Effective today, drivers under 18 can’t carry more than one passenger under the age of 20 during the first six months of driving, a completely merited law, especially for those who understand the uncontrollable excitement and lack of judgment teens have during those first crucial months of driving.

Also, new drivers under 18 can’t drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they’re going home from a job or school event. As our moms told us, “nothing good ever happens after midnight.”

Also, finally, text messaging while driving has been outlawed. If drivers — teens and adults — can’t detach themselves from their phones to ensure their own and others’ safety, they shouldn’t be driving. We have long ago passed the time when cell phones were only used for driving emergencies; pull over if you can’t wait to ask what’s for dinner.