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.