Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1480

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

No person may drive a motor vehicle on a roadway in the state without having a valid driver's license. It is unlawful for a person to drive a motor vehicle while that person's driver's license is suspended.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) must suspend an individual's driver's license when it receives notice from a court that he or she: (1) has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation or suspension of a driver's license is required (including driving under the influence (DUI) and related offenses, vehicular homicide and assault offenses, racing or reckless driving, and negligent driving offenses); (2) has, by reckless or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused or contributed to an accident resulting in death or injury to any person or in serious property damage; (3) has been convicted of moving violation offenses or committed traffic infractions with such frequency as to indicate a disrespect for traffic laws or a disregard for the safety of other persons on the highways; (4) is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle; (5) has committed prohibited practices related to driver's license fraud and improper use; (6) has failed to respond to a notice of traffic infraction; (7) has failed to appear at a requested hearing; (8) has violated a written promise to appear in court; (9) has failed to comply with the terms of a notice of traffic infraction, criminal complaint, or citation; (10) has been certified by the Department of Social and Health Services as a person who is not in compliance with a child support order; (11) is subject to suspension as an incompetent, unqualified driver; or (12) is subject to suspension due to failure to pay a civil judgment related to a motor vehicle crime.

A driver's license suspension for failure to respond or failure to comply with the terms of a notice of traffic infraction remains in effect until the DOL receives a certificate from the court showing that the case has been adjudicated and the person pays a reissuance fee of $75. A suspension does not take effect if, prior to the effective date of the suspension, the DOL receives a certificate from the court showing that the case has been adjudicated.

If a person drives a motor vehicle in the state while his or her driver's license is suspended due to failure to respond to a notice of traffic infraction or for failure to comply with the terms of a notice of a traffic infraction, that individual is guilty of "Driving While License Suspended or Revoked in the third degree," which is a misdemeanor. The current fine for this offense is $500.