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St. Paul, Minn.

Senate bill would tighten road rules for teenage drivers

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(AP)- Newly licensed teen drivers already are barred from using cell phones while driving. Now they might face a curfew on late-night trips and restrictions on cramming lots of friends into their cars.

The Minnesota Senate voted 40-24 Monday to keep teenage drivers off the roads between midnight and 5 a.m. during the first six months of their provisional licenses. The curfew wouldn't cover teens on their way to work or school or in the company of an adult over age 25.

The bill would also limit passengers to one person under age 20 - not counting immediate family members - for the first six months behind the wheel. The young driver could carry up to three passengers during the second six months of driving.

Critics said families, not the government, should decide when and how teens drive.

"Kids won't be able to double-date in a car - won't be able to go to prom," said Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm.

Backers said similar laws in states including Wisconsin and Florida cut the number of crashes involving teens.

"Will this create some problems among some families? Yes, it will - but I tell you what. It's a lot better than that problem of the county deputy coming to your door at 2 a.m.," said Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.

The House hasn't taken up the bill, but Senate negotiators are expected to make it part of conference committee talks.