9/26/05-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill into law that requires young drivers to turn in their keys an hour earlier.
The new law, previously AB1474, requires anyone in the first year of their provisional driver’s license to be off the road from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
An exception would be made for young drivers accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25.
Existing California law permits provisional drivers out on the road until midnight.
The new law also bars 16- and 17-year-old drivers from transporting passengers under age 20 during the first year licensed, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who was at least 25. Under existing law, that restriction lasts for the first six months licensed.
Violators would face a $35 fine or eight to 16 hours of community service.
Teens traveling to or from work, driving for medical “necessity” or transporting immediate family members are exempt from the new rules.
Police are not allowed to pull over a driver on suspicion of violating the provisional driving law. Teens could only be cited if pulled over from some other traffic violation, such as speeding or running a stop sign.
The new rule takes effect Jan. 1.

9/13/05-Lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that would tighten up a teen driving rule intended to make the state’s roads safer.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, the bill would change current law – which forces 16- and 17-year-old motorists off the road from midnight to 5 a.m. – and start the curfew an hour earlier at 11 p.m. An exception would be made for young drivers accompanied by a licensed driver who was at least 25.
AB1474 also would bar teens of that age from transporting passenger under age 20 during the first year licensed unless accompanied by a licensed driver who was at least 25. Under existing law, that restriction lasts for the first six months licensed.
For bill status, call (916) 445-2323.

8/29/05-A bill awaiting a final vote before the full Assembly would tighten up the rules for teen drivers.
AB1474, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, would require teen drivers to be off the road from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Current state law prohibits teens from driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
If approved, it would head back to the Senate for final approval before going to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature.
For bill status, call (916) 445-2323.

6/10/05-The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would tighten up the rules for teen drivers.
AB1474, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, would require teen drivers to be off the road from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Current state law prohibits teens from driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
The bill has been sent to the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. For bill status, call (916) 445-2323.

3/11/05-A bill offered by Assemblyman Bill Maze, R-Visalia, would tighten up the rules for teen drivers.
AB1474 would require teen drivers to be off the road from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Current state law prohibits teens from driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
The bill is awaiting assignment to a committee. For Assembly bill status, call (916) 445-2323.