Assembly approves stricter rules for drivers

Monday, April 18, 2005 | 9:13 a.m.

The Assembly passed a bill Friday that would strengthen Nevada's graduated driver's license program.

Assembly Bill 52 would prevent a person who is younger than 16 years old from getting a driver's license. All other new drivers must have had a permit for at least six months.

The bill would require new teen drivers to have taken a driver's education course, or, if they live in a rural area where one is not offered, they must spend an extra 50 hours behind the wheel, including 10 at night.

Drivers younger than 18 years old could drive with only one passenger, unless they had written permission from their parents. And the young drivers could not drive at all between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are going to a scheduled event.

Assemblywoman Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, said she has voted against graduated driver's licenses in the past but thought this bill did a good job of combining more restrictions with adding education.

"What young people need is a lot more education behind the wheel and behind simulators," she said.

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