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April 20, 2009

Warning, teenage driver at the wheel!

Posted: 11:35 AM ET

Today Morning Express brought you a story of a state that wants to put bumper stickers on the cars of teenage drivers, identifying them to other cars on the road.

New Jersey just signed a bill into law mandating that teenage drivers put stickers on the front and back bumpers of their cars. The goal is to encourage, and enforce, safer driving among teens.

Oh, those crazy kids.
Oh, those crazy kids.

From NJ.com: "Lawmakers said the bill (S2314) - which mandates orange decals on the front and rear license plates - will help police identify new drivers and ensure they are following regulations. The new rules take effect in mid-2010."

We asked Morning Express viewers what they thought about the law. Is it fair? Are teens really worse than other drivers? We also wanted to know, what other bumper stickers should be printed as warning messages to keep the roads safe.

Read through our viewers' opinions, and share yours in the comments field below!

- As a teen driver myself, I think the car stickers are a great idea. I think that tailgaters would be less likely to tailgate a teen going the speed limit.

- I think I'd prefer a sticker that says, "I use mental turn signals, so learn to read my mind." - Brittany S. in Virginia Beach, Virginia

- (How about) "I stop 100ft before the intersection" - Mike Szewil in Port Leyden, New York

- As a truck driver, I want to see one that says, "Bluehair on Board." - Bryan, in Taylorsville, Kentucky

- I think the teen drivers will remove the decals, therefore rendering the whole concept useless.

- I live in N.J and believe me, every warning helps, just ask Bob, it's a crazy state to drive in. – David, Exit 98

- ABSOLUTELY NOT. There are too many predators trying to hurt our children as it is. Let us advertise a vehicle they would be driving? - Robin L. in Tennessee

- I feel it's a good idea for the bumper sticker. It will ensure my son will follow the law. - Mona in Michigan

- What makes them think my kids will be driving their own car? I don't want a sticker on my car! - Kelly in Niagara Falls, New York

- What about "I don't check my blind spots" or "I don't signal when changing lanes". Too many drivers do this. By the way I'm texting & driving now. - Riley

- They need to make a bumper sticker that says slow people please be courteous and stay in the right lane ... you don't own the road! - Wichita Falls, Texas

- How about developing a sticker for drivers that are over the age of 75, they scare me even more. - Steve in Auburn, New Hampshire

- I'd like to see "I don't know what I'm doing" on some people's cars!! – Morgan in Georgia

- Profiling is profiling, whether it's race, age or anything else that doesn't directly pertain to driving ability. Stickers are wrong.

- I think it's a pointless law because there are older people out there who drive just as reckless as first time drivers. – Victor in California

- How about a bumper sticker that says please go around I'm on the phone!?!

- "I'm lazy and don't use turn signals" they would run out of that one!

- How about mandatory decals for drivers with DUI convictions? I'm more worried about sharing the road with them than a 16 year old.

- Why not post how many wrecks you've been in?? - Rebecca in Everett, Washington

- Last time I checked if you were over the age of 18 your were an adult. Putting stickers of teen drivers is wrong and is profiling. – Daniel in Oregon

- It doesn't matter when someone starts to drive. They're still inexperienced in driving. I hope to get my license next year!

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Cedarhurst   April 20th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

Teen Driver? 21 is not a teen nor is 20.
Sticker on car, Mom or Dad driving... Just because a sticker is on the car does not mean a teen would be driving. No all teens have thier own vehicles. Many share them with family.
There are already plenty of laws on the books in all US states. Exercise them. Regardless of age. If they are teens or adults, texting is "reckless driving" and should be ticketed.
I wenr shopping last week in Joplin, MO. At least 7 cars ran red lights within a mile strip of Rangeline Road. Teens were in school.
Bad driving is not age or gender specific.
Lets stop putting the onus on teens and place responsibility where it belongs. Law Enforcement.

TY
Cedar

warrior12   April 20th, 2009 2:50 pm ET

What makes teens any worse than adults. By having stickers on cars will increase the number of accidents. People will trying to read the stickers while not watching the road. There is no real way to in force this. Will there be fine if you don't have a sticker or what will be the point Bad idea!

warrior12   April 20th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

There is also a law called the Bill of Attainder a legislative act , in any form that applies "either to named individuals or to easily ascertainable members of a group in such a way as to punishment on them without a judicial trial,"

warrior12   April 20th, 2009 3:02 pm ET

If every car had a sticker, it will target them and cops will pull them over not just for speeding but to check things out and see whats up.

