SALT LAKE CITY — Newly licensed teen drivers across Utah will receive a new way to let other motorists know they are still gaining experience behind the wheel.
AAA Mountain West Group is partnering with Zero Fatalities Utah, the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Department of Public Safety to launch a “Please be Patient” vehicle magnet initiative aimed at helping new drivers and their families feel more comfortable during their first months on the road.
The magnets, funded by AAA, will be distributed to new teen drivers at Driver License Division offices across Utah, including those serving Logan, Cache Valley and other Northern Utah communities.
The initiative comes as students prepare to return to school for the 2026-27 school year and as state officials point to the disproportionate number of crashes involving teenage drivers.
Teens account for about 7% of Utah drivers but are involved in 21% of crashes, according to state data cited by AAA. Nationally, 2,636 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2024, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Officials said the magnets are intended to alert surrounding motorists that a new driver is behind the wheel, encouraging other drivers to allow additional space and exercise patience.
“As an organization dedicated to traffic safety guided by our principle of People Helping People, we are excited to partner with Utah traffic safety advocates to protect our community’s youngest drivers,” said Ben Nichols, government affairs specialist for AAA Mountain West Group. “These magnets serve as a simple, highly-visible reminder for everyone to be patient and share the road responsibly.”
Laurie Huntsman, Zero Fatalities project manager with UDOT, said parents have been asking for a way to identify inexperienced drivers.
“Zero Fatalities is always looking for ways to help teen drivers feel more comfortable while driving with a learner permit, and for parents and guardians to feel confident when their teen is learning to drive,” Huntsman said. “For years, parents have asked for ways to alert motorists of inexperienced drivers on the road. Thanks to a generous funding partnership with AAA, we are able to make that happen. We’re also thrilled to partner with the DLD to ensure every new driver receives a car magnet before their first trip behind the wheel.”
Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Zach Randall said the magnets also serve as a reminder for experienced motorists.
“The Utah Highway Patrol is excited to partner with AAA, Zero Fatalities, and UDOT to promote these magnets to give notice to motorists when they are near a new or inexperienced driver,” Randall said. “These magnets are a great reminder to all to be alert, aware, and courteous to their fellow motorists.”