SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5168

                    As of January 28, 1997

Title:  An act relating to notice of traffic violations by minors.

Brief Description:  Notifying vehicle owners of traffic violations by minor drivers.

Sponsors:  Senators Stevens, Rossi, Zarelli, Horn, Schow, Oke and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  1/28/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Lidia Mori (786-7755)

Background:  A law enforcement officer may issue a notice of traffic infraction when the infraction is committed in the officer=s presence or when the officer is responding to the request of another law enforcement officer in whose presence the traffic infraction occurred.  An officer who is investigating a motor vehicle accident and has reasonable cause to believe the driver involved in the accident committed an infraction may also issue a notice of traffic infraction.  If a vehicle without a driver is found parked or standing in violation of a traffic law, the officer will note the vehicle registration number and will place a notice of traffic infraction on the vehicle. 

If a person to whom a notice of traffic infraction was issued fails to respond within 15 days of the date of the notice, the court will assess a monetary penalty and notify the Department of Licensing of the failure to appear.

There is no requirement that the registered owner of a vehicle that is involved in a traffic infraction and driven by a minor be notified of the filing of a notice of a traffic infraction.

Summary of Bill:  Written notice of the filing of a traffic infraction must be mailed within three business days to the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the traffic infraction if it was operated by a minor and the minor committed the infraction.

Written notice of the filing of a traffic citation must be mailed within three business days to the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the traffic citation if it was operated by a minor and the minor is alleged to have committed the traffic violation.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 27, 1997.

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