CT SB00234

Allows 16 and 17-year-old licensed drivers to transport their siblings during the first year after license issuance, adding siblings to the list of permitted passengers alongside parents/guardians, driving instructors, and qualified adult supervisors

Extends the initial passenger restriction period from six months to one year, while eliminating the previous two-phase system that had different rules for months 1-6 versus months 7-12

Maintains existing restrictions including nighttime driving curfew (11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.), prohibition on operating vehicles requiring public passenger endorsement, and limit on passengers to number of installed seat belts

Preserves exemptions for teen drivers who are volunteer firefighters, ambulance/EMS members responding to emergencies, or Safe Ride program drivers sponsored by organizations like the American Red Cross or Boy Scouts

Effective October 1, 2026, amending Section 14-36g of the Connecticut General Statutes