Assemblyman David G. McDonough has announced that effective Sept. 1, the New York State Graduated Licensing Law goes into effect. This new law affects how drivers under the age of 18 ("junior drivers") receive senior driving privileges and changes the restrictions on junior drivers. Junior drivers are drivers who have a driver license or a learner permit of Class DJ or Class MJ.

As of Sept. 1, these new rules apply to all junior drivers:

• A junior driver cannot operate a vehicle that has more than two passengers who are under the age of 21 unless a parent, a guardian, or a driving instructor also rides in the vehicle. There is an exception to this rule if the passengers are immediate family members.

• When the law requires supervision of the junior driver, only the supervising driver can ride in the front seat. The supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older and must have a valid driver license.

• All passengers who ride with a junior driver must use the correct safety restraints (seat belts or child safety seats).

These new rules apply to junior drivers who get learners permits that are issued on or after Sept. 1:

• A driver with a Class DJ or Class MJ learner permit must bring to the road test a statement that certifies that the driver has enough driving experience. The statement must certify that the junior driver had a minimum of 20 hours of supervised driving experience. The supervising driver must be a driver qualified by the law to supervise a junior driver. A parent or a legal guardian of the junior driver must sign the statement.

• The DMV will issue a limited-use junior license to a junior driver who passes a road test during the first six months after the learner permit is issued. A limited-use junior license allows the junior driver to drive without supervision during specific hours of the day and within specific geographical boundaries. A supervising driver must supervise the junior driver at all other times. Six months after the learner permit of that driver was issued, the DMV will issue a normal junior license to replace the limited-use junior license.

• When a junior driver passes a road test more than six months after the learner permit was issued, the DMV issues a normal junior license.

"Keeping New York's drivers and roadways safe is a concern we all share. This new law will accomplish this goal," said Assemblyman McDonough.

Anyone interested in obtaining an informational brochure on the new New York State Graduated Licensing Law may contact Assemblyman McDonough by calling 731-8830, writing to 3000 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, NY 11756 or by e-mailing Assemblyman McDonough at mcdond@assembly.state.ny.us.