Learn about new law affecting teen drivers

Starting Jan. 1, extensive new restrictions on young drivers recently enacted by the state legislature will go into effect.

In order to help residents better understand these new laws, the Wheeling Police Department will host a seminar for teen drivers and their parents at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in village hall council chambers, 255 W. Dundee Road. Parents and teens with current licenses or those expecting to get a license soon are invited to attend.

Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, the Wheeling High School Driver Education Department, insurance companies and the Wheeling Police Department are scheduled to speak.

Topics include graduated licensing, extended permit phases, nighttime driving restrictions, most common teen driving violations, most common causes of teen traffic crashes, driver insurance requirements, curfew violations, alcohol related offenses and zero-tolerance laws. An open forum for questions and answers will also be provided.

Space for this seminar is limited to the first 75 callers. To participate or for details, call Sgt. Peter Panagakis of the Wheeling Police Traffic Enforcement Unit, at (847) 459-2649.