SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5840

                    As of February 21, 1995

Title:  An act relating to penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Brief Description:  Reducing penalties under certain circumstances for driving with a suspended license.

Sponsors:  Senator Smith.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/21/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  A person is guilty of driving with license suspended or revoked in the third degree when the person drives a motor vehicle and his or her driver's license is suspended or revoked solely because of one of the following conditions:

(1)proof of satisfactory progress in a required alcoholism or drug treatment program needs to be furnished;

(2)proof of financial responsibility for the future needs to be furnished;

(3)failure to comply with statutory provisions relating to uninsured accidents;

(4)failure to respond to a notice of a traffic infraction, violation of a written promise to appear in court or failure to comply with a traffic infraction;

(5)the commission of an offense in another state that in this state would not be grounds for license suspension;

(6) the person was eligible to reinstate the driver's license at the time of the violation but had neglected to do so.

Summary of Bill:  A person who is cited for driving with license suspended or revoked in the third degree may mail proof of having obtained a valid Washington State driver's license to the court prior to the date scheduled for the person's appearance.  The court then amends the charge to a violation of driving without a valid driver's license.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 21, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.