Brief Description: Authorizing removal of vehicles from restricted parking zones.

Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold and Moeller.

Hearing Date: 2/5/03

Staff: Jill Satran (786-7315).

Background:

A police officer may take immediate custody of a vehicle and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety under certain limited circumstances, such as when a vehicle is discovered to be stolen, when a driver is arrested and taken into custody, or when a vehicle is left unattended on a highway in an unincorporated area and is obstructing traffic or jeopardizing public safety. Other unauthorized vehicles left unattended on a public highway are subject to impoundment, but only after 24 hours have passed and the vehicle has been tagged with proper notification by an officer.

Proponents of this bill believe that clear statutory authority does not exist to effect the immediate removal of an unattended vehicle that is parked in a signed area and is obstructing a construction, restricted parking or loading zone. Concern exists that current statutes require a vehicle to be left in these zones, unattended, at least 24 hours. This can result in costly construction delays and impede local businesses.

Summary of Bill:

A police officer may take custody of a vehicle and have it removed to a place of safety when it is illegally occupying a zone where, by order of the director of transportation or chiefs of police or fire, parking is limited to certain classes of vehicles or is prohibited during designated times. The vehicle must be interfering with the proper and intended use of the zone. Some of the zones included in this provision are truck, commercial loading, restricted parking, bus, taxi, street construction and street maintenance.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.