American culture is full of all kinds of family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Sunday dinners, family gatherings, summer camps and secret recipes are some of the most traditional customs practiced throughout the country; but one of the most influential and memorable American customs is teaching teenagers to drive.

Unfortunately, letting your teen get behind the wheel of a car can be illegal under certain circumstances, even if it involves a few innocent laps in an empty parking lot. In fact, many parents and guardians are breaking the law when they allow their children to drive for the first time, not knowing they risk criminal charges. If your child is still too young, does not have a legal permit, and does not have insurance, you could face criminal charges if you allow them to drive.

So before you decide to teach your teen to drive, make sure you have all the information you need to stay legal while you’re at it. After all, it is a moment to be thoroughly enjoyed and a memory to be revered. Read on for 3 tips to help you make your time permissible under the law.

1. Obtain legal driving certification

If you are teaching your child to drive before they take a driver’s education course, make sure you get a legal driver’s license. Below a certain age, a teen can receive their instruction permit, which allows them to legally drive as long as there is a licensed adult who is at least 25 years old (varies by state) in the vehicle with them at all times. The age limit and requirements for obtaining a learner’s permit vary by state. Check with your local DMV for information specific to your city of residence.

For example, in Indiana:

  • 15-year-olds who are enrolled in a driver’s education program may obtain a learner’s permit;
  • 16 year olds who are NOT enrolled in a driver’s education program may obtain a learner’s permit;
  • Teens who are 16 years and 90 days old and have completed a driver’s education program can obtain a probationary driver’s license;
  • Teens who are 16 years and 270 days and have NOT completed a driver’s education program may obtain a probationary driver’s license;
  • An 18-year-old can obtain a full driver’s license without restrictions.

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Indiana DMV

2. Get insurance coverage

After your teen is legally allowed to drive, you still need to obtain the appropriate insurance coverage through a valid auto insurance provider. The policy must be active for it to be legal. Although many states do not require coverage during the learner’s permit phase, it is required everywhere once a provisional license is obtained. Check with your local DMV for the specific insurance requirements in your state.

3. Clarify your traffic laws

Driving laws have changed quite a bit since you learned to drive, probably anyway. So before you start teaching your youngster how to drive, be sure to review the current traffic laws. Not only have the traffic laws changed, but also the restrictions for certain types of driving licenses. Know all of this information so you don’t pass on inaccurate driving knowledge to your teen driver.