As of May 1^st, teens (age 16-20 years of age) holding a permit or provisional license have new requirements to comply with.

Teen drivers holding a provisional license (which will be changed to be called a probationary license) and those on permits:

• may not be on the road between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• may transport only one passenger in the vehicle besides his or her dependents. (Note: If a parent or guardian is in the vehicle, the passenger restriction is waived and the teen may transport as many passengers as there are seat belts.)
• may not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free), ipod or other wireless electronic device. (Note: GPS systems — portable or built-in — and ipods connected to a vehicle's sound system are permitted, but a teen should not make any adjustments to these devices while driving.)
• must ensure that all vehicle occupants are properly restrained in child safety seats or seat belts.
• must display a decal on the front and rear license plate.
• may not plea bargain any point carrying offenses.

There will be NO grandfathering of existing permit and provisional license holders. Regardless of how much time a GDL holder has remaining on her or his permit or provisional license, he or she must abide by these requirements beginning May 1.

The decals must be displayed on a vehicle's front and rear license plate when a permit or provisional license holder under 21 years of age is driving. The decal will be:

• affixed with a velcro system to allow for its removal when the GDL holder is not behind the wheel.
• reflectorized so that it can be seen at night.
• non-descript (it is intended for enforcement purposes).
• will be able to be purchased for $4 per pair at MVC agencies. (Note: MVC is developing a bulk purchase program for driving and high schools, police departments, and other organizations.)

We urge Parents to review http://www.njteendriving.com for additional information. 

Type: U.S. Census Scam

Method of Delivery: In Person

Primary Region Effected: All Regions (National)

Source: Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org)

Scam Characteristics:

Beginning March of this year the U.S. Census Bureau's will send out a short questionnaire to every household in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in an effort to collect important demographic data. As a citizen, you are required by law to respond to the 10 short questions. From April to July, those that haven't completed their census will receive a visit at their home address from a census taker..

Identity criminals are taking advantage of the census law and targeting unsuspecting victims in an attempt to steal sensitive information. The scams perpetrated range from fraudulent emails designed to obtain sensitive information to attempts to impersonate census collectors.

Most Citizens don't think twice about sharing personal information with a census worker, and that's why these scams can be very effective. It's important to remember there are distinct differences between a real census worker and an identity thief posing as a census worker.

U.S. Census workers will have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. But these things can be easily fabricated, so it's important to know what census workers will not do:

•They will not ask for your Social Security number or financial information, e.g. bank or credit card accounts.

•They will not ask you for money or say that you owe money.

•They will not harass or intimidate you.

•They will not contact you by email- only by phone, by mail, or in person.

For more information on this scam or variations of it visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. Use the search function and enter keywords "email scam".

It is recommended that you follow universal safety rules-- even with U.S. Census workers. For example, avoid inviting strangers into your home, and be suspicious when someone asks for your personal and sensitive information.

To learn more about the 2010 Census and U.S. Census workers, call (800) 923-8282 or visit them online at www.2010census.gov.

The best way to stay safe is to keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary, but if you have to drive, please be safe and follow these tips:

•	Stay alert and drive defensively.
•	Slow down. Stopping distances are 10x longer in snow and ice. Triple the usual distance between you and vehicles ahead of you.
•	Maintain a constant, safe speed.
•	Steer into the direction of the skid if your vehicle starts skidding.
•	Avoid passing plows, unless it is necessary.
•	Use major routes that have been cleared or salted, whenever possible.

Winter Tips

Snow or ice is the fifth leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims. Also, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average homeowners’ claim for water damage and freezing is a whopping $5,531. Follow these tips to protect you and your home from serious financial liability:

Prevent ice dams - An ice dam is a build-up of ice that blocks water drainage from the roof and the gutters. Ice dams can cause leaks from ceilings and walls that can ultimately lead to mold and other problems. To prevent ice dams, remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters or install gutter guards (available in most hardware home stores) that will prevent debris from getting in the gutter and interfering with drainage.

“Watch out for that tree!” - Trees and branches weakened by snow, ice and wind can snap and seriously hurt a person on your property, as well as cause serious damage to your home or car. Trimming trees and removing dead branches can help prevent serious damage and injuries.

Roof care and repair - High winds, snow and ice can damage a roof. Check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and ice. After a heavy storm, check for water stains in attics and on any overhangs. Lastly, repair or replace split or loose shingles and fix any leaks.

Pipe dreams…and nightmares - First, the bad news: Frozen or broken water pipes disrupt hundreds of thousands of American lives every winter. The good news: You can prevent frozen pipes by following these tips.

• Keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer.

• Wrap heating tape and/or standard insulation around pipes wherever possible.

• Look for pipes with cracks or leaks —they freeze first.

• Keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer.

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).

• If you’re leaving your home for several days, turn off the water completely and drain the pipes, or keep water dripping through one or two faucets, as moving water prevents freezing. However, if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, plan to turn the water off. It also helps to have someone check your home every day while you are gone.

• If your pipes do freeze, quickly shut off the water and immediately call a plumber.

Prevent personal injuries - Homeowners are liable for any injuries that occur on their property. Keep kitty litter, sand or rock salt on hand to sprinkle over frozen driveways, walkways or sidewalks. Additionally, ensure that your outdoor steps and guardrails are in good repair to prevent injuries from falls on ice.