Relating to the driving privileges of unsupervised persons issued a special minor’s restricted driver’s license, and making penalties applicable

Under current law, a person between the ages of 14 and 18 is authorized to operate a motor vehicle without supervision between certain approved locations, for certain activities, and during certain times if the person (licensee) holds a special minor’s restricted license. Certain further restrictions exist for some licensees, including a requirement that the licensee’s parent or guardian must complete a written consent form prescribed by the department of transportation prior to the licensee operating a vehicle unsupervised to a place of employment. The consent form must be carried by the licensee in the vehicle while operating the vehicle unsupervised and the licensee must present the form for inspection upon request by a certified peace officer. This bill adds established places of religious worship to the list of approved driving locations. The bill authorizes a licensee to operate a motor vehicle for the purposes of attending religious worship services or participating in volunteer service programs at the licensee’s established place of religious worship during the hour before and after the service or program. The licensee’s parent or guardian must complete a consent form including the location of the established place of religious worship, the form must be carried by the licensee in the vehicle while operating the vehicle unsupervised, and the licensee must present the form for inspection upon request by a certified peace officer. In accordance with current law, the driving distance between the point of origin and the destination cannot be more than 25 miles. A licensee who violates the restrictions of a special minor’s restricted license commits a simple misdemeanor, classified as a moving violation, punishable by a $70 scheduled fine. Additionally, the department of transportation must suspend the license for three months and is prohibited from issuing an intermediate license to the person for an additional three months following the person’s sixteenth birthday.