TADRA (Teen and Adult Driver Responsibility Act)

The Snyder Adams Law Firm extends sincere congratulations to all of the area high school graduates and wishes you the best of luck! As graduation night approaches, celebration planning is undoubtedly underway. We at the firm want to remind graduates to please exercise safety and responsibility while having fun especially when behind the wheel. Failing to follow the law can have long term effects on your driver’s license.

Most graduates are driving with an Intermediate Georgia driver’s license governed by the rules of TADRA (Teen and Adult Driver Responsibility Act). Drivers 16-18 years of age who have held an instructional permit for 12 months or longer must follow the general rules which include:

• no operating a motor vehicle from 12:00 am to 6:00 am (no exceptions)

• passenger restrictions:

• 1st 6 months, only immediate family members may be in the vehicle

• 2nd 6 months, you can have 1 passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member

• after the 2nd 6 months, up to 3 passengers under 21 who is not an immediate family members.

Under 21 drivers also face suspension of driving privileges for various convictions including those unrelated to driving. An under 21 driver’s license will be suspended for 6-12 months upon conviction of:

• Racing

• Reckless driving

• Hit and Run

• Purchase of an alcoholic beverage

• Misrepresenting age for the purpose of illegally obtaining any alcoholic beverage

• Misrepresenting identity or using false identification for the purpose of purchasing or obtaining any alcoholic beverage

• Any moving violation for which four or more points are assessable, including unlawful passing of a school bus, improper passing on a hill or curve, exceeding the speed limit by 24 miles per hour or more, and aggressive driving

• For drivers under age 18, an accumulation of 4 or more points in a 12 month period

• A first conviction for DUI in which the driver's blood alcohol concentration is 0.02 grams or above.

So, Graduates, Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment. Your family, friends and community is thrilled with your success and can’t wait to watch you grow and prosper further. Most importantly, always remember to be safe and responsible. But, if accidents, mistakes or lapses in judgment arise please do not hesitate to contact the Snyder Adams Law Firm, LLC for guidance and support.

*The Georgia Legislature has enacted changes in license suspensions for certain violations effective July 1, 2015. The above information accurately reflects current suspension laws. The above list is not exhaustive of convictions resulting in suspension.

*The above information is merely for informational purposes only, is not intended for specific legal advice to any one individual and does not form a binding attorney client relationship.