Bipartisan Bill Offers Parents Text For When Teenager Gets a Ticket

Parents could be electronically notified when law enforcement makes a report on their teenage driver, under a bill filed by Rep. Richard L. Steinberg, D-Miami Beach, and Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker.

Under the bill, HB 571 and SB 854, parents would have the option to be notified whenever a ticket or traffic violation is issued, a crash is reported or the license is suspended.

I am sponsoring this legislation because I support a parents right to know what is going on with their childs driving record, especially when their insurance rates go up because of an infraction they knew nothing about, Evers stated in a release. I also think this will help parents stay involved with their teen and allow them the opportunity to discuss their ticket or violation and can learn from their mistakes and hopefully deter them from making the same mistake again or causing an accident.

The bill is modeled after a program in place in New York, according to the release.

A parent should have the option to choose to be notified when their child has an event added to their driving record, Steinberg stated in the release. When a minor knows their parent will promptly learn about any traffic infractions, I expect theyll drive more safely. Thus, it will benefit both their passengers and all who share the road with them.