
Restrictions on Teen Drivers in Texas
A teen is eligible to obtain a provisional license after holding a valid learner license for at least six months and being 16 years of age. A provisional license allows a teen to operate a vehicle without the need for adult supervision. However, there are specific restrictions placed on drivers with provisional licenses. These restrictions include:
No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it's for work, school, or emergencies.
No more than one passenger under the age of 21 unless the passenger is a family member.
No use of cell phones or any wireless communication device, including hands-free devices, while driving.
Once a teen turns 18, the restrictions are lifted.
Convictions of traffic offenses or failure to observe the above requirements may result in provisional license suspension or revocation.
In addition, teens violating any of the restrictions placed on a provisional license may face fines or suspension if caught. Texas also operates under a "Zero Tolerance" law for minors. It is considered a criminal offense for any person under 21 to have a detectable amount of alcohol in their system or be intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle on a public road.
Teen Road Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers rarely crash while adults supervise them, but they have the highest crash rates of all age groups during the first six months of unsupervised driving. Although the restrictions on teen drivers may appear a bit strict at first glance, they are necessary to keep our Texas teens and roadways safe.
How to Make the Most of the Provisional License Phase
At SafeWay Driving, we recommend using the provisional license phase to increase your teen's driving responsibilities gradually. You can help them refine their skills by allowing them to drive in different settings, such as highways, rural roads, and during poor weather conditions. The more experience they gain now, the better prepared they'll be when they finally earn their unrestricted license.
This is also a good time to discuss the dangers of distracted driving. Even though teens are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, it's still one of the leading causes of crashes among young drivers. Reinforce your teen's good habits and lead by example by always focusing on the road and avoiding distractions like food, music, and texting.
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