In most of the US, driving is a necessity, and the right to mobility is just as important for young people as the rest of the population. However, state governments, with the support of the federal government have enacted numerous ageist driving laws that needlessly restrict the ability of young people to drive, and deny young people driving privileges if they fall under an arbitrary age limit set by state governments. In most places, denial of the right to drive is a denial of the right to mobility, which is internationally accepted right declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Denial of the right to mobility is also a denial of young peoples’ ability to seek employment, go to activities and events, and participate in society.
- 45% of Americans have no access to public transit
- 48 out of 50 states have AllTransit Performance Scores of less than 5.0/10, no state has a score better than 6.0/10, and 5 states have scores of less than 1.0/10
For most people, there is no alternative to driving, so denying the right to drive to anyone denies them the ability to travel to work, school and recreation.
Even worse, young people face numerous calls to strip them of their right to drive, which are decided in governments in which they have no representation. Young people need and deserve the right to mobility just as much as any legal adult does. Nobody should be denied the ability to go to work, school, or otherwise participate in our society. Nor is it okay to deny a person such rights and abilities because of their age.
Drivers License Restrictions
Even getting a drivers license doesn’t provide young people with the same driving freedoms as adults. Many states place restrictions upon “provisional” or minor’s drivers licenses.
Nighttime Driving Restrictions: Many states prohibit minors from driving during certain late-night hours, commonly between around 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. These rules are intended to reduce the risk of crashes during nighttime hours, when visibility is lower and fatigue or impaired driving among other motorists may be more common. Some states allow exceptions for work, school events, or emergencies.
Passenger Limits: States often limit the number of passengers a minor driver can carry, particularly other teenagers. Many laws allow no teenage passengers at all, or only one, unless a licensed adult is present in the vehicle. The goal is to reduce distractions and peer pressure that can increase risky driving behavior.
Supervised Driving Requirements: When first receiving a learner’s permit, minors are usually required to drive only while accompanied by a licensed adult, often a parent or guardian, who must sit in the front passenger seat. This stage is meant to allow new drivers to gain experience under supervision before they are allowed to drive independently.
Cell Phone or Electronic Device Restrictions: Many states prohibit minors from using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, even if hands-free use might be allowed for adult drivers. These rules are intended to reduce distracted driving during the early stages of a teen’s driving experience.
Restrictions placed on minors’ driver’s licenses, such as prohibiting driving late at night or limiting the number of other minors in the vehicle, can have several negative consequences for young drivers. These rules often reduce teenagers’ ability to travel independently for legitimate purposes, such as getting to late work shifts, extracurricular activities, or social events, which can disproportionately affect teens who rely on driving because of limited public transportation or rural living situations. Passenger limits can also make it difficult for teens to carpool with friends, siblings, or classmates, forcing families to coordinate additional rides and increasing the total number of cars on the road. In some cases, the restrictions can place teens in difficult situations where they must choose between violating the rules or finding unsafe alternatives, such as walking long distances at night.
Youth Driving Restriction Laws State-by-State
Every state has Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws that place limits on new drivers. This includes curfews, passenger limits, and required permitting periods before teens can drive without restrictions. While these laws are designed to increase safety, these laws can often negatively impact the way young people access transportation and move independently in their communities.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of the minimum age to receive a drivers license by state, along with the drivers license restrictions that minors have in every state in the US.
Click on a state and scroll down to learn more!
