A proposed bill in Utah could change the law restricting newly licensed drivers under 18 from driving non-relatives. The bill, HB308, would allow these young drivers to have one passenger, regardless of their relationship, as soon as they receive their license. This change sparked debate among high school students, with some supporting the bill and others expressing safety concerns.
Current Utah law restricts newly licensed drivers under the age of 18 from driving anyone who is not an immediate family member for six months after they get their license, or until they turn 18. However, there is a possibility that this law will change soon. Rep. Jill Koford, R-Ogden, sponsored HB308 , which would allow a newly licensed minor to drive up to one passenger (who does not have to be a relative) as soon as they get their license.
The bill was read in at the House Rules Committee and made public on Thursday, but it has not been scheduled for a committee hearing yet. Students attending Salt Lake City's West High School weighed in on whether this bill would be a good thing for their classmates, themselves, and Utah drivers as a whole. Some students believe 16 is too early to be driving nonrelatives around, while others feel it would be a great benefit to their social lives. Many students also expressed concern about the safety implications of younger drivers having more passengers.
Utah Driving Laws HB308 New Drivers Restrictions Teen Drivers Safety Public Opinion
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