A new bill under consideration in Utah could alter the state’s current law limiting newly licensed drivers under 18 to driving only immediate family members for the first six months after they get their license. Sponsored by Rep. Jill Koford, R-Ogden, HB308 would allow newly licensed minors to drive one non-relative passenger immediately after they pass their driving test.
While the bill has been introduced to the House Rules Committee, it has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. If passed, the proposed changes would significantly impact young drivers across the state.
At Salt Lake City’s West High School, students shared their thoughts on the potential change, offering mixed opinions on whether the new law would benefit their peers, their driving experience, and Utah road safety as a whole.
Some students remain skeptical about the proposed change, believing that 16-year-olds are not yet ready for the added responsibility of driving non-relatives. Charlie Livers, 18, shared his concern, saying that when teens are in cars with friends, they often drive more recklessly. “When you’re with your friends, you drive faster and take more risks,” Livers explained, adding that such behavior could put others on the road in danger.
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His younger brother, Will Livers, 16, who has just started driving, felt that many teens don’t adhere to the current restriction anyway. “Nobody really follows the rule,” he said, referencing how some young drivers often take passengers regardless of the law.
Gus Pearson, 17, agreed with the sentiment, arguing that driving with friends can lead to risky behavior, like speeding or showing off. “Sometimes, when a good song comes on, you just floor it,” he said, emphasizing that such actions could increase the risk of accidents.
On the other side of the debate, some students believe the proposed change would not only be reasonable but beneficial, as long as the number of friends allowed in the car is limited. Samuel Andrews, 17, and his friends think one passenger would be acceptable, as too many passengers could lead to distractions. “If you have a bunch of friends, it gets chaotic,” he said, adding that it could also lead to mistakes behind the wheel.
Tyler Bills, 16, also supports the bill, arguing that allowing one friend in the car would be a manageable addition. “If it’s just one friend, it’s totally fine,” he said. “I wish this bill had been passed sooner.”
While some students like Mateo Gargano, 17, feel that the six-month waiting period is unnecessary, claiming that it’s more about gaining driving experience than limiting passengers, others believe the restriction helps young drivers adjust to the road. “The six months gives you time to get used to driving and form good habits,” said Andrews.
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He reflected on his own experience as a new driver, describing how he found Utah’s busy roads intimidating at first. “People were honking at me on my first day,” he said, recalling his early driving lessons around Salt Lake and the nearby canyons. “You just have to stay safe, because Utah drivers can be crazy sometimes,” he added.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, Utah’s young drivers remain divided over whether relaxing passenger restrictions will make the roads safer or just add to the distractions for new drivers.
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