STANDUP Act

The STANDUP Act of 2005 proposes a national standard for "graduated driver licensing" (GDL) systems to improve safety for young and inexperienced drivers. Under this bill, the federal government would provide financial incentives to states that implement a three-stage licensing process for drivers under age 21, which includes a learner’s permit and an intermediate stage before a full license is granted. To qualify for these funds, states would be required to enforce specific restrictions on novice drivers, such as prohibiting nighttime driving and limiting the number of young passengers allowed in the vehicle without adult supervision.

For citizens, this bill would mean that young drivers in participating states must meet stricter requirements and follow more gradual milestones before obtaining full driving privileges. Conversely, the bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to withhold a portion of federal highway funds from states that do not adopt these specific safety standards. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities among teenagers by ensuring they gain experience under lower-risk conditions.