In 1999, the Indiana General Assembly passed Indiana’s very first graduated licensing law, applying certain restrictions to new drivers for a probationary period of 90 days.

According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze, many of the changes are about to go into effect. Beginning Wednesday, July 1, the new laws will start and affect drivers applying for learner’s permits July 1, 2010 and after.

During the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly, those changes were made to the original law, Houze explained.

“We proved in 1999 when we passed the first graduated licensing law that it saved lives,” Senator Thomas Wyss, (R-Fort Wayne) said. “We have the same expectations that these new changes will continue the decline in the numbers of injuries and deaths to young Indiana drivers.”

The Indiana State Police is hoping to remind the public, and especially younger drivers, of the aforementioned changes in order to avoid any warnings or tickets for failing to comply with the new laws. A person convicted of a violation of the Graduated Driver’s License, Houze explained, commits a Class C infraction which is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Laws effective beginning July 1, 2009 include: prohibiting drivers with probationary licenses from driving from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the first 180 days of driving. After the first 180 days, restrictions are moved back to Sunday through Thursday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; on Fridays and Saturdays, the prohibitory period is from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. until the age of 18. Exemptions include: traveling to and from work, school- or church-related functions; or if accompanied by a 25 year-old licensed driver.

The July 1, 2009 laws also include: no passengers for the first 180 days unless accompanied by a licensed instructor or 25-year-old licensed driver. Exemptions include: a sibling or a child of the driver or a spouse and/or a child of the driver. The new law also allows for an unlicensed parent, guardian or step-parent who is at least 21 years old in the front seat.

Finally, the new laws prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of telecommunication device while operating a vehicle except for making emergency 911 calls. Additional laws will go into effect on July 1, 2010.

Those seeking more information on the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System are encouraged to visit the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles on the Web at http://www.in.gov/bmv/4779.htm.