Restrictions for First-Time Drivers in California
If you just received your driver’s license in California, chances are there are certain restrictions placed on your driving privilege. In an effort to reduce car accidents among teenagers, California issues provisional licenses to first-time drivers, whom the state recognizes as statistically high-risk drivers.
First-Year Driver Restrictions
If you’re under 18 years of age, you will maintain your driving privileges as long as you continue to meet the following requirements1:
- Obey all traffic laws
- Avoid getting into an accident or collision
- For the first year, refrain from driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- For the first year, refrain from driving with other passengers under 20 years of age, unless accompanied by a guardian, another licensed driver that is at least 25 years of age, or a driving instructor; AND
- Avoid using electronic devices even if in hands free mode 2
Driving Restriction Exceptions
Despite driving restrictions on a provisional license, there are a number of exceptions that allow you to lawfully drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. only when is it is necessary and other reasonable transportation is unavailable.
In order for the following exceptions to apply though and thus have a valid excuse, you must have a signed note that explains the reason it is necessary as well as the date you have permission to drive. Who must sign the note depends on the reason for you excuse, as follows:
- Medical Necessity: must be signed by your doctor explaining the nature of your condition
- Authorized School Event: must be signed by your school dean or principal
- Job Requirement: must be signed by your employer verifying employment and explaining the need for you to drive a vehicle as part of your job (not just for transportation to and from)
- Personal/Family Necessity: you have a personal or family necessity, and the note must be signed by a parent or legal guardian; OR
- Legal Emancipation: supporting legal documentation must be included
Once you turn 18 years of age, you are no longer subject to the driving restrictions imposed on your provisional license. 3
Consequences for Violating Restrictions
The consequences of violation driving restrictions depend on the circumstances. Simple traffic infractions may lead to the suspension of your license. For more serious accidents causing injury, significant fines can be imposed:
- If you received two or more points against your license within a year’s time, then your license will be restricted for a 30-day period
- Three or more points will result in a 6-month suspension, as well as a driving probation up to one year. If your probation is violated, then your license can be suspended for even longer.
The judge also has the discretion to give you community service hours, as well as fine you for violating certain restrictions.
If you get into an accident and cause injury, the fines can be rather significant:
- $30,000 fine if injury or death of 2 persons or more is caused
- $15,000 fine if injury or death of 1 person caused
- $5,000 fine if any property damages is caused
Call the Traffic Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If you or a loved one has received a citation for violating restrictions on a provisional license or arrested for any traffic-related crime you need to contact an experienced Wallin & Klarich traffic attorney immediately.
At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled attorneys have been successfully defending clients facing criminal charges for over 40 years. We will meet with you immediately to review the facts of your case, and plan a defense strategy that will help you get the very best outcome possible.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
1. [https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/dl603/teen_htm/gettingstarted/]↩
2. [http://www.scpr.org/news/2014/10/06/47202/teen-driver-faq-what-are-the-rules-for-provisional/]↩
3. [https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/teenweb/dl_btn2/q_and_a]↩