Laws that Young Drivers Should Know

Reckless Driving: California law prohibits driving a vehicle on a highway or in an off-street parking facility in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property.  It also provides for more severe punishment for reckless drivers who cause others to be injured.

Speed Contests: Speed contests are against the law.  A judge can suspend a first-time offender's driver's license for 90 days and may suspend a minor's license for up to six month of subsequent offenses, as well as impose community service and fines of up to $1,000.  If someone is injured, the driver could be sentenced jail or state prison, and fined.

Passengers in the Trunk: Riding in the trunk of a car is illegal.  In recent years, dozens of teens have been hurt and, in some cases, killed while riding in car trucks.  If a driver allows someone to ride in the trunk, he or she has broken the law as well.

Cell Phones and Driving: Beginning in mid-2008, it will be against the law to use a cell phone while driving unless you are at least 18 and your cell phone is set up for hands-free use, or you are making an emergency call (to law enforcement, for example).  Drivers under the age of 18 will be prohibited from talking on cell phones, "texting" messages or using any mobile service device while driving - except to place an emergency call.

Littering and Throwing Objects at or From a Vehicle: California law makes it a misdemeanor to throw anything at or from a moving vehicle, and a felony to do so with the intent to cause great bodily harm.  The law also prohibits littering or throwing lighted cigarettes from a motor vehicle; the penalties range from a $100 fine to a $1,000 fine and probation.  And the offender would be ordered to pick up litter or clean up graffiti.

Unlicensed Minors and the Purchase of Vehicles:  A minor who does not possess a valid driver's license may not purchase or lease a car.  The law also prohibits a minor from using a false driver's license to purchase or lease a vehicle.

Hit and Run:  In California, you must stop after any accident in which someone is injured or someone else's property is damaged.  You also must exchange names, addresses, driver's license numbers, vehicle license numbers and other relevant information.  In addition, if someone dies in the collision, the accident must be reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or a police office immediately.  When only property damage is involved, the maximum penalty for failing to report such damage or otherwise notify the property owner is six month in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.  If someone is injured or killed and you fail to stop and/or report it, the potential penalties are much greater.

Driving Without a License: In California, it is a misdemeanor to drive without a valid driver's license or permit.  Also, the law requires drivers to have their license in their possession while driving.  Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor that could lead to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for a first conviction of certain offenses.  In addition, the unlicensed the driver's car (even if it is a borrowed vehicle) can be impounded for up to six months.

Seat belts/ chid passenger restraints: The driver and all passengers must be properly restrained by a safety belt - or it is illegal to drive the vehicle.  Violators can be fined.  In addition, children must be secured in federally approved safety seats until they turn 6 or weigh at least 60 pounds.  Children also must sit in a back seat unless there is no such seat or all rear seats are already occupied by children under 12.  Youngsters will not be permitted to ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active air bag if they are under a year old, weigh less than 20 pounds or a restrained in a rear-facing car seat.  

Unattended Passengers: Children ages 6 and under cannot be left alone in a car if the key are still in the ignition or if any other conditions could put them at significant risk.  Someone age 12 or older must stay behind to supervise them.  Nor is it legal to leave an animal in a parked car if the conditions - heat, cold or lack of ventilation, for example - could cause the animal to suffer and die.