Relating to the maximum driving distance of unsupervised persons issued a special minor’s restricted driver’s license who are enrolled at an accredited nonpublic school

Under current law, a person between the ages of and holding a special minor’s restricted driver’s license (licensee) is authorized to operate a motor vehicle without supervision between certain approved locations, for certain activities, during certain times, and up to miles per trip. A licensee is required to submit to the department of transportation (DOT) a certification from the licensee’s school certifying the licensee is enrolled at the school for courses of instruction or extracurricular activities. This bill authorizes a licensee to exceed the 25-mile driving distance limit when driving from home to school if the licensee is enrolled at an accredited nonpublic school and receives a distance waiver. The parent or guardian of a licensee is authorized to apply for a distance waiver by submitting an application to the chief school administrator or superintendent of the licensee’s accredited nonpublic school. If the chief school administrator or superintendent approves a distance waiver application, the administrator or superintendent must provide a tangible copy of the waiver to the licensee. The licensee must carry a copy of the waiver while operating a motor vehicle in accordance with the special minor’s restricted license. 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 DOT 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 16th birthday.