How to Keep Your Teen Safe Behind the Wheel

Safe driving is a hot-button issue across all 50 states. Check out a few of these laws—from crucial to just plain odd.

New Hampshire: It's the only state without mandatory seatbelt laws. Politicians say wearing a seatbelt is a personal choice.

Chicago: City Council is considering a plan requiring all cell phones sold in Chicago to come with text message-disabling technology.

Wisconsin: Drivers can't type or send text messages while their vehicle is moving—but they are allowed to read them.

Iowa: To keep students in high school, some legislators are trying to suspend the licenses of kids who drop out.

Georgia: In 1997, the state raised the passenger limit from one to three for 16-year-old drivers so they could go on double dates. According to Senator Jack Hill, "some lawmakers did not want their daughters alone in a car with their date." (The age has since been raised to 17 to comply with the state's graduated license system.)

Montana: In 2011 the State Senate rejected twice a bill prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones and text messaging while driving. They said it was impossible to enforce.

North Carolina: Although adults can talk on the phone while driving (texting, e-mail and Internet use are prohibited), drivers under 18 with provisional licenses are not allowed to use a cell phone in any capacity—unless it's to call their parents.

North Carolina: Although adults can talk on the phone while driving (texting, e-mail and Internet use are prohibited), drivers under 18 with provisional licenses are not allowed to use a cell phone in any capacity—unless it's to call their parents.

Texas: Banned: The use of handheld phones and texting in school zones (since 2009).