Brief Description: Clarifying intermediate drivers' license law.

Sponsors: Representatives Hankins, Murray, Haler, Schual-Berke and Skinner.

Hearing Date: 3/2/05

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Washington's Intermediate Driver's License (IDL) law prohibits drivers who hold an IDL from carrying passengers under 20 years of age in their car for the first six months after issuance of the license, unless the passenger is an immediate family member. During the remaining period of the IDL (up to the age of 18), the driver may not carry more than three non-family member passengers under the age of 20.

Drivers who hold an intermediate license are also prohibited from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25 or older is also in the vehicle. Driving for agricultural purposes is an exception to the late night hours driving restriction.

Beginning with the issuance of the Intermediate Driver's License and until the age of eighteen:

• If a driver commits a driving violation, or a violation of license restrictions, the driver is       sent a warning letter by the Department of Licensing.
• If two driving violations are committed, a letter suspending the driver for six months (or       until age 18, whichever is shorter) is sent to the driver.
• For a third driving violation, the driver is suspended until age 18.
• The driver's parents also receive a copy of any warning or suspension letter sent to the       driver.

After a year of driving safely without a driving violation, offense, or collision, the driving restrictions expire and will not be reimposed. However, the driver is still subject to receiving the intermediate license warning letter and license suspension penalties until age 18. Driving with a suspended intermediate license is a misdemeanor.

Summary of Bill:

Requires certification that the parent, guardian, or employer of the intermediate license holder has read and understood the intermediate license restrictions.

Broadens the definition of "immediate family" to include the spouse, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or other person under 20 years old if living in the same household as the intermediate license holder.

Eliminates automobile accidents as grounds for not lifting the intermediate license restrictions 12 months after the issuance of the intermediate license.

Removes the current restriction of no more than three passengers under the age of 20 allowed in the vehicle after the initial six month period. Finally, a supervising driver must have five years of driving experience.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.