TED   April 20th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

I dont think labeling a car is a good idea.We need to think about the times we live in.There are alot of predators that would look for "IM OVER 65" and "IM A TEENAGER", this would lead to more crime agianst the vulnerable.

Alicia in Florida   April 20th, 2009 3:23 pm ET

Profiling is discrimination, which penalizes all those included who are law-abiding drivers, by mere suspicion of guilt. These are adults and deserving of the same rights of any adult at any age, including the right to be presumed innocent.

jim   April 21st, 2009 7:16 am ET

I am a firefighter, I have seen alot of teens killed in car crashes.www.tibetangoji.ca

Eric A. Kaari   April 21st, 2009 7:47 am ET

Leave it to New Jersey to miss the point. More auto accidents are a result of seniors that drive in this state. Of course the legislature would never target them since they vote. I would be more impressed with the state if the government actually did something to reduce the costs of living the the most expensive state in the union!

Walter Bramsleven   April 21st, 2009 1:45 pm ET

In British Columbia, Canada, we have a system where regardless of age, it is based on experience. A new driver must display a magnetic "L" (provided by the Motor Vehicle Dept.) on the rear of their vehicle to indicate that person is a Learning driver and is accompanied by a person with a valid drivers license and is learning to drive. This is mandatory until the driver gets their actual license and is able to drive on their own. They then must display an "N" to indicate they are a Novice driver. This period is for 20 months. Thereafter, they do not have to display any markings. This alleviates any age discrimination perceptions and is applicable to the experience rating of the driver, not the age. It works very well.

Corey   April 21st, 2009 4:30 pm ET

I was not aware that police had to see orange stickers to notice driving infractions. They will be as effective in stopping accidents as those BABY ON BOARD signs....

Corey   April 21st, 2009 4:31 pm ET

Kind of sounds like putting stars on Jews in Germany. To keep a closer eye and ensure they are following the rules.... Hello Socialism...

txkboy San Angelo, TX   April 21st, 2009 8:56 pm ET

I think the sticker is discriminatory. And that is what you would get in court from someone who is driving while on probation for DUI.

Maya   April 21st, 2009 11:10 pm ET

I got just one thing to say about the stickers on the car regarding teenagers, what about all DUI drivers, and drivers with no insurance.!

Now that makes much more sence to me!!

Not that tomorrow is guaranteed, but hey ... we all deserve to die of old age!!!

jb1879   April 22nd, 2009 5:29 am ET

There should be a sticker that informed safe drivers that the driver of a vehicle was a cell phone user. This would make the highways a lot more safe, but, preventing cell phone use in vehicles would be ever better.

Mr. Britt   April 22nd, 2009 6:46 am ET

honk if your horny

Michele   April 22nd, 2009 8:13 am ET

I think stickers should be put, not only on teen's cars, they should also be put on DUI offenders, pedifile offenders, road rage offenders, and people over a certain age....that can't drive.

Pedestrian   April 22nd, 2009 11:32 am ET

This should apply to any new driver, no matter what their age.... or maybe just all Jersey drivers! ;) Actually, they have this program in England and it is a good idea – lets people know to cut new drivers a bit of slack.

Candace, Douglasville GA   April 22nd, 2009 12:55 pm ET

I am 21 (formerly a teen driver) and to be honest im more worried about older people, some how the handicap on the tag just doesnt quite cut it when you are backing up in the middle of a busy intersection because you missed your driveway! How many years have you lived there?

andra freeman   April 23rd, 2009 7:51 am ET

How about developing a sticker for drivers that are over the age of 75, they scare me even more. — Steve in Auburn, New Hampshire

i agree with him

Ronnie   April 23rd, 2009 12:03 pm ET

Or how about. I'm over 18 but I'm reading the sticker in front of me about teens so, be wary of my driving as well. Have a great day.

Gaylord66   May 1st, 2009 5:17 pm ET

In British Columbia we have magnets with an "L" for Learner that we must use for 1 year, and an "N" for New Driver for an additional 2 years. This is not based on age but on driving experience. The only problem is that Police constantly target New Drivers, especially after dark

paul in branford   May 5th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

How about everybody takes and passes a defensive driving course
and then it won't matter how old the "stunt driver" in the other vehicle
is?

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