When Your Teen Driver Gets a Ticket for the First Time
When it comes to teen drivers, parents have a number of concerns. Of course, the first is that they could become involved in a devastating accident. There’s also the question of escalating insurance premiums. However, there are all kinds of reasons a teen driver could receive a traffic ticket. If the teen is still a minor, there’s a good chance that one of the parents will become involved in the legal proceedings.
With that in mind, you might be interested in a just released study down in conjunction with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). In short, it seems the older your teen gets, the less they remain responsible behind the wheel.
According to the study, more experienced teenaged drivers pose a greater risk behind the wheel than those who are just hitting the road. Of the more alarming statistics outlined in the study was that over two-thirds of high school seniors use their phones to engage in social media behind the while, compared with nearly sixty percent of juniors and less than half of sophomores.
Conventional wisdom has always dictated that newer drivers think they’re invincible and let their inexperience and exuberance get the better of them. However, distracted driving is only one reason teens get tickets. Unfortunately, there are many more.
The Illusion of Experience and Invincibility
Let’s face it. Teenagers know everything. Or, at least they think so. That attitude combined with a feeling of invincibility can make for some problems behind the wheel.
First, there is the issue of graduated driver’s licenses. The State of New Jersey has certain procedures in place for all drivers under the age of 21. It’s not just about putting a special decal on the car. There are restrictions as far as hours of operation and the number of passengers in the car. Failure to obey the rules obviously has legal consequences.
There’s also the issue of minors drinking and getting behind the wheel. Did you know teenagers don’t even have to be drunk to be charged with a DWI offense? According to the law, even a swig of beer can result in a DWI conviction for an underage driver.
Lack of experience and invincibility also account for some other types of traffic citations that are common to younger drivers. Here are some examples:
- Excessive speed
- Improper stop for school bus
- Failure to obey signs and traffic signals
- Inability to provide proof of insurance or registration
- Driving without a license
No doubt there are many other reasons teen drivers can receive motor vehicle citations. Whatever the reason, it is important to consult with experienced legal counsel to learn of prospective penalties.
Legal Advice When You Need It
If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, you should be concerned about serious fines or points for a motor vehicle violation. The attorneys at Beninato and Matrafajlo are here to help. Contact us now for a few, no-obligation consultation. We’re prepared to fight on your behalf.