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HD 2120

An Act further regulating junior operator licenses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Ayers

HD 2120 raises junior operator license age to 17, expands night driving and passenger restrictions, requires 100 hours supervised practice, and imposes tougher penalties to improve road safety.

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Bill Summary · HD 2120

Summary of HD 2120: An Act Further Regulating Junior Operator Licenses

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of this proposed bill is to strengthen restrictions and requirements for junior operator drivers in order to improve road safety for young, inexperienced drivers and other motorists. This legislation aims to reduce accidents and fatalities involving junior operators through a set of enhanced regulations and graduated licensing provisions.

Key Provisions

The key changes and requirements introduced by HD 2120 include:

  1. Raising Junior Operator Licensing Age: The minimum age to obtain a junior operator license would be increased from 16 to 17 years old.

  2. Expanded Nighttime Driving Restrictions: Junior operators would be prohibited from driving between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM, with limited exceptions for work, school, or family emergencies.

  3. Passenger Limits: Junior operators would be limited to carrying no more than one non-family passenger under the age of 21, unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 25.

  4. Mandatory Supervised Driving Hours: Junior operators would be required to complete at least 100 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult driver before qualifying for a full license.

  5. Extended Learner's Permit Period: The learner's permit phase would be extended from 6 months to 1 year, during which time the junior operator must complete the 100 hours of supervised driving.

  6. Tougher Penalties: Violations of the junior operator restrictions would result in longer license suspensions and higher fines compared to current law.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary groups impacted by this legislation would be:

  • Junior drivers aged 16-20, who would face tighter regulations and requirements
  • Parents/guardians of junior operators, who would need to provide more supervised driving time
  • Law enforcement, who would be responsible for enforcing the new junior operator restrictions
  • Auto insurance providers, whose rates and policies may be affected by changes in accident rates

Timeline and Procedure

If passed, the provisions of HD 2120 would take effect on January 1, 2026. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation, where it will undergo a public hearing and further legislative review before potentially advancing to a vote in the full state legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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