State Rep. John "Corky" Mazurek (D-Southington, Wolcott) joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell April 28 for a bill signing ceremony for legislation he helped author that will tighten restrictions on teen drivers and create tougher penalties for teens who violate the rules.

"This legislation has been a top priority of mine this session - something that my colleagues and I have dedicated a large amount of time to pass," Rep. Mazurek said.  "The new laws will strengthen the restrictions on teen drivers, improve driver education, and get the message across that we will not tolerate dangerous driving in this state."

Under the bill: Drivers under 18 must be off the road by 11 p.m., one hour earlier than now; exceptions are allowed for jobs, school and religious reasons. Parents must attend two hours of instruction on teen-driving laws before a child takes his or her license test.

Fines are increased for certain moving violations and for violations of the passenger restriction, the curfew restriction and for cell phone violations.

On-road training is doubled, from 20 hours to 40 hours, for teens getting learner's permits after August 1. Penalties are increased for teen drivers' passengers not wearing seat belts. Suspension periods are increased for 16- and 17-year-olds for reckless driving and motor vehicle racing. (Suspension of six months for the first offense.) License suspensions are established for speeding (60 days) and for use of cell phones (30 days) by 16- and 17-year-olds. Teens who violate provisions of the graduated license rules would lose their privileges for 30 days.

In addition, additional changes were passed into the legislation as a direct result of the town meeting Rep. Mazurek held in Wolcott last December:

The police department is required to immediately seize the license of a 16- or 17-year-old driver ticketed for any graduated drivers license violation, racing, reckless driving, or driving 20 MPH over the posted speed limit.

To regain a suspended license, the 16- or 17-year-old and his parent or legal guardian must appear in person at the police department, state police barracks, or other designated location and sign a written acknowledgement of its return.

"A key provision is the requirement that a parent or guardian accompany their child to the police department in order to retrieve a seized license.  I am certain that many parents will impose an additional time penalty prior to retrieving the license," Rep. Mazurek said.

The legislation takes effect August 1.