Teens Are Getting RED With Frustration In New Jersey

Welcome to New Jersey.

Home of the fist pump, an odor that permeates everything, the Jersey Shore and a new decal law for driver's under 21.

Uh, what?

Rather than beefing up the driver's education test or actually increasing the physical driving test's requirements, the state has decided that by affixing red decals to any automobile piloted by a driver under 21 is more appropriate.

By essentially creating a "flag," the state feels that it will theoretically alert other motorists of an inexperienced driver and provide the authorities a bit more color on what driver's are obeying/breaking the law.

To this New Jeseyan, it seems a bit too much like another lame attempt by officials to put a Band-Aid over a stab wound.

AutoSavant reports:

Under a law that went into effect a month ago, vehicles driven by individuals under age 21 in New Jersey must have a red decal on their license plates. The red decal is part of Kyleigh’s Law, passed last year by the state legislature nearly unanimously and signed into law by then-Governor Jon Corzine. The law is named for New Jersey teenager Kyleigh D’Alessio, who was killed in a 2006 car crash in which another teen was driving.

Other provisions of the law, intended to force inexperienced teenage drivers to concentrate on driving only, include:

All occupants of the vehicle must have their seatbelts fastened.
The holder of the provisional license under age 21 may not drive between 12:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., except in cases of emergency or bona fide employment or religious activity (with documentation)
A prohibition on using any wireless interactive communication device, including texting, messaging, talking on the cell phone
The vehicle may be operated with no more than one other passenger, except in cases where the passenger is a dependent, a parent or guardian

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85bmw745i - 6/5/2010 11:50:40 PM

+5 Boost

Why not actually teach people to drive like in Germany and other European countries. We Americans have the stupidest driving test and absolutely no common sense behind the wheel. We don't signal before changing lanes, we pass on the right, block the fast lane and don't follow the speed limit. We get over into the turn lane and then put on our turn signal which you totally defeated the purpose of when you changed lanes into the turning lane with no signal. DUH we know you're making a left turn idiot, you are in the turning lane. People have no clue as to why and how to use a turn signal properly. We have the stupidest drivers in the world (excluding third world countries)

Agent00R - 6/6/2010 12:25:43 AM

+4 Boost

We're on the same page. :)

As I have said previously, if the state DMV's want to take things seriously they have to make significant adjustments.

Red decals are merely going to make teens targets -- if they put them on at all.

WorldofLuxury - 6/6/2010 2:58:48 AM

+5 Boost

LOL so true. Sounds like the mandating of all cars to have amber turn signals in the taillight clusters is even more ridiculous.

rxh8me9000 - 6/6/2010 3:21:11 AM

+1 Boost

Its cheaper to just add a sticker than teach everyone aggressive driving techniques. It shows state officials are really concerned and want to do something about this................but are too cheap to do it right :/. What the hell does a red sticker do for me? I really don't stare at peoples license plates so a red sticker means nothing to me. Even if I did see a sticker I feel it would be better to just drive normally instead of slowing down or staying away from the kid and making them nervous or feel like they are doing something wrong. Should we make getting a license a little tougher,yes. Are we doing it right by putting a red sticker on a license plate,no.Add an aggressive driving class to the 5 hour class prior to the road test.Everything else I agree with like the fastening seat belts and no text and stuff,but the only have one other passenger rule is dumb.One passenger can be just as distractive as 10,lighten up.

kornholio - 6/6/2010 10:50:33 AM

+2 Boost

Poor kids. That red sticker is like a big bulls-eye to attract police harassment.

veyron1001 - 6/6/2010 11:46:58 AM

0 Boost

I dont really see the problem as they do this with us motorcyclists. White license with under 21 printed on it. You cant make a drastic change when your state is in debt.

993Turbo - 6/6/2010 3:18:51 PM

+3 Boost

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Gambit - 6/7/2010 1:41:18 PM

+1 Boost

and how much tax money did the state blow getting this wonderful new change approved. It's a friggin sticker, and will mean nothing to anyone