DMV: Driver in fatal crash didn’t have license

The teenager behind the wheel in the Memorial Day crash that claimed five lives in Newport Beach did not have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

However, Abdulrahman M. Alyahyan, 17, received a citation at 4 p.m. April 20 for violating the rules of a provisional license, among other offenses, Orange County Superior Court records show.

Irvine police, who issued the citations last month, would not comment on the apparent discrepancy, including what provisions he may have violated, because of the Newport Beach Police Department’s ongoing investigation into Monday’s crash.

Although the Alyahyan’s citation lists a driver’s license number, a DMV official told the Daily Pilot that number corresponded with Alyahyan’s application for a license – so that could explain why a license number was attached to last month’s citation.

Police cited Alyahyan on April 20 near Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road in Irvine, a tenth of a mile from his home, according to a copy of the citation.

In addition to the provisions, Alyahyan, who went to University High School in Irvine, was cited for making a prohibited modification to an exhaust system and having tinted windows that obstruct the driver’s view on his gray 2008 Infiniti, which had a personalized license plate, “KHASONA”.

Court records show that the DMV did not have any prior violations for Alyahyan.

Newport police said they could not comment on issues with last month’s alleged driving violations.

Officials named Alyahyan as the driver of the car carrying four teenagers from Irvine High School when it crashed into a tree at a high rate of speed. They were all killed.

Teen drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from carrying passengers under 20 for the first year they have their license and cannot drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent or guardian, according to the DMV.