Indiana lawmakers enacted dozens of new laws during the regular legislative session that ended April 29. Supporters say they hope the laws better protet the state's young people.

Police say they've gotten a lot of calls from confused parents about the laws that pertain to teen drivers.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles explains the new laws as follows:

Probationary Driver's License

If you are 16 or 17 years old when you get your driver's license, your license is considered probationary until you turn 18 years old. You may amend your license after you turn 18 years old to remove the probationary driver designation from your license, although if you are 18 years old the probationary driver restrictions will not apply to you even if your license still shows the probationary designation.

If you have a probationary driver's license every passenger in the vehicle that you are driving must wear a seat belt even if the vehicle is a truck or a sport utility vehicle.

Changes To Indiana Law For Probationary Drivers Who Get A License After July 1, 2009

Recent changes to state law affect probationary drivers who get an Indiana driver’s license on or after July 1, 2009. Drivers who get an Indiana driver’s license on or before June 30, 2009, are not affected by the following changes in state law.

Telecommunication devices

If you get a probationary driver's license on or after July 1, 2009, you may not use any type of telecommunication device while driving except to make emergency 911 calls.

When you may drive

If you get a probationary driver's license on or after July 1, 2009, you may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for 180 days after getting your license.

After you have driven for 180 days, you may not drive during the following hours:

Saturday and Sunday, between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday, after 11 p.m.
Monday through Friday, before 5 a.m.
You may drive at any time if you are traveling to or from work, school, or a religious event, or if you are accompanied by an individual with a valid Indiana driver’s license who is 25 years or older.

Driving with passengers

If you get a probationary driver's license on or after July 1, 2009, you may not drive with passengers for 180 days after obtaining your license, unless you are also accompanied by a licensed instructor, an individual with a valid Indiana driver’s license who is 25 years or older, or a parent, guardian, or step-parent who is 21 years or older. You may drive with your child, sibling, or spouse during the hours allowed by law.

Court diversion programs

If you get a probationary driver's license on or after July 1, 2009, you will not qualify for court diversion programs.

Indiana Law Applying To Probationary Drivers Who Get A License Before June 30, 2009

Drivers who get an Indiana driver’s license on or before June 30, 2009, are not affected by the recent changes to state law.

Telecommunication devices

If you get a probationary driver's license on or before June 30, 2009, you may use telecommunication devices while driving.

Curfew

If you get a probationary driver's license on or before June 30, 2009, you may not drive during the following hours:

Saturday and Sunday, between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Sunday through Thursday, after 11 p.m.
Monday through Friday, before 5 a.m.
You may drive at any time if you are traveling to or from work, school, or a religious event, or if you are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian.

Driving with passengers

If you get a probationary driver's license on or before June 30, 2009, you may not drive with passengers for 90 days after obtaining your license, unless you are also accompanied by an individual with a valid Indiana driver’s license who is 21 years or older.

Court diversion programs

If you get a probationary driver's license on or before June 30, 2009, you may qualify for court diversion programs.