NJ Graduated Drivers License Laws Make Certain Changes to Privileges Of Those Under the Age of 21

The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office announces that the State of New Jersey has enacted legislation that effective May 1, 2010 all drivers under age 21, who are subject to the requirements of New Jersey's Graduated Driver License (GDL), which includes those drivers possessing a special learners permit, examination permit or probationary (formerly provisional) license, must display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front and back) of any motor vehicle they operate.
Details of these mandatory decals are as follows:

• One decal must be displayed on the upper left corner of front license plate and one on the upper left corner of the rear license plate.

• Failure to display the decals during operation of a vehicle by a learner's permit, an examination permit or probationary license holder, who is subject to the GDL requirements, is a violation subject to a $100 fine. See N.J.S.A. 3g:3-13.8.

In addition to the decal requirement, effective May 1,2010 New Jersey GDL drivers will also be subject to the following restrictions:

• May not operate a motor vehicle after 11:01 p.m. and before 5:00 a.m.

• May not use a hand-held or hands-free interactive, wireless communication device.

Unless over age 21, GDL drivers may only drive with the following passengers:

•  Supervising driver who is over 21 and licensed to drive for at least three (3) years

•  Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

• One additional passenger

Examination Permit Holders

• Supervising driver who is over 21 and licensed to drive for at least three (3) years

• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

• One additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

Probationary (formerly Provisional) License Holder

• Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s)

• One additional passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

Failure to abide by any GDL restriction during operation of a vehicle by a special learner's permit, an examination permit or probationary license holder, who is subject to the GDL requirements, is a violation subject to a $100 fine.  The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office recognizes that with any law there is a period of transition, however driving within the State of NJ is a privilege and all motorists have the obligation to conform to this enacted legislation. The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office will enforce this law as enacted.  For any questions or concerns regarding the GDL in general or how to obtain the reflective stickers, community members are encouraged to visit the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission website at www.state.nj.us/mvc or email martyn_michelle@aclink.org  or call us at (609)-909-7240.