Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Graduated Drivers License topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves six‑month peer‑restriction for new drivers in graduated‑licensing bill
Summary
The Utah Senate approved SB93, a graduated driver’s license amendment that bars newly licensed drivers from carrying peers for six months to reduce crash risk; the bill passed after debate over rural impacts, carpooling, insurance and enforcement.
The Utah Senate on third reading approved Senate Bill 93, a graduated‑driver’s license amendment that requires newly licensed drivers to refrain from carrying peer passengers for six months after receiving a license.
Senator Montgomery, the bill sponsor, said the restriction is aimed at reducing fatal and severe crashes among young drivers and reported committee testimony showing substantially higher crash risk when peers are present. "We, in the, those of us who've been concerned about this have been working on this for some time," Montgomery said, arguing the limitation is a short period to build experience.
Supporters described the measure as narrowly tailored: licensed teenagers may drive themselves, immediate family members and adults, and an emergency exception is included. Senator Hale said, "I think this is 6 months that could save lives," and urged colleagues to support the bill.
Opponents and questioners pressed on rural impacts, carpooling and legal consequences. Senator Blackham and others said travel patterns in low‑density areas differ and asked whether the restriction could be adjusted by local conditions; Montgomery and others responded that allowances for family carpooling were built into the bill and that the six‑month period is minimal compared with the safety benefit.
Senator Jones and Senator Hilliard raised enforcement and insurance concerns, including whether a conviction would automatically strip a license or void coverage. Montgomery and counsel explained the penalty is a class C misdemeanor that accrues points toward the state point system but does not automatically suspend the license or void insurance; accumulated points could later affect driving privileges.
After debate, the Senate called the question and adopted SB93 on third reading. The roll call showed 24 ayes, 4 nays and 1 absence. The bill moves to the third‑reading calendar and next procedural steps in the legislative process.
The Senate recessed for lunch and planned to reconvene at 2:00 p.m.
