Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that establishes standards for junior driver's license holders.

Highlights:

-Specifies that, for the first 6 months, a junior driver cannot have more than one passenger under 18 years of age who is not a member of the driver's immediate family unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, but after the first six months, as long as the junior driver has not been in an accident, he/she may drive a vehicle with up to 3 passengers under 18 years of age (Sec. 2). -Repeals the requirement that a minor applying to take the examination for a regular or junior driver's license must have completed 65 hours of practical driving experience, including no less than 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving (Sec. 2). -Prohibits anyone with a learners' permit or a junior driver's license to drive a vehicle while using an interactive wireless communication device, with the exceptions being (Sec. 3):

-Using a device to contact a 511 service or 911 system; -When the vehicle transmission is in neutral or park; -Any operator of an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency; and - Amateur radio operators using a wireless device for communication.

-Specifies that the fine for violators will be $100 and conviction shall occur only as a secondary action (Sec. 3). -Removes a provision that increases a fine by $50 for drivers who, upon conviction, were using an interactive wireless communications device, an electronic or mechanical device, a personal grooming device, food, drink, or any printed material (Sec. 4). -Specifies that fines shall be doubled in active work zones and emergency response areas when relating to prohibiting interactive wireless communication devices (Sec. 4). -Requires the department to biannually compile, and make available to the public, information submitted on an accident report concerning junior drivers with multiple passengers under 18 years of age and the use of seat belts by drivers and passengers under 18 years of age if the driver was a junior driver (Sec. 5). -Authorizes the use of school busses to transport children to a school-related event that is not from their residences or designated bus stops (Sec. 6). -Specifies that if the driver is under 18 years of age, every vehicle occupant between the ages of 8 and 18 must secure or cause to be secured in a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system (Sec. 6). -Requires each driver and front seat occupant to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text