Graduated driver licensing (GDL) regulations differ from prior state licensing procedures largely because they establish three distinct licensing stages. However, the exact requirements associated with each stage vary across states in several dimensions. Nonetheless, a common feature of the initial “learning phase” is that young drivers can only drive in the presence of a licensed driver over the age of 21. States implementing GDL regulations often increased the age at which teens could obtain these initial permits as well. Furthermore, GDL reforms typically required that teens hold these permits for at least 6 months, during which the driver must log 30–60 hours of supervised driving. In the “intermediate phase” the young driver is allowed to operate a vehicle without supervision but only during daylight and early evening hours (e.g., only from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.). In addition, they are typically allowed to have no more than one or two passengers in the car. The “full privileges phase” begins upon the successful completion of the earlier phases and at minimum ages as high as 18.

Provisions of the Graduated Driver's License:

• First time driver's license candidates must have 50 hours of driving including 10 hours of nighttime driving under adult supervision.

• Drivers under 17 cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an adult or have a note signed by an employer, parent, guardian, or other responsible adult stating the time that the driver arrives and leaves his or her employment. The only exception to the nighttime driving restriction is in the case of a medical or other type of emergency.

• Drivers under age 17 are restricted to only one passenger in the front seat and may only have as many passengers in the back of the car as there are seat belts. The driver and all passengers must be buckled up.

• Violations of the nighttime driving, seat belt and passenger restrictions in the GDL law are Class A traffic infractions, and upon conviction, carry a $35 fine, a $5 surcharge and two points for each offense against the minor's driving record.

Graduated Drivers Licensing FAQ's

Q. Isn't 50 hours of supervised driving a lot to ask of teens and parents?

A. 50 hours over six months equals just 8.3 hours per month, or a little more than 2 hours per week. New drivers need time to familiarize themselves with dozens of driving scenarios—for example rural, urban, suburban, freeways, rush hour, nighttime, dusk, rain and snow.

Q. Why target young drivers and not all novice drivers or elderly drivers?

A. 16-year-old drivers have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age, including older teenagers. The very youngest drivers are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding and tailgating. GDL introduces beginners into the driving population in a low-risk manner, protecting them and others.

Q. Why not just penalize the "problem" drivers?

A. The logic of addressing all young people is that they are all beginners when they start driving. Every novice needs time to develop driving skills in low risk settings.

Q. Does GDL work?

A. Graduated drivers license programs are reducing teen driving deaths. Decreases have been recorded in Florida and South Carolina where GDL programs began in the late 1990s. The new GDL law that went into effect in Ohio in 1998 is showing results. From 1997 to 2003, crashes for 16-year-old drivers fell 36.8 percent. Alabama's GDL law was enacted in October, 2002. By 2003, state troopers reported that crashes caused by 16-year-old drivers fell from 5,905 to 5,263; for 17-year-olds, crashes fell from 6,174 to 5,980.

Zero Tolerance Law

The Zero Tolerance Law is tough and clear. Want to keep your license? It's simple. If you're under 21, don't drink. Period. And drive sober. Period.

The legal drinking age throughout the U.S. is 21. The Zero Tolerance Law says if you are under 21, drive sober or your driver's license can be taken away.

A blood alcohol content of as little as .02 percent means you are breaking the law. For most people, .02 is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink. For some, it's even less.

Penalties for young drivers convicted of breaking the law include the following:

• For a first offense, the driver's license is revoked for three months.

• For a second offense, the driver's license is revoked for six months and you may have to perform up to 120 hours of community service work, or pay a $1,500 fine, or both. You may also have to enroll in an alcohol treatment program.

• For a third offense, the driver's license is revoked for one year. You also have to perform up to 120 hours of community service work, or pay a $1,500 fine, or both. Again, you may be ordered by the court to attend an alcohol treatment program.

What parents should know

The message is clear. If you are under 21, don't drink. The odds are that you will be caught.

Talk to your children about alcohol and the law. Be at home when your children have a party and do not provide alcohol or allow drinking.

You are your children's role model. Set a good example. Adopt a Zero Tolerance policy whenever you drive.

Always drive sober, no matter what age you are.

The Heat is On! is a Nationwide DUI enforcement and public awareness campaign. Law enforcement agencies statewide are cracking down on intoxicated drivers. In 1999, agencies made 36,676 DUI arrests.