A bill that would restrict who rides with young drivers has passed the Illinois House and is headed to the governor's desk.

SB58, sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, would limit beginning drivers to one passenger younger than 20 in the vehicle. That provision does not apply when an adult rides along or when the teen-ager is carting siblings.

"The purpose of the Graduated Licensing Program is to develop safe and mature driving habits in young, inexperienced drivers and reduce or prevent motor vehicle accidents, fatalities and injuries," Cullerton wrote. The limit would apply to teens "for the first year of the license or until the person reaches the age of 18, whichever occurs sooner."

A violation is a petty offense and subject to a maximum fine of $1,000, Arlington Heights' Daily Herald reported.

The bill passed the Senate 39-16 on March 25, and passed the House May 20 by a vote of 78-34. A spokesman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich told The Daily Herald the proposal would be reviewed.