If your teen just got a permit or probationary license, their first winter behind the wheel deserves extra practice and a quick look at your auto policy. Talk through New Jersey's GDL rules together, practice in tough conditions with an adult in the car, and let your insurance agent know about any new driver in the house.
I'm Anthony Abbatiello, an Allstate agent in Manchester. Over 15-plus years I've added a lot of new drivers to family policies in Manchester Township, Whiting and around Ocean County. Here's what I share with parents before the first snow.
Know the GDL rules
New Jersey uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission lists these restrictions for permit and probationary license holders under 21.
- No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
- No using hand-held or hands-free phones or other interactive wireless devices.
- Passengers are limited to a parent, guardian or dependents plus one additional passenger, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
- Red GDL decals must be displayed on the front and rear license plates.
The MVC's Share the Keys resource guide says the curfew and passenger restrictions have the most lifesaving potential of all the GDL rules. Long dark evenings in December make that curfew easy to bump up against, so plan rides ahead of time.
Winter driving basics
FEMA's Ready.gov notes that winter storms bring a higher risk of car accidents. A few habits worth practicing together.
- Clear the whole car. The NJ Driver Manual says state law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-77.1) requires drivers to make reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from the hood, trunk, roof and windshield before driving.
- Leave more space. The manual stresses keeping a safe following distance and adjusting speed to road conditions.
- Lights on. New Jersey requires headlights whenever your wipers are on because of rain, snow or ice, according to the manual.
- Watch the tailpipe. The manual warns about carbon monoxide when a tailpipe is blocked by snow. Teach your teen to check it before warming up the car.
- Practice in an empty lot. After a snowfall, a quiet parking lot is a good place to feel how the car brakes and steers on slick pavement.
Around here, Route 37, Route 70 and the Garden State Parkway can turn icy fast, and the back roads through the Pinelands don't always get plowed first. Driving them with a parent before driving them solo makes a difference.
A winter kit for the trunk
Ready.gov suggests keeping an emergency kit in your car. For a teen driver, I'd include a scraper and brush, a phone charger, a flashlight, a blanket, water and a few snacks. Put a card in the glove box with your insurance information and who to call after an accident.
What to review on your policy
When a teen starts driving, I go over a few things with parents.
- Is the new driver listed correctly? Let your agent know when someone in your household gets licensed.
- Liability limits. With a new driver, many families take a fresh look at whether their limits still fit their assets.
- Which car will they drive? It can affect coverage choices like collision and comprehensive.
- Roadside assistance. It may be available as an option, subject to terms, conditions and availability, and it can be a comfort if your teen gets stuck on a cold night.
Discounts for things like good grades or completing a driver education program may be available, subject to terms, conditions and availability. I'm happy to look at which ones might apply to your family.
FAQ
What time can a teen with a probationary license drive in NJ?
The MVC says GDL drivers under 21 may not drive between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The MVC describes work and religious exemptions that require documentation.
How many passengers can a new driver have in New Jersey?
Dependents plus one additional passenger, unless a parent or guardian is in the car, per the MVC.
Do I have to clear snow off my car in NJ?
Yes. The NJ Driver Manual says state law requires reasonable efforts to remove snow and ice from the hood, trunk, roof and windshield before driving.
Should I tell my insurance agent when my teen gets a permit?
It's a good idea to ask your agent how your insurer handles permit holders and when the new driver should be added.
Let's take a look together
If you have a new driver at home, let's go over your policy before the roads get slick. Call me at 732-504-0301, text 732-914-1212, or stop by the office at 1980 Rt 37 W, Suite 7, in Manchester. Walk-ins are welcome.
Anthony Abbatiello, Agent for Allstate, Abbatiello Financial Group. Licensed in NJ and PA.
Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions and availability. Not all discounts apply in every state.
Photo: dumitru bumbu via Pexels
