ALBANY, N.Y. — New driver safety laws taking effect in New York require far more training for teenagers seeking their licenses.

The laws increase the number of hours teens must drive before getting their licenses, prohibits youths from getting a license until at least six months after they receive their driving permit, and allows only one nonfamily passenger in a car driven by a teenager if a parent or guardian isn’t in the vehicle.

The Buffalo News reports that that car crashes are the top cause of death for Americans 16 to 20 years old.

The laws that kick in Monday carry new penalties, including suspending the license of offenders.

Similar measures had been stalled for years in the Legislature. The laws were approved last summer after a string of fatal crashes involving teenagers.