*Minimum coverage requirements will increase to 25/50/25 on April 1, 2008 and to 30/60/30 on January 1, 2011.

Source: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America; state departments of insurance.

(1) “Choice” no-fault state. Policyholder can choose a policy based on the no-fault system or traditional tort liability.
(2) Verbal threshold for the Basic Liability Policy, the Special Policy and the Standard Policy where the policyholder chooses no-fault. The Basic and Special Policies contain lower amounts of coverage.
(3) The District of Columbia is neither a true no-fault nor add-on state. Drivers are offered the option of no-fault or fault-based coverage, but in the event of an accident a driver who originally chose no-fault benefits has 60 days to decide whether to receive those benefits or file a claim against the other party.

Source: American Insurance Association.

(1) On-the-spot drivers license suspension or revocation if BAC is over the legal limit or the driver refuses to take a BAC test.
(2) Mandatory penalty for violation of the implied consent law, which means that drivers who refuse to take a breath alcohol test when stopped or arrested for drunk driving will have their license revoked or suspended.
(3) Prohibits unsealed alcohol containers in motor vehicle passenger compartments for all occupants. Arresting officer not required to witness consumption.
(4) Applies only to the driver.
(5) With limitations or conditions.
(6) Not specifically for drunk driving; Attorney General has established a no plea bargain policy.
(7) Administrative license suspension lasts until prosecution is complete.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; Property Casualty Insurers Association of America; Insurance Information Institute.

(1) Periodic retests.  Some states will waive vision retests for mail renewal or clean-record drivers. Most states require medical tests at application and renewal for certain medical conditions or after a certain number of accidents.
(2) Physicians must report physical conditions that might impair driving skills.
(3) Retesting only for cause, e.g., after specific number of accidents or other points and infractions, for specific physical conditions; sometimes at examiner’s discretion.
(4) Specifically requires doctors to report a diagnosis of dementia.
(5) Only two successive renewals may be made electronically or by mail, regardless of age.
(6) All drivers must renew in person every 8 years.

Note: Specific requirements vary by state; contact state department or motor vehicles for more information.

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration; AARP; American Automobile Association; American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

(1) Designed to aid young novice drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 gain driving experience.  To date they apply only to drivers under the age of 18. All states have lower blood alcohol content laws for under-21 drivers which range from none to 0.02, in contrast with 0.08 for drivers over the age of 21 in all states.
(2) Graduated licensing as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(3) Vary by state with regard to age of driver, night hours that driving is restricted, and who must accompany driver during night hours.  Exceptions may be made for work, school or religious activities and emergencies.
(4) Limits the number of teenage passengers a young driver may have in the vehicle.
(5) Laws ban all drivers from using handheld cell phones.
(6) For drivers younger than 18.
(7) New Hampshire does not issue learner’s permits.  The minimum holding period refers to the intermediate license for 16-and 17-year-olds for the first 3 months only.
(8) Minimum holding period applies to the limited junior driver license for permit holders who pass a road test and certify 20 or more hours of practice; with some restrictions.

*Effective July 1, 2008.

 Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; National Conference of State Legislatures; Insurance Information Institute.