Gov.
John Baldacci signed legislation May 28 that implements a graduated
licensing system for teens.
Under
the new law, young drivers are required to earn their driver’s licenses
one step at a time. The three-step system includes a learner’s permit,
intermediate license and unrestricted license.
In
the learner’s permit stage, a young driver will not be allowed to
use a cell phone. They also won’t be permitted to drive without
being accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 years of age.
Stage
two, the intermediate license, prohibits driving between midnight
and 5 a.m., no non-family passengers unless supervised by an older
licensed driver and no driving while chatting on a cell phone.
The
final stage is an unrestricted license, which has no driving restrictions,
but there are mandatory suspensions for moving violations.
The
new law is scheduled to take effect by mid-September.
