GRAND BLANC -- Teens wanting to take some friends to a late night movie or an all night diner will have to make other plans.
Michigan’s new teen driving laws went into effect Wednesday, and some say it’s going to be a hassle for after school activities.
As 17-year-old Ashley Nichols climbs behind the wheel she knows she'll not only be learning the rules of the road, but of Michigan’s new teen driving laws.
This week restrictions on drivers with level two graduated driver's licenses went into effect as a way to curb accidents.
According to Michigan State Police, in 2008 drivers 16 to 24 years of age made up 14% of all drivers, but were involved in 32% of fatal crashes.
“When there are multiple teenagers in the car it poses more problems with peer pressure and distractions,” said Sarah Harmer, an Instructor with Major Driving School.
Nichols says she's experienced this first hand.
“There's loud music, there’s texting and there’s kids in the back seat going psycho,” said Nichols.
Now, teen drivers are allowed to have just one passenger under the age of 21 that is not a family member, unless driving to or from school or a school event.
“You know most kids after prom want to go to parties, and now they can't. They have to have parents come and get them and what not,” said Nichols.
Nichols’ driving instructor says limiting passengers could lead to different problems down the road.
“So instead of having one teenage driver with multiple passengers, you now are going to have multiple cars driven by teenagers who are still posed with distractions such as cell phones,” said Harmer.
Teens are also not able to drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless it's to or from work.
Driving instructors also say the new laws will get in the way of other after school activities, such as going to church.
“It means events have to end by 9 or 9:30 p.m. so teenagers are no longer on the road,” said Harmer.
Putting the brakes on some late night athletics.
If teens with level two licenses are caught breaking the new laws they could get two points on their license and have to re-take driving classes.
Do you think the new laws put a strain on parents?
How are the laws affecting your teen?
