Kean Opposes Kyleigh's Law Decals

Sen. Sean Kean (R-11) has made public his opposition to a provision in a piece of state legislation known as Kyleigh's Law.

Under the provision, drivers age 21 and under driving under a permit or probationary license are required to display decals on the top left corner of both their front and rear license plates.

An appeal of the provision was shot down in state appeals court on Feb. 22. The appeal came as a result of a lawsuit by parents of two Morris County teenagers who felt the display of decals would expose young drivers to criminals.

"The decal provision of Kyleigh’s law may be constitutional, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. While the goal of the law is to keep young drivers safe, many teens and their parents feel like it actually puts them at greater risk," Kean said in a prepared statement. "In addition to the complaints of decals being lost or stolen and the hassle and expense of having to replace them, there are much more serious concerns that have been raised."

The law was named after teenager Kyleigh D'Alessio, who was killed in 2006 while riding in a vehicle operated by a driver with a graduated license. The law was enacted on May 1, 2010.

According to his statement, Kean is the co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1908 which would amend Kyleigh’s Law to remove the requirement that a holder of a special learner’s permit, examination permit and probationary driver’s license display a decal.