Can My Teen Drive for Work?

The state laws in Texas are fairly clear about their position on teens driving as a part of their employment. Across exemptions to the child labor ban, the state has established an understanding the teen drivers are not allowed to take up any job that would require them to regularly drive substantial distances or with substantial frequency. As a result, there are certain jobs that are impossible for an eligible teenager to take, as they would inherently break the labor laws.

Contact the Houston employment lawyers of the Ross Law Group at 713-482-6910 if you have been wronged by an employer.

Unlawful Driving

Under the current exemptions to the child labor ban, a 17-year-old is permitted to drive as a part of their job, but may only do so under stringent regulations. These limitations not only affect the nature of the trip, but also limit what types of vehicles young workers may operate while on the job. The following are some of the major stipulations:

• may only drive during the day
• may not drive more than 20 percent of the workweek
• may not drive more than 30 miles from work
• may not drive away from work twice each day
• may not drive a vehicle that weighs more than 6,000 pounds
• may not drive with more than three passengers
• may not take time-based delivery jobs
• may not take a towing job

With these standards well-established by the law, teen drivers should not be asked or expected to do certain tasks that unnecessarily place them on public roadways for extended periods of time.

Contact Us

If your child has been pushed into irresponsible work situations, there may be available legal action for your family to take up. Contact the Houston employment attorneys of the Ross Law Group by calling 713-482-6910 today.