The family rules around driving should be clearly spelled out before parents hand over the keys to a new teen driver. Critical rules about safety, including rules about drinking and driving or reckless driving, should be the most strictly enforced and should carry the greatest consequences for violation. Other rules, such as those involving cell phone use, smoking, vehicle maintenance, and financial responsibilities, should also be discussed and clearly understood by the new driver.
Violation of Rules May Lead to Suspension of Driving
- I must ask for permission to use the car, and parents must know where I am at all times.
- I will not text, eat, dial a cell phone, change CD's, or operate any other device while driving; I will pull over the car if I need to do anything other than drive.
- I will not rush, because accidents are more likely to occur if I am rushing. I will allow myself plenty of time to get where I need to be.
- I will not smoke, or allow others to smoke, in the vehicle.
- I am financially responsible for any tickets, fines, or increases in insurance rates because of my driving.
- I will abide by the curfew established by my parents. I understand that this curfew can be modified, depending on my demonstration of responsible driving.
- I will not transport any passengers other than family members until the law permits me to do so; passengers will be limited at that time, as well.
- No one else is permitted to drive the family vehicle unless prior, specific permission has been given by the vehicle's legal owner.
- I will respect road and weather conditions and drive accordingly. If road conditions become dangerous I will call a parent immediately.
- If I am upset or angry, I will not drive; my parents agree not to ask unnecessary questions about my upset so that I can maintain my privacy.
- I must protect and care for the car I drive, keeping it clean inside and out. Oil changes and necessary maintenance are my financial responsibility.
- I will not allow passengers to behave in a way that will distract my driving or damage the vehicle.
- I will pay attention 100% of the time while I am driving. I will not allow myself to become distracted.
Other Notes About Safe Driving
- Tickets will result in a suspension of my driving privileges for a period of time specified by my parents.
- My parents have no legal obligation to pay any fines associated with my driving infractions; I am responsible for these fines.
- I will be respectful at home with all family members. Rudeness or disrespect could cause me to lose my driving privileges for a specified period of time, determined by my parents.
- I will pay for the gas necessary to drive. If I am asked to run errands for my parents or other family members, I will be reimbursed for the gasoline cost involved in the extra driving.
- This contract can be made more strict at any time if my parents believe that it becomes necessary to do so based on my behavior. I understand that if I consistently abide by all rules, my parents may choose to make this contract less restrictive.
- My driving and this contract will be reviewed and discussed again on (date).
Signatures of all adults involved, together with teen driver, should be included in this contract, and copies should be made for everyone.
Parents can avoid arguments and power struggles with their teens by clearly spelling out all of the rules, limits and expectations about driving before the keys are handed over to the family's new driver.
 |
