5374 AMH SCHK H2645.2

 

 

 

SB 5374 - H AMD 0166 ADOPTED 04/16/99

By Representatives K. Schmidt and Fisher

 

                                                                   

 

    On page 23, after line 21, insert the following:

 

    "Sec. 9.  RCW 46.20.120 and 1999 c 6 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

    An applicant for a new or renewed driver's license must successfully pass a driver licensing examination to qualify for a driver's license.  The department shall give examinations at places and times reasonably available to the people of this state.

    (1) Waiver.  The department may waive:

    (a) All or any part of the examination of any person applying for the renewal of a driver's license unless the department determines that the applicant is not qualified to hold a driver's license under this title; or

    (b) The actual demonstration of the ability to operate a motor vehicle if the applicant:

    (i) Surrenders a valid driver's license issued by the person's previous home state; and

    (ii) Is otherwise qualified to be licensed.

    (2) Fee.  Each applicant for a new license must pay an examination fee of seven dollars.

    (a) The examination fee is in addition to the fee charged for issuance of the license.

    (b) "New license" means a license issued to a driver:

    (i) Who has not been previously licensed in this state; or

    (ii) Whose last previous Washington license has been expired for more than ((four)) six years.

 

    Sec. 10.  RCW 46.20.161 and 1999 c 6 s 22 are each amended to read as follows:

    The department, upon receipt of a fee of ((fourteen)) thirty dollars, unless the driver's license is issued for a period other than six years, in which case the fee shall be five dollars for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph, shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license.  The license must include a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee, the name of record, date of birth, Washington residence address, photograph, a brief description of the licensee, and either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write his or her usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license.  No license is valid until it has been so signed by the licensee.

 

    Sec. 11.  RCW 46.20.181 and 1999 c 6 s 23 are each amended to read as follows:

    (1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, every driver's license expires on the ((fourth)) sixth anniversary of the licensee's birthdate following the issuance of the license.

    (2) A person may renew his or her license on or before the expiration date by submitting an application as prescribed by the department and paying a fee of ((fourteen)) thirty dollars.  This fee includes the fee for the required photograph.

    (3) A person renewing his or her driver's license more than sixty days after the license has expired shall pay a penalty fee of ten dollars in addition to the renewal fee, unless his or her license expired when:

    (a) The person was outside the state and he or she renews the license within sixty days after returning to this state; or

    (b) The person was incapacitated and he or she renews the license within sixty days after the termination of the incapacity.

    (4) During the period from July 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006, the department may issue or renew a driver's license for a period other than six years, or may extend by mail a license that has already been issued, in order to evenly distribute, as nearly as possible, the yearly renewal rate of licensed drivers.  The fee for a driver's license issued or renewed for a period other than six years, or that has been extended by mail, is five dollars for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or extended.  The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.

 

    Sec. 12.  RCW 46.20.470 and 1989 c 178 s 21 are each amended to read as follows:

    There shall be an additional fee for issuing any class of commercial driver's license in addition to the prescribed fee required for the issuance of the original driver's license.  The additional fee for each class shall not exceed ((twelve)) twenty-four dollars for the original commercial driver's license or subsequent renewals, unless the commercial driver's license is renewed or extended for a period other than six years, in which case the fee for each class shall not exceed four dollars for each year that the commercial driver's license is renewed or extended.  The fee shall be deposited in the highway safety fund.

 

    Sec. 13.  RCW 46.20.505 and 1993 c 115 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    Every person applying for a special endorsement or a new category of endorsement of a driver's license authorizing such person to drive a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle shall pay an examination fee of two dollars which is not refundable.  In addition, the endorsement fee for the initial or new category motorcycle endorsement shall ((be six)) not exceed twelve dollars, and the subsequent renewal endorsement fee shall ((be fourteen)) not exceed thirty dollars, unless the endorsement is renewed or extended for a period other than six years, in which case the subsequent renewal endorsement fee shall not exceed five dollars for each year that the endorsement is renewed or extended.  The initial or new category and renewal endorsement fees shall be deposited in the motorcycle safety education account of the highway safety fund.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 14.  Sections 9 through 13 of this act take effect July 1, 2000."

 

    Correct the title.

 

 

 


    EFFECT:  Increases the term of the driver's license from four years to six years.  Increases the cost of the driver's license from $3.50 per year to $5.00 per year.  The net effect is to change from a four-year $14.00 driver's license to a six-year $30.00 driver's license.

 


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