Bill directs attorney general to look at dangers of young driver decal program
A red decal attached to a license plate at a press conference announcing the specifics of Kyleigh's Law. The state Senate voted today to ask that the program be reviewed.TRENTON — The state Senate today approved a bill that requires the Attorney General to spend six months evaluating an unpopular new law that requires young drivers to affix a red decal to their cars.
Since May 1, drivers with permits or provisional drivers have had to display a red sticker on the front and back of their cars to make it easier for police to identify violators of the graduated driver's license law. These drivers are restricted to a specific number of passengers depending on the time of day, and carries an 11 p.m. curfew.
But thousands of teen drivers and their families have signed an online petition to get the law overturned because they say it allows police to "profile" rookie drivers, and makes them a target among aggressive drivers and even criminals targeting kids.
Sen. Tom Goodwin (R-Mercer), urged the Senate to set the bill aside, and support his legislation that would repeal Kyleigh's Law. "These teenagers are a target, plain and simple,'' Goodwin said.
The Senate approved the bill by a 22-12 vote.
“The changes made to New Jersey’s graduated driver’s license program were designed to make our roadways safer and our teenagers better drivers,” said Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), one of the bill's sponsors.
“Unfortunately, some of the changes may have had unintended consequences that could require further legislation, which is why we are asking the Attorney General to review the program.”
Having passed the Assembly in June, the bill (A2740) goes to the governor who will decide whether to sign it into law.
The law is named after Kyleigh D’Alessio, 16, of Long Valley, who was killed in a 2006 crash.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. officials reveal Kyleigh's Law license plate decals for young drivers
• Red decals will mark young N.J. drivers
• 'Kyleigh's Law' decals for N.J. teen drivers to cost $4
• Kyleigh's Law requiring decals for N.J.'s teen drivers is upheld by judge
| Will the new N.J. teen driver decal law actually stick? |