CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On Monday, the West Virginia Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced a bill that would require those with a learner’s permit to display the words “Student Driver” on the vehicle while the permit holder is driving.
Senate Bill 250, introduced by Senator Charles Clements (R-Wetzel), would require all Level 1 permit holders to display a Student Driver sign on the rear of the vehicle. Clements says he introduced the bill after a concerned parent approached him with the idea.
The sign may be a magnet, sticker, or banner and shall be on a reflective, caution yellow background, and contain the words Student Driver in black lettering not smaller than 1.5 inches tall in size.
The required sign shall be clearly visible to drivers approaching the vehicle from the rear. The Division of Motor Vehicles may provide such a sign to permit holders and may provide individuals with information on where appropriate signs may be purchased.
Committee Counsel stated that they only know of one state that does this, which is New Jersey.
There was debate among committee members on the feasibility of the proposed law. Senator Robert Karnes (R-Randolph) stated that it would be inconvenient to tear off a sticker after a Level 1 permit holder is done driving a vehicle or transfer the sticker(s) to different vehicles.
Karnes proposed an amendment to the bill that would allow the law to expire after five years if not acted on by the Legislature. In five years, the Legislature must again approve the rule or it will expire and no longer be a requirement.
The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
After days of discussion, the bill was advanced on a voice vote with the recommendation that it be reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass.
Senate Bill 250 will be on first reading tomorrow, Tuesday, February 8th, 2023.
