41-8-3. Operation of vehicle by persons under 16 and six months -- Passenger limitations -- Exceptions -- Penalties.
(1) In addition to the provisions of, a person, whether resident or nonresident of this state, may not operate a motor vehicle upon any highway of this state with any passenger who is not an immediate family member of the driver until the earlier of: Title 53, Chapter 3, Uniform Driver License Act six months from the date the person's driver license was issued; or the person reaches 18 years of age.
(2) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under Subsectionthat the person is operating a motor vehicle: (1) accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is occupying a seat next to the driver; on assignment of a farmer or rancher and the driver is engaged in an agricultural operation; or in an emergency.
(3) In addition to any penalties imposed under, a violation of this section is an infraction. Title 53, Chapter 3, Uniform Driver License Act
(4) Enforcement of this section by state or local law enforcement officers shall be only as a secondary action when an operator of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of, other than this section, or for another offense. Title 41, Motor Vehicles A peace officer may not seize or impound a vehicle if: the operator of the vehicle is cited for a violation of this section; and the seizure or impoundment is not otherwise authorized under Section,,, oror required under Section. 41-1a-1101 41-6a-1405 41-6a-1608 73-18-20.1 41-6a-527