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March 31, 2008

Bay State teen driving law having positive impact

BOSTON — Massachusetts's revamped Junior Operating Law appears to be having its desired effect.

During the past year, deaths involving junior motor vehicle operators and their passengers fell from 19 to 13 in Massachusetts. Speeding citations were down 33 percent.

Registrar of Motor Vehicles Anne L. Collins credited the new law for drivers under 18, which took effect on March 31, 2007.

It included stiff new penalties such as a 90-day license suspension for first-time speeders and a one-year suspension for a second offense. Previously those people faced a $50 fine.

The law also clamps down on drag racing. Those with learner’s permits or junior operating licenses have their license or permit suspended for a year for a first offense.

Previously, a first offense brought a fine of up to $500 fine and a 30-day suspension.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 2:01 PM | Permalink

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