Trenton, N.J. ? New Jersey teens opposed to the nation’s first state law requiring young drivers to display license plate decals that identify them as inexperienced have gained support for their cause from several state lawmakers and a national youth rights advocacy group.

The statute known as Kyleigh’s Law takes effect today. It requires New Jersey drivers ages 16 to 20 to have a $4 pair of detachable fluorescent red decals on their front and rear license plates during a yearlong provisional license period. Failure to do so could result in a $100 fine.

The decals are intended to help police enforce licensing restrictions on first-time drivers, which limit the number of passengers they can carry and the hours they can drive. They gradually earn full driving privileges under the state’s Graduated Driver License program.

The law was named for Kyleigh D’Alessio, a 16-year-old central New Jersey high school student who was killed in 2006 while riding in a vehicle driven by another teen. Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine signed the law last year.

Opponents claim the law is well intentioned but won’t improve safety, will subject motorists to nuisance traffic stops and might entice criminals to target young drivers.

“Kyleigh’s Law doesn’t prevent car crashes,” said Hal Levy, a 20-year-old college freshman and member of the board of the National Youth Rights Association. “It’s more of a feel-good law, at the expense of young people. We oppose the profiling by police and the stalking.”

Levy, a Livingston resident, said he will hold off on buying the decals to set an example until the law can be repealed. He also has less than a month until he turns 21.

Gov. Chris Christie said his 16-year-old son, who has yet to get his provisional license, has also complained about the requirement.

“I see upsides and downsides to it,” Christie said. “If I were governor at the time, I don’t know if I would have gone that route” and signed the bill.