Gov. Roy Cooper decries bill shortening permit time for teen drivers, but lets it become law anyway

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Teenagers in North Carolina will have the ability to get their driver’s licenses sooner beginning Monday, regardless of objections from Gov. Roy Cooper.

In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers shortened the time a brand new driver needed to have a driver’s allow earlier than getting their driver’s license from 12 months to 6 months.

That pandemic rule change expired earlier this 12 months, leaving many teenagers and their dad and mom confused and upset.

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Lawmakers bought again collectively final month to debate and finally cross Senate Invoice 157, which brings that six month ready interval again and completely adjustments the wait time to 9 months firstly of 2024.

On Friday, Cooper mentioned he wouldn’t signal the invoice into regulation, however he additionally wouldn’t veto it. Meaning the invoice will go into regulation beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday; When DMV workplaces reopen Monday, teenagers who qualify will have the ability to get their licenses.

“I’ve issues that this regulation may make our roads much less secure, and I encourage the Division of Motor Automobiles and the legislature to watch its results carefully,” Cooper mentioned in a press release about his choice to not veto the invoice.