Laws That Affect Persons Under the Age of 18 years

2008 brought some changes to the law that affect children under the age of 18. Outlined below are the most common laws that apply to your child.

Curfew

There is a state-wide curfew for everyone under the age of 17 years. It is unlawful for those under the age of 17 years to be out between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday – Thursday; and 12 a.m. to 6 a.m., Friday – Saturday. 

It’s important to remember if your child is found to be in violation of the above curfew hours they are subject to arrest.

Nighttime Driving Restriction

This restriction limits how late drivers under the age of 18 years are allowed to be operating a vehicle. The nighttime driving restriction has nothing to do with the curfew law. All Drivers under the age of 18 years may not drive a vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday - Thursday and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday - Saturday

Number of Passengers

For the first year of licensing, or until the driver is age 18 years, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under the age of 20 years, unless the additional passenger(s) is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or step-child of the driver. After this period, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.

Seat Belt Use

Everyone under the age of 19 years is required to wear their seat belt regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

Under 18 Years Cell Phone Use

Cell phone use while driving is prohibited, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency.