SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5408

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 9, 1993

Brief Description:  Establishing provisional driver licensing.

SPONSORS: Senators Prentice, M. Rasmussen, Nelson, Barr and Vognild; by request of Department of Licensing

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786‑7322)

Hearing Dates: February 9, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Recent data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission indicates that drivers aged 16 to 20 are involved in 15.4 percent of all automobile collisions, even though this age group accounts for only 6.7 percent of all drivers licensed in Washington.

Current law in Washington allows drivers who have reached the age of 15 years to obtain a learner's permit.  After the young driver has completed a traffic safety education course and reached the age of 16, he or she can apply for a regular driver's license.  The applicant must pass both the written and driving portions of the licensing examination to earn a regular driver's license.

There currently are no limitations, restrictions or probationary periods for newly licensed drivers.

The fees for obtaining an instructional permit, a temporary license, and a regular driver's license are set in statute by the Legislature.

SUMMARY:

Persons under 18 years of age, or persons who have not held a valid driver's license in Washington or any other state within the past five years, are issued a special "provisional" driver's license.  Holders of provisional driver's licenses may obtain a regular driver's license if they have maintained a satisfactory driving record for two years, and upon payment of a fee to be determined by the Department of Licensing (DOL).

For purposes of this legislation, a person has a "satisfactory driving record" if they have not had more than one moving traffic infraction within the past two years; have not had restrictions placed on their provisional license within the past two years; and have not had their provisional license suspended, revoked or canceled within the past two years.

If a person holding a provisional driver's license has more than one moving violation, or has an alcohol-related traffic offense, or is a juvenile and has committed any other drug or alcohol offense, the holder of the provisional license must: 1) attend an informal interview with DOL; and 2) have their driving privileges restricted to use between 5:00 a.m. and midnight, unless accompanied by a passenger who has a valid Washington driver's license.

Restrictions placed on the use of a person's provisional driver's license are effective for one year.

Provisional licenses are revoked if a driver has three or more moving violations, or fails to attend the informal interview, or violates any restrictions (i.e., driving during prohibited hours) during the two-year period.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested