A bill that would place new restrictions on teen drivers passed in the House today (58-35).  The bill would keep those under 18 off the road between the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. (there are some exemptions like driving to or from a church event, school function or job).  It also prohibits the use of cell phones and restricts the number of passengers (those under 18 are not allowed to have more than one unrelated, minor passenger in the car). 

Opponents of the bill are concerned it would create hardships for those in rural areas.  Count House Speaker Robbie Wills as a supporter.  He writes on his blog, “We just created a Trauma System at an expense of $28 million a year. In my estimation, this will help prevent trauma in the first place.”

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The bill will now go to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs.

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