A bill for an act relating to the driving privileges of unsupervised persons issued a special minor’s restricted driver’s license, and making penalties applicable.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samantha Fett

HF 202 expands driving privileges for minors with restricted licenses, allowing them to drive to religious services and volunteer activities within 25 miles.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as 574.

#driver'slicenses #driving #minors

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HF 202
Title: A bill for an act relating to the driving privileges of unsupervised persons issued a special minor’s restricted driver’s license, and making penalties applicable.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as 574.
Introduced: February 03, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Driver's Licenses, Driving, Minors

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 202 is to expand the driving privileges of minors who hold a special minor’s restricted driver’s license. The bill aims to allow these young drivers to operate a motor vehicle for specific purposes related to religious activities, thereby facilitating their participation in community and volunteer services.

Key Provisions

Approved Driving Locations: The bill adds established places of religious worship to the list of locations where holders of a special minor’s restricted driver’s license can legally drive.

Permitted Activities: Licensees are authorized to drive to attend religious worship services or to participate in volunteer service programs at their place of worship.

Time Restrictions: Driving is permitted during the hour before and after the religious service or program.

Distance Limitation: The driving distance from the point of origin to the destination must not exceed 25 miles.

Penalties for Violations:

Violating the restrictions of the special minor’s restricted license is classified as a simple misdemeanor, categorized as a moving violation.
A scheduled fine of $70 will be imposed for violations.
The Department of Transportation is mandated to suspend the license for three months following a violation.
Additionally, the issuance of an intermediate license will be prohibited for an additional three months after the individual’s sixteenth birthday.

Impact

Who is Affected: This bill primarily affects minors who hold a special minor’s restricted driver’s license, their families, and religious organizations that provide community services.

Community Engagement: By allowing minors to drive to religious services and volunteer programs, the bill encourages greater involvement in community and faith-based activities.

Legislative Timeline

February 03, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Transportation Committee.

February 05, 2025: Subcommittee formed to review the bill.

February 11, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held; recommendation for amendment and passage.

February 19, 2025: Committee report recommending amendment and passage; committee vote resulted in 18 yeas and 3 nays.

February 24, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; renumbered as HF 574.

This summary provides a clear understanding of the intent, provisions, and potential impacts of HF 202, making it accessible to both experts and general readers interested in the legislative process regarding minors' driving privileges.

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