Driving with a Provisional License Rules

California places significant restrictions on teen drivers, especially regarding transporting passengers. For drivers under 18, these restrictions apply for the first 12 months after the state issues their driver’s license.

If you (or your teenage driver) have a provisional license, it’s crucial to understand the rules for siblings and other passengers to avoid penalties or financial liability for a crash. A car accident lawyer with Demas Law Group can explain teen driving rules in Roseville and how being in a collision with a provisionally licensed driver may affect a personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is a Provisional License in Roseville, CA?

Drivers under 18 have provisional licenses for the first 12 months they hold a driver’s license in California. Provisional licenses limit driving hours and outline rules for carrying passengers.

To obtain a provisional license, drivers must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Have held a driving instruction permit in California or another state for at least six months
• Provide proof of completion of a driver education program
• Provide a driving instruction permit with parent or guardian signatures verifying the completion of 50 hours of driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Pass a driving test

What Are the Passenger Restrictions After Getting a Provisional License?

Teens with provisional licenses cannot drive with passengers in California. According to California law, provisional license holders cannot transport anyone, including siblings, under the age of 20 unless they are supervised by:

• A parent or guardian with a valid driver’s license
• A licensed driver over the age of 25
• A certified driving instructor

The law also forbids provisional license holders from operating a vehicle between 11 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualifying driver.

Why Does California Restrict Passengers for New Drivers?

California prevents new drivers from transporting passengers to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents on the state’s roads. Teenagers are still learning how to drive safely and responsibly. Not allowing them to carry passengers reduces the potential for distracted driving. It may also reduce the temptation to show off by engaging in risky driving behavior. Without others in the car, teens may be less likely to:

• Speed
• Drink and drive
• Get distracted by people or events inside the vehicle
• Run red lights or stop signs
• Race, brake check, or engage in other reckless behaviors

To further encourage safe driving, California restricts cell phone use for provisional license holders and all teenage drivers. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it is against the law for anyone under 18 to use a wireless electronic communication device while driving, whether handheld or hands-free.

Are There Exceptions to the Law?

There are exemptions to the allowable driving hours and driving with siblings under a provisional license. Provisional license holders can drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. or transport an immediate family member if:

• They are an emancipated minor.
• There is a medical necessity (verified by a letter from a doctor).
• There is an employment necessity (verified by a letter from an employer).
• They are driving to or from a school-authorized activity (verified by a letter from the school).
• They have parental consent to transport an immediate family member (verified by a letter from a parent or guardian).

According to the California Highway Patrol, when employing an exemption, the teenage driver must have the necessary documentation in their possession. The documentation must include a probable date the exemption expires.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Provisional License Passenger Rules?

When drivers violate restrictions, provisional license penalties may include:

• Fines
• Community service
• 30-day license restriction if you have two or more point violations within 12 months
• Six-month license suspension and one-year probation for three or more point violations within 12 months

If a teen violates probation, the license suspension can last beyond their 18th birthday.

What Happens if a Provisional Driver Causes a Crash While Riding with Passengers?

When drivers with provisional licenses cause car accidents in California, they may be held financially liable for the resulting injuries and losses. However, if the at-fault driver is a teen driving with passengers under a provisional license, state law makes the person who signed the minor’s driver’s license application liable. Usually, this is a parent or legal guardian.

In cases of parental responsibility, the accident victim will file a personal injury claim with the parent’s auto insurance company. The claim can request compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

The Demas Law Group Difference

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a wreck involving a driver with a provisional license in Roseville, working with an experienced car accident lawyer at Demas Law Group can benefit you. With over a quarter century of experience representing injured people, our attorneys have a proven track record of recovering record-breaking settlements and verdicts for our clients.

Our firm places a premium on providing top-quality services that will relieve your stress and deliver meaningful results. When you hire us, we can take over all aspects of handling your car accident case, including:  

• Investigating the collision and gathering case evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and surveillance video
• Identifying liable parties
• Placing a value on your claim that accounts for past, current, and anticipated future expenses
• Filing insurance claims
• Negotiating with the insurance company for maximum compensation
• Preparing and filing a car accident lawsuit and represent you at trial (if necessary)

Past clients like Ian Waldron can attest to the high caliber of legal representation we deliver, writing that our law firm is a “great group of attorneys. Would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who has been injured in an accident in California. They will take care of you!” Read our reviews to see additional praise we have received from satisfied clients. 

Contact a Roseville Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you loved suffered injuries in a wreck with a provisionally licensed driver, a car accident attorney from Demas Law Group can explain your legal options in a free consultation. Call or contact us now.