NJ teens can’t drive alone with licenses, NJ police warn

RIDGEWOOD – Police in a Bergen County community have recalled that a learner’s license does not give teenage drivers control of New Jersey roads.

Ridgewood Police said there had been several incidents of motor vehicle stops for reckless driving, in which officers found high school students driving illegally without supervision, without a license but only with a license.

According to the police, this was considered an acceptable practice by some families, based on conversations with teenagers, parents and school officials in the community.

“We cannot stress enough that this is dangerous and illegal,” Ridgewood Police said on the department’s Facebook page on Friday, while highlighting the potential consequences, both legal and financial.

“We cannot stress enough that this is dangerous and illegal.”

Criminal charges, debts and more

Allowing a minor with just a learner’s license to drive alone, without a statewide supervising adult, exposes them to a license suspension of up to six months and a delay in receiving their graduated license. on time, police said.

This lone teenager driving with just a license can also face criminal charges under the Joyriding Act, which means court appearances, a criminal record and heavy fines.

A teenager driving without a license and having an accident means the insurance company won’t cover any liabilities – so any damage to vehicles, property or people would be paid out of pocket.

An unlicensed driver in an accident that injures someone also faces additional criminal charges and possibly even jail time, police said.

Statewide Special Learner’s License Driving Restrictions

• Driving ban between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• The driver is not allowed to use a cell phone, portable video game or any other portable electronic device.
• There must be a supervising adult driver (at least 21 years old and licensed for at least 3 years) in the front passenger seat.
• Only one other passenger (in addition to the supervising adult driver) is allowed to be in the vehicle.
• Seat belts must be worn at all times.

Examination permit restrictions

• The driver must be at least 17 years old and not be in suspension.
• Driving ban between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• The driver is not allowed to use a cell phone, portable video game or any other portable electronic device.
• There must be a supervising adult driver (at least 21 years old and licensed for at least 3 years) in the front passenger seat.
• Other passengers must belong to the driver’s household. Only one passenger outside the driver’s home is allowed in the vehicle.
• Seat belts must be worn at all times.

Requirements for a probationary driver’s license

• A reflective license plate sticker must be displayed when the driver has a probationary license.
• Prohibited from driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am, unless the driver has a written declaration explaining why he must be on the road for religious or professional reasons.
• The only passengers of the driver are allowed to be the driver’s parents, legal guardians or dependents.
• Parent or guardian supervision is required if there is more than one passenger in the vehicle.

The state Motor Vehicle Commission website also provides an overview of the steps – from applying for a learner’s license, to obtaining a probationary license, and then a graduated driver’s license.

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