LICENSES
House Bill 4405
Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer Faunce
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 3-15-99
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4405 AS INTRODUCED 3-9-99
House Bill 4405 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to extend the graduated driver licensing system which is now set to be repealed on April 1, 2002. Specifically, the bill would delete the repeal date that is specified in four separate sections of the code.
[In 1996, the legislature passed Public Act 387, in response to a report and recommendations from a special task force convened by the Michigan State Safety Commission. Public Act 387 completely redesigned the driver education and licensing system for young and first-time drivers. The new system created a graduated, three-tier, licensing permit. The three-tier permit system was adopted to reduce teen accidents and fatalities, on the assumption that more driver education, increasing age and maturity, and more driving experience (in daylight and nighttime conditions) would result in safer driving records.
Under Public Act 387 of 1996 a person at least 14 years and nine months old can be issued a level 1 graduated licensing status to operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by a parent (or another driver over 21 years old with parental consent) and if he or she meets certain health and education criteria. No earlier than six months later, a person can be issued a level 2 graduated licensing status to operate a motor vehicle if he or she has successfully completed segment two of the driver education program, has a safe driving record, can certify 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience (including 10 hours at night), and has successfully completed a performance road test conducted by the secretary of state. After another six months, a person who is at least 17 years old can be issued a level 3 graduated licensing status if he or she has completed 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, or an accident.]
MCL 257.306, 257.308, 257.310e, and 257.320a
Analyst: J. Hunault