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Motor Vehicle Law FAQ

My child is 17 years old and just got her driver’s license. When it comes to passengers in the vehicle, and time of day, what do I need to know?

A Junior Operator is by definition, any person who is under the age of 18 years old and holds a valid driver’s license. Under the Junior Operator’s Law, otherwise known as JOL, there are (3) restrictions as follows:

  • JOL licensees may not operate a motor vehicle with a passenger(s) under 18 years old within the first 6 months of receiving the JOL. The only exceptions are; any immediate family member (i.e. sibling); or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old, with at least 1 year of driving experience and occupying the seat next to the JOL; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”.
  • No person holding a Junior Operator's license shall operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”. A junior operator operating a motor vehicle during these hours is considered unlicensed and is subject to arrest.
  • No person holding a Junior Operator’s license shall operate any vehicle requiring a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL).

How old does my child have to be to get a permit to operate a motor vehicle?

Any person who is at least 16 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar, may apply for a Class D (passenger) permit at any RMV full service office.