2 lawmakers propose lowering driving age to 15 years old in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Two Pennsylvania lawmakers wish to decrease the authorized driving age within the state from 16 years outdated to fifteen years outdated.

Democratic State Consultant Stephen Kinsey of Philadelphia and Republican State Consultant Eric Nelson of western Pennsylvania issued a memo to colleagues.

They argue the present authorized driving age prevents youngsters from working and prohibits employment selections.

“Whereas state regulation permits younger individuals in Pennsylvania to start working earlier than they’re 16 years outdated, it limits their employment selections by prohibiting them from driving till the age of 16,” they wrote within the memo.

“If Pennsylvania teenagers want to work and are legally permitted to take action, they shouldn’t be denied the suitable to journey to their place of employment,” the memo continued.

Kinsey and Neslon say their laws would topic a 15-year-old driver to the identical “in depth coaching and security measures” which can be presently in place for younger drivers.

That features passenger limitations and nighttime driving restrictions.

“Three neighboring states – West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland – acknowledge the societal contributions that people underneath 16 could make by permitting them to get their learner’s permits,” the lawmakers wrote. “Becoming a member of these states would imply extra monetary empowerment for Pennsylvania’s youth and extra tax income for the state.”