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If H. 3113 becomes law in the Bay State, those with learner’s permits would be required to display a “highly visible, reflective decal” on their vehicles to let other motorists know that they are still learning the rules of the road. Anyone with a learner’s permit who operates a motor vehicle without displaying such a sticker would be subject to a $50 fine. The bill passed the Massachusetts House on July 23, 2016, and moved on to the Senate for further consideration.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program
As is the case with many other states, Massachusetts requires first-time drivers to maintain certain milestones before being granted a full driver’s license. If you’re at least 16 years old and under 18 years old, the potential driver must provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles with the following:
- A Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application (Form T21042) with parental consent
- Proof of birth date (e.g., original birth certificate, adoption records, certified high school/grade school transcript)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, Social Security award letter, MA ID card record).
If you are age 18 or older, the potential driver needs:
- A Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card Application (Form T21042)
- Proof of:
- Birth date (e.g., original birth certificate, adoption records, certified high school/grade school transcript)
- Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, Social Security award letter, MA ID card record)
- Signature (e.g., passport, Selective Service card, lease or loan contract with name and signature)
- Massachusetts residency (e.g., bank statement, utility bill, cancelled personal check)
Once the necessary documents are gathered and presented, the potential driver must pass a computer-based test, consisting of 25 questions based upon information about Massachusetts traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques. If the driver gets at least 18 correct and has $30, he or she is given the learner’s permit. The “warning sticker” proposed in H. 3113 would be a new and added requirement.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Are Leading Cause of Death Among Teens
H. 3113’s “Warning Sticker” proposal is, among other things, a reaction to the fact that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. According to information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six teens aged 16-19 die each day in motor vehicle crashes. More than a quarter million teens are treated each year for injuries sustained in such crashes.
Victims of Vehicle Crashes May Recover Damages
In many cases, the families of teens who die in motor vehicle crashes may recover money damages, if the crash was caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. Injured teens and others may recover for their injuries, as well. In most instances, however, the family or victim needs the assistance of a highly skilled attorney. The injury lawyers at the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC have not only the skill and experience to represent victims of motor vehicle crashes, they also have the resources to investigate the accident and fight to protect your legal rights. We will pursue your case at no cost until we win. Remember that delay can harm your case. Our experienced legal team is available 24/7 for a free consultation. Give us a call at 866-529-9700, or complete our convenient online contact form.