The Registry of Motor Vehicles issues Junior Operator Licenses (JOLs) to those who are under 18 year of age. These licenses carry certain restrictions which are unique to junior operators. For example, JOL holders are prohibited from operating between the hours of 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. They are also prohibited from texting and cellular phone use.
If a Junior Operator is found responsible of certain automobile law violations, the Registry will impose enhanced penalties which are not applicable to adult drivers. For example, if a junior operator is found responsible for speeding, in violation of G.L c. 90 § 17 or G.L. c. 90 § 18, the RMV will automatically suspend his or her license and right to operate a motor vehicle for ninety (90) days for a first offense.
In addition to the 90 day loss of license, the Registry will mandate completion of the 8 hour Alive at 25 National Safety Council Course as well as the State Courts Against Road Rage (SCARR) program. The Registry imposes a $500.00 reinstatement fee for JOL Speeding Suspensions and the Junior Operator must re-take and pass both the written Learner’s Permit Test and the Road test.
JOL Speeding Violations will remain on the driver’s record even when he or she turns 18 year of age and is no longer a Junior Operator. These violations can be used to increase the driver’s automobile insurance premiums and to impose other suspensions such as those for 7 surchargeable events and 4-year Habitual Traffic Offender Revocations.
The Registry has erroneously stated that “no hardship license are authorized.” I have successfully obtained hardship licenses and, sometimes, full license reinstatements for my clients. I have also obtained license reinstatements without my client having to re-take the written and road tests. This testing requirement can add considerable time to the suspension because the Registry will not allow the customer to take the permit test or schedule the road test until the 90 days have been served and all other requirements have been completed.
I urge you to contact me if you have received a suspension notice regarding a JOL Speeding Violation. I may be able to get you back on the road with a hardship license or early reinstatement of your full-time license.