Press Release 2009-51

2009-51
PRESS RELEASE : December 30, 2009
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

GLD Changes Licensing Requirements for Teens January 1

GDL restrictions address key problems novice drivers encounter

Kansas’ new Graduated Driver’s License legislation (House Bill 2143) takes effect January 1, 2010. This new legislation was developed to help young drivers obtain more experience, and become safer drivers prior to becoming a fully licensed driver. The new restrictions address key issues that can create problems for a novice driver, such as late night driving, use of electronic devices, and multiple passengers.

Teens already holding valid instructional permits, as well as restricted and full driver's licenses, including farm permits prior to January 1, 2010, are included in the Grandfather Clause, and will not be under the GDL provisions. Any teen driver receiving a license or permit on January 1, and thereafter, will be under the GDL requirements.

For those drivers covered by the GDL, no wireless communication devices are to be used while driving except to report illegal activity or to summon emergency help. At the minimum age of 16-1/2 a driver can be eligible for a full, unrestricted license, however they must have met all of the prior requirements and have no infractions in the previous six months. Once a driver has a full, unrestricted license, use of wireless devices is permitted.

The minimum age for an Instructional Permit is 14, and the permit expires in one year, however, it may be renewed. If an individual is under the age of 16, they must have a written application of parent/guardian. To receive an instructional permit, a teen must pass vision and written examinations. An adult (at least 21 years of age) with a valid driver's license and at least one year of driving experience must be present in the front seat with the driver.

A Restricted License is offered to teens who are a minimum of 15 years of age, and the Restricted License is issued only with the written application of a parent/guardian. The teen must have held an Instructional Permit for at least one year, and must have completed at least 25 hours of supervised driving. Someone 15 or younger must have successfully completed an approved Driver's Education course (it is not required if the driver is applying at age 16).

A Full (Unrestricted) License is available at age 17, if first time applicant, not including instruction permit. To receive a full, unrestricted license, teens must pass vision, written, and driving exams; must provide proof of age and identification; and a signed affidavit of parent or guardian, stating applicant has completed at least 50 hours of adult (at least age 21) supervised driving with at least 10 of those hours being at night.

A Farm Permit can be issued at a minimum age of 14. The driver must reside on a farm (a parcel of land larger than 20 acres used in agricultural operations), or be employed for compensation on a farm. The Farm Permit is issued only with a written application of parent/guardian.

The Motorcycle License has the same restrictions as a Farm Permit. The operator must be accompanied by an adult (at least 21 years of age) who holds a valid class M driver's license. The supervising rider must be operating a motorcycle in the general proximity of the licensee.

Teen drivers also face new revocations or suspensions if they are not abiding by the law. A Restricted License shall be suspended for any violation of restrictions. If a GDL driver is involved in two or more accidents chargeable to the licensee, the license shall be suspended and not reinstated for one year. If a GDL driver is under the age of 16 and is convicted of two or more moving traffic violations committed on separate occasions they shall not be eligible to receive the full (unrestricted) license until age 17. If under the age of 17, but at least 16, and convicted of two or more moving traffic violations committed on separate occasions, the driver will not be eligible to receive a full (unrestricted) license until age 18.

More information on the GDL and the specific restrictions of each permit/license is available on the following web sites:

With January 1 around the corner, the Patrol would also like to remind motorists about two other traffic legislations that were effective in July-the "Right Lane Law" and the "Move It Law."

The "Right Lane Law", or Senate Bill 145, prohibits vehicles on highways outside the corporate limits of any city, divided into two or more lanes of traffic proceeding in the same direction, from being operated in the far left lane, except when:

Overtaking and passing another vehicle;
Preparing to make a proper left turn;
Otherwise directed by official traffic-control devices; or
Otherwise required by other provisions of law. (e.g. Stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles).

These provisions do not apply to authorized emergency vehicles, including those operated by law enforcement officers. Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Department of Transportation vehicles performing construction or maintenance work are also exempt from this legislation.

House Bill 2147, referred to as the "Move It Law", mandates that drivers of non-hazardous materials transporting vehicles involved in non-injury crashes on interstate, U.S. highways, or any divided or multi-lane roadways in the state move vehicles out of the lane of traffic if it is safe to do so. This is intended to help keep drivers and passengers safe by getting them out of the lane of traffic, and away from oncoming vehicles.

If vehicles can be driven, move them to a safe location such as a shoulder or the nearest exit to exchange information or to contact law enforcement. Law enforcement should always be called if:

If there are injuries
a vehicle cannot be moved;
one of the drivers appears to be intoxicated;
damage exceeds $1,000;
one of the drivers has no insurance; or
one of the drivers leaves the scene of the crash.