N.J. high court hears challenge to law requiring decals on young drivers’ license plates

New Jersey’s Supreme Court heard legal arguments on a challenge to the law requiring young drivers to display red decals on their cars’ license plates.

Attorney Gregg Trautmann maintains Kyleigh’s Law violates privacy protections and could make young drivers vulnerable to predators.

“The decals certainly allow the police to see that person is between the ages of 17 to 21, but the point is — and the reason for this appeal is — it allows everyone else to see it too, people who are not entitled,” Trautmann said.

Assistant Attorney General Beth Leigh Mitchell says the law is simply a means to enforce restrictions on younger drivers.

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“There’s no actual age disclosure. It’s age group and age group is simply not identifying,” Mitchell said. “It is a general thing that’s observable.”

Mitchell says studies are under way to determine if the decals are leading to unintended consequences.

There’s no indication when the justices will make a ruling in the case.

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