To all newly licensed drivers:

 

Due to a recent clarification in the Graduated Driver’s License restrictions law, it has been determined that violations of any of the Graduated Driver’s License restrictions, including passenger restriction violations, can be committed and criminally enforced in certain public parking lots, including the Berlin High School parking lot as well as on all public roadways.

 

All newly licensed drivers under age 18 years old may not have any non-immediate family member passengers in their vehicle for a period of (1) year after receiving their operator’s license. BHS students found in violation of any of the Graduated Driver’s License restrictions while in the Berlin High School parking lot, any other qualifying public parking lot, or any public roadway are subject to a $103.00 fine, an immediate (48) hour operator’s license seizure and suspension, parental notification, and an eventual (30) day CT DMV operator’s license suspension. If the offense is committed in the Berlin High School Parking lot, the student also may face BHS administrative suspension or revocation of their student parking privileges.

 

It should be noted that since the Graduated Driver’s License restrictions went into effect in August 2008, the number of newly licensed drivers involved in serious injury and deadly accidents has decreased significantly. The Graduated Driver’s License restrictions are making a difference and will be aggressively enforced.

 

Students with questions regarding the Graduated Driver’s License restrictions are encouraged to see SRO Germain to obtain a DMV informational pamphlet or visit the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle website.