Controversial Decals a 'Useful Tool' for Police

Many teen drivers and their parents have been seeing red since Kyleigh's Law took effect May 1, but the local police intend to fully enforce the new restrictions on young drivers.

"A failure to cooperate will catch up to you," said police Chief Benjamin Fox.

Kyleigh's Law implements further restrictions on graduated driver's licenses (GDL), with the key changes including a red, reflective decal that holders of provisional licenses must attach to their license plates until they are 21. The law, in memory of Kyleigh D'Alessio, who died in a car crash three years ago, is aimed at helping police more readily identify teen drivers who don't yet enjoy all of the privileges of adult license-holders.

Fox said the decals are a "very useful tool" for police officers and believes much of the criticism of the measure is overblown. Some parents, teens and legislators are concerned that the decals will not only allow law enforcement to quickly spot teens on the road but will serve as a "scarlet letter" for predators intent on finding victims.

"I don't think there's a history of that," in New Jersey, Fox said.

However, the chief says the decals, which are available for $4 a pair at Motor Vehicle Commission outlets, are only a small component of the driving changes.

"The biggest change is the hours" drivers younger than 21 can be on the road, he said.

As of May 1, holder's of provisional licenses are barred from the roads from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; such motorists used to have until midnight to get home. Furthermore, GDL drivers cannot operate a phone while driving, even if they possess a hands-free device. Also, GDL holders can only drive with a parent, guardian or dependent; or one passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

"Disproportionately, teen drivers are involved in motor vehicle crashes," said Fox, who added the overriding concern of the legislative restrictions is the safety of GDL holders.

"Extra people in the car are a distraction. The goal is to control that," he said.

While the law has only been in effect for 10 days, there are already efforts to repeal at least the decal provision of the legislation.

Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz of District 21 is one of the lawmakers signing onto new legislation to eliminate the decals. 

"This is a very bad policy," Munoz said. "We've made a convenient target of 17-year-old kids.

"It's illogical," she said. "It gives out a false sense of security that it's going to protect kids," she said.

Munoz said she gets dozens of calls from mothers concerned about the risk their daughters will be at from people following them home late at night or breaking into their cars.

"We're profiling an entire group of students," Munoz said. "There are smart, sensible 17-year-olds. We've taken a whole group of teens and put them in a category to say that every single one is a bad driver."

Fox disagrees. He said Wyckoff has its fair share of teens who try to take advantage of their provisional licenses. "It goes on constantly," he said when asked if officers encounter many GDL holders driving after hours or with too many people in their cars. The tighter restrictions and decals will act as a signal to police, who then can immediately ascertain whether the motorists are in violation of their licenses by simply counting heads and/or checking their watches.

And if they get stopped? "They are going to receive a summons," Fox said.

Any GDL holders driving without a decal face a $100 fine.

However, the Wyckoff police plan a "break-in phase" where "certain officers will use their discretion" when pulling over teens who may be in violation of Kyleigh's Law. 

"Let's make it educational," Fox said.

But the attention paid to Kyleigh's Law leads the chief to believe that most teens are aware of the changes. Indeed, Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools have alerted parents and students of the law via their Web site and e-mail lists.

"At some point, there probably will be some enforcement around the high schools," said Fox, who also reminds young drivers that they must get their licenses changed at the MVC when their provisionals are up, lest they still be subject to the Kyleigh's Law restrictions.

Heather Collura contributed to this article.