SCHROEDER, CARROLL, VANDERVALK TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENT TO RESCIND DECAL REQUIREMENT FOR NEW DRIVERS

            Assembly Republican members Robert Schroeder, R-Bergen, Michael Patrick Carroll, R-Morris, and Charlotte Vandervalk, R-Bergen, will introduce an amendment that would remove the decal provision in Kyleigh’s Law which mandates reflector labels be affixed to both license plates of any vehicle operated by a probationary driver.  The new law goes into effect on May 1.

            “While Kyleigh's Law was certainly well-intentioned, these so-called ‘teen decal’ requirements are unfair and discriminatory against young drivers,” stated Schroeder.

            As a result of Kyleigh’s Law, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is calling for all drivers under age 21, who are subject to the requirements of New Jersey’s Graduated Driver License (GDL), to display a reflectorized decal on each license plate (front/back) of any motor vehicle they operate.

            As the parent of two teenagers, Schroeder said he is concerned about the targeting issues that could arise from these decals. Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll agrees. “In theory, this law was intended to keep our children safer,” Carroll said, “but in reality, it could actually put our young men and women in the State of New Jersey at risk.”

            The amendment would remove the requirement that the holder of a special learner’s permit, examination permit and provisional’s driver’s license display a decal on the motor vehicle they are driving. Under current law, a novice driver is required to display this decal when driving. This bill would not affect any other restrictions placed on novice drivers, including the requirement that prohibits a probationary driver, under the age of 21, from driving during the hours between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. 

            The law is named for Kyleigh D'Alessio, a 16-year-old killed in a 2006 crash in Washington Township, Morris County, in which another teen was driving.

            “It’s absolutely tragic what happened to Kyleigh, and I too believe this legislation was drafted and approved with every good intention,” stated Vandervalk. “Everyone is concerned about traffic safety, but requiring decals for newer drivers, who are typically teenagers, provides the opportunity for harmful and unintended consequences. I am fearful that in an effort to prevent motor vehicle accidents and tragedies, the decals will serve as a label to assist those would prey on young drivers.” 

            Assemblyman Schroeder stated that he is open to investigating alternatives that would keep ALL novice drivers safe, not just those of a certain age.

            “It is important to give our law enforcement officials the tools they need to ensure that teen drivers are adhering to the restrictions that are in place,” said Schroeder, “but we need to find a way to do it that doesn’t cause unintended consequences.” 

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