Graduated Driver License Rules

We get a lot of questions regarding the graduated driver license rules and how they relate to the instruction permit, the probationary license and the regular license.  I’m not surprised, the whole system is a bit confusing, but this explanation should help.  Most of this information comes from the Wisconsin DMV website.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is being used in many parts of the United States.  It was created to put additional restrictions on the rules for drivers from the age of 15 to 18 years of age.  Think of it as an extra layer of rules on top of the standard rules.  The main justification for this extra layer of rules is to lessen the amount of teen crashes by not allowing them to drive during some of the most dangerous times and lessen the amount of teens involved in teen crashes by restricting the number of people allowed in the car.

The GDL rules have been effective; since it’s inception in 2001 the number of teens injured or killed in car crashes has dropped significantly.  I know that these rules aren’t well liked by teens due to the extra restrictions, but I think this is truly a case of teens not knowing what is good for them because the restrictions have clearly worked.

GDL points and convictions

• Demerit points double on 2nd and subsequent convictions for moving violations when the driver, regardless of age, has an instruction permit, probationary license or no license at all.
• Points do not double for equipment violations.
• Accumulation of 12 to 30 points within 12 months results in suspension for 6 months.
• If total point accumulation is more than 30 points within 12 months, suspension is for one year.

General GDL provisions

The GDL requires the driver to meet the following criteria:

• Be conviction free for 6 months prior to GDL issuance.
• Hold the instruction permit for at least 6 months.
• Certify 30 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel experience (minimum), of which at least 10 hours must be at night.

 GDL Violations Prohibiting Issuance of Original Probationary License.

VIOLATION – DEMERIT POINTS – HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER (HTO)

• Attempt to Elude Officer – 6-m – MAJOR
• Backing Illegally – 2 – MINOR
• Crossing Fire Hose – 2 – MINOR
• Child Safety Restraint – 0
• Deviating from Lane of Traffic – 4 – MINOR
• Driving Over Walk – 2 – MINOR
• Defective Speedometer – 2 – MINOR
• Duty Upon Striking Property – 0
• Driving on Wrong Side of Highway – 3
• Failure to Dim Lights – 3 – MINOR
• Failure to Fasten Seat Belt – 0
• Failure to give Signal – 3 – MINOR
• Failure to obey Traffic Sign or Signal – 6 or 3 – MINOR
• Failure to Stop after Accident (Mandatory If personal injury) – 6-m – MAJOR
• Failure to Stop for School Bus – 4 – MINOR
• Failure to Stop After Accident Unattended Vehicle – 6 – MINOR
• Following too Closely – 3 – MINOR
• Failure to keep Vehicle Under Control – 4 – MINOR
• Failure to Yield Right of Way – 4 – MINOR
• Curfew Violation – 3 – MINOR
• Passenger Violation – 3 – MINOR
• Improper Brakes – 3 – MINOR
• Implied Consent – 0 – MAJOR
• Implied Consent Underage – 0
• Inattentive Driving – 4 – MINOR
• No or Improper Lights – 3 – MINOR
• Imprudent Speed – 4 – MINOR
• Illegal Turn – 3 – MINOR
• Miscellaneous Driving Offenses – 0
• Operating after Revocation – 3 – MINOR
• Operating while Intoxicated – Controlled Substance – 6-m – MAJOR
• Operating while Intoxicated Causing Injury – 6-m – MAJOR
• Operating with Multiple Licenses – 3 – MINOR
• Obstructing Traffic – 2 – MINOR
• Obstructed View or Control – 2 – MINOR
• Operating under influence of Intoxicant or Controlled Substance – 6-m – MAJOR
• Operating w/o Driver License – 3 – MINOR
• Operating while Suspended – 3 – MINOR
• Prohibited Alcohol Concentration – 6 – MAJOR
• Passing Illegally – 3 – MINOR
• Racing – 6 – MINOR
• Reckless Driving – 6 – MAJOR
• Speeding (1-10 mph over speed limit) – 3 – MINOR
• Speeding Excess (20 mph or more over limit) – 6 – MINOR
• Speeding Intermediate (11–19 mph over speed limit) – 4 – MINOR
• Too Fast for Conditions – 4 – MINOR
• Transporting Person or Vehicle Illegally – 2 – MINOR
• Unnecessary Acceleration (spinning doughnuts, exhibition of power, squealing tires) – 4 – MINOR
• Underage Alcohol Operation – 0 – MINOR
• Violation of Restriction – 3 – MINOR

RESTRICTIONS OF THE PROBATIONARY LICENSE

Drivers under 18 have the following restrictions during the first 9 months after obtaining a Probationary License:

• From 5 a.m. to midnight, you can drive alone and go anywhere. Any number of immediate family members can ride along as well as the following people:
  • ONE person who holds a valid, regular license with at least 2 years of licensed driving experience and who is:
  • a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, OR
  • a person 21 or older
  • ONE other person
• From midnight to 5 a.m., you can drive alone only IF driving between home, school and/or work. The same people listed immediately above can ride along, too.
• If driving anywhere else during the hours of midnight to 5am, one of the following people must be seated in the front passenger seat:
  • A parent or legal guardian
  • ONE person with a valid, regular license with two years of licensed driving experience and who is:
    • a qualified instructor or spouse 19 or older, OR
    • a person 21 or older.
  • In addition, any number of the driver’s immediate family members and one other person may ride along.

Restrictions will be extended 6 months if:

• you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, OR
• you violate any of the restrictions, OR
• your license is suspended or revoked for any reason.

These rules are a bit hard to follow, and they might seem a bit restrictive, but they have been effective at reducing teen crashes and saving teen lives.  Teens would do well to abide by all of these restrictions.  Not just because they are the law, but also because they might just save your life or the life of one of your friends.