6/3/03-Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation May 28 that implements a graduated licensing system for teens.
Under the new law, young drivers are required to earn their driver’s licenses one step at a time. The three-step system includes a learner’s permit, intermediate license and unrestricted license.
In the learner’s permit stage a young driver will not be allowed to use a cell phone. They also won’t be permitted to drive without being accompanied by a licensed driver at least 20 years of age.
Stage two, the intermediate license, prohibits driving between midnight and 5 a.m., no non-family passengers unless supervised by an older licensed driver and no driving while chatting on a cell phone.
The final stage is an unrestricted license, which has no driving restrictions, but there are mandatory suspensions for moving violations.
The new law is scheduled to take effect by mid-September.

4/17/03-Sen. Christine Savage, R-Union, has sponsored legislation that would require young drivers to earn their driver’s licenses one step at a time.
LD1439 proposes changes in the driver licensing process that would establish a graduated driver licensing system for new drivers under 18 years old. The graduated licensing system would have three stages – supervised learner’s permit; an intermediate license limiting unsupervised driving to low-risk driving times; and an unrestricted license.
The bill is in the Joint transportation committee. For bill status, call 1-800-301-3178 or (207) 287-1692.