In light of recent tragedies throughout the country involving high school aged drivers, the Montclair Police Department is kicking off a new teen/young adult driving safety program which is based on a program recently developed by the New Jersey State Police. The Police Department will send a letter to the parents/guardians of a teen/young adult who has been stopped or summonsed for a motor vehicle violation in Montclair while driving with a provisional driver’s license.

The Department will also intensify motor vehicle enforcement efforts around schools to crack down on young violators. "Unfortunately, history shows us that inexperienced drivers are more like to be involved in accidents than those with more experience," said Chief of Police David Sabagh. "We hope to reduce the likelihood of this happening here in Montclair."

For questions regarding the new teen/young adult program, contact Sergeant Daniel Pronti at (973) 509-4718.

Below is the text of the letter to be sent to parents/guardians of young drivers who have been stopped or summonsed, as well as the requirements for a New Jersey provisional driver’s license:

To the Parents/Guardians of Jane Doe

Dear Parent or Guardian:

As a part of our traffic safety program on the Montclair Police Department, this letter is to inform you that on 1/1/2007, Jane Doe was stopped for speeding (88 mph) and was issued a Summons.  Since Jane Doe is a probationary driver we feel you should be made aware of this incident. The effectiveness of any Traffic Safety Program is based on the cooperation of the motoring public. It is our hope that this notification will assist you in educating and creating a safe and conscientious driver.

Should you have any questions regarding this program, please direct them to Sergeant Daniel Pronti at (973) 509-4718.

Very truly yours,

Lieutenant John Beyer
Uniform/Traffic Bureau Commander
Montclair Police Department

NJ PROVISONAL DRIVERS LICENSE

REQUIREMENTS

• Teens 17 years or older must have successfully completed Permit stage with minimum 6 months supervised driving experience.

RESTRICTIONS

• • License holders may not drive from 12:01 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless they have a written waiver from their employer or religious authority. If at least 21 years of age, hour restrictions don't apply.
• • Passengers limited to 1 person, plus anyone sharing same residence. If provisional license holder or any passenger is 21 or older, passenger restrictions don't apply.
• • All occupants must wear seat belts or child restraints.
• • May not use any interactive wireless communication device while operating moving vehicle except in the event of an emergency.
• • A supervising driver is not required.