ST. PAUL —New laws taking effect Friday will help newly licensed teens hone their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to two high-risk situations: driving late at night and carrying multiple teen passengers.

A nighttime driving limitation during the first six months of licensure prohibits teens from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless the teen is accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older. Other exceptions include driving between home and place of employment, for employment purposes, and to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation.

Drivers will also be limited on the number of passengers they can transport for the first six months. Only one passenger under the age of 20 is allowed, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. During the second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted. Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immediate family are permitted for both periods.

Violating these laws is a misdemeanor.

According to the Department of Public Safety, Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes each year due to driver inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and seat belt non-use. In the last three years, 16- and 17 year-old drivers were involved in 116 fatal crashes, resulting in 133 deaths.

“These laws will help teens become safer drivers and, as a result, prevent deaths and injuries on Minnesota roads,” said Michael Campion, commissioner of DPS.

Also, in effect Friday, is a new law that makes text messaging while driving illegal. Drivers operating a motor vehicle are not allowed to compose, read, or send a text message when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.