A traffic safety course is no longer an option for anyone under 21 looking to keep a conviction off their record.

A new law that went into effect Jan. 1 requires anyone under the age of 21 to complete a traffic safety course in order to receive court supervision for a traffic offense.

While on court supervision, the conviction will not go on one’s record, which can affect a driver’s record and insurance, said Maureen Josh, DeKalb County circuit clerk.

A driver cannot have a driving offense in the last year in order to qualify for court supervision, Josh said, and a driver can’t have supervision more than once a year.

The law also requires anyone under 18 charged with a traffic offense to appear before a judge with a parent or legal guardian if they are requesting court supervision.

“I encourage anyone with a question about this new law to contact my office,” Josh said in a DeKalb County State’s attorney press release. “Our desire is to ensure that younger drivers and parents have all the necessary information they may need to make informed choices.”

The law also changed for drivers under 18, making licenses invalid after 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, or 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday unless driving to and from work and school activities.

Consequences for violating this law are serious and can include suspension of the driver’s license, said Ron Matekaitis, DeKalb County state’s attorney, in a press release.