenagers. Not true. The 16 to 19 year-old age range has the highest crash rate among any other age group, and among this group 16 year olds contribute to more than 1/3 of motor vehicle crashes.
     Restricting the time of day that a teenager can drive will limit their ability to commute to work and extracurricular activities. Not true. States can and do allow waivers that grant youth the ability to drive during restricted times, which has no impact on the restriction’s effectiveness.