Teens and the Law: Growing up
As you approach eighteen, you′ll start to think more about your future. You′ll benefit from an awareness of your rights and obligations.
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Do water safety rules apply to teens?
All people involved in recreational sports are required to follow water safety laws—whether posted or not. Violations result in heavy fines or loss of water privileges. Whether you go boating, waterskiing, or surfing, you should be ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (1)
What are the penalties for drinking and driving?
Automobile accidents are the top killer of teens in the U.S., with 42 percent of the accidents due to alcohol. There are different tickets involved in an alcohol related incident: one for driving while intoxicated ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
What is joyriding?
Joyriding is defined as borrowing someone′s car, bicycle, boat, or motorcycle without permission, with the intention of just using it for a while. Although joyriding isn′t considered theft, it′s still illegal because the owner′s permission ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride a motorcycle?
Would you skydive for the first time without receiving landing instructions? How about suiting up without pads for Friday night′s football game against your rival school? It′s common sense to wear a helmet when riding ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
When can I drive the family car?
In many states, you may obtain a learner′s permit before getting your license. It′s a violation if you drive without either a permit or license. States differ on the exact age requirements for permits and ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Do traffic laws apply to me?
Many of the rules of the motor vehicle code apply to you, whether or not you have a learner′s permit or a driver′s license. Traffic laws exist for the benefit and safety of passengers and ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
When can I get married?
If you′re eighteen, you may marry without anyone′s permission. If you′re not eighteen, you′ll need permission from your parents or guardians and/or the court. States have different requirements about underage persons obtaining a marriage license. ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Will I get drafted?
Throughout U.S. history, young men have been called for military service. From colonial times through the Vietnam War, eligible males over eighteen have been drafted. In 1973, the government ended the draft, replacing it with ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Can I run for public office?
Once you′re eighteen, you may be eligible for various public offices. All three branches of government have positions filled by elected officials. The executive branch includes state governors and the U.S. president and the vice-president; ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
When can I vote?
It wasn′t that long ago that the right to vote in this country became universal. In your parents′ lifetime, millions of Americans were prevented from voting. Some states had what was called a poll or ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Can I have a gun?
As a general rule, firearms may not be sold to minors. Your parents must agree before you can have a gun, ammunition, or any toy gun that shoots a dangerous or explosive substance. BB guns, ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
When can I get my own apartment?
If you′re under eighteen, most landlords won′t rent to you without a parent or guardian co-signing the lease. This may be age discrimination, but it isn′t illegal. Owners and landlords require a legally responsible adult ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
Can I change my name?
Once in a while, you might think about changing your name. (Some parents have saddled their kids with terrible, embarrassing names.) For any number of reasons, a different first, middle, or last name might seem ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
What does emancipation mean?
At some point before your eighteenth birthday, you′ll probably think about being free—that′s emancipation. But what does it mean exactly? What are the legal consequences of being “free” from your parents? Are there any drawbacks ...
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Growing Up, Q&A (0)
When will I be an adult?
Anyone under the age of eighteen is referred to as a minor, a child, a juvenile, or an adolescent. The term used depends on the situation. Once you turn eighteen, you′re legally an adult, with ...
