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The Springfield New-Sun updates readers on changes that could affect their everyday life, including new Ohio traffic laws.
New restrictions on when teens can drive and who they can have in their cars will take effect next week.
The changes — which were passed by Ohio lawmakers in April as part of the state’s new transportation budget — will affect all drivers under the age of 18 who have had their license for less than one year, said Lt. Brian Aller with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Springfield post.
The law limits night-time driving hours and the passengers inside a vehicle for those drivers.
Teens who have a probationary license — issued to people younger than 18 — which they have held for less than 12 months will be restricted from driving between midnight-6 a.m. without a parent or guardian.
Teens with documentation from work, school or church saying they have permission to drive home from an activity are exempt, the bill states.
The bill also restricts any teen driver with probationary licenses for more than 12 months from driving alone between 1-5 a.m.
Any teen who has had their driver’s license for less than 12 months also cannot drive with more than one person who is not a family member unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The law used to limit the passengers of those younger than 17, but was changed to reflect driving experience rather than age.
“Someone that young shouldn’t be out after midnight anyways because nothing good ever happens after midnight,” said Christine Heavener. She waited at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on North Bechtle Avenue Thursday as her 16-year-old son took his driving test.
She said she is in favor of the new laws and wouldn’t mind seeing stricter laws governing inexperienced drivers.
“The change … allows Ohio’s young motorists to gain more experience on the road while reducing their risks,” said Karhlton Moore, executive director of the State Office of Criminal Justice Services in a written statement.
Local law enforcement officials say any restrictions on drivers are ultimately for the safety of everyone on the roadways.
“It’s a common sense approach,” Aller said. “If we see a car full of kids, especially at 2 o’clock in the morning, we’re going to stop them.”
Penalties for violating the new laws — which are first-degree misdemeanors — will result in a six-point mark against a driver’s records (the same penalty as driving with a suspended license) and possible fines and jail time, he said.
A handful of Clark County teens have died in car crashes in the past year and a half, according to OSHP records.
In March 2014, three Tecumseh High School teens were killed in an early-morning crash on Ridge Road.
Gary Osborn, the step-father 16-year-old Charles Luthe who died in the crash, said Thursday he was happy to hear of the new laws and hopes they incite young drivers to be safer.
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