Montgomery, AL – An Alabama Senate committee has delayed a bill that would place new restrictions on 16-year-old drivers.
Republican Rep. Mac Gipson of Prattville got his bill through the House in January, but the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed his bill for one week Wednesday because several members raised concerns.
The bill would limit 16-year-old drivers to one passenger other than family members and require them to stop driving by 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends, except for a few exceptions, such as school and religious activities. The bill also would bar 16-year-old drivers from using cell phones.
Gipson said the restrictions would save lives. But some senators said the passenger restrictions go too far, particularly for teenagers who rely on friends for rides to activities.
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