FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1419

C 55 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Requiring a notation in the driving record when a driver is required to use an ignition interlock or other biological or technical device.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Hurst, Esser, Lantz, Carrell, Haigh, O'Brien, Roach and Ruderman.

House Committee on Judiciary

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Background:

An ignition interlock is a device that prevents a person who has recently consumed alcohol from starting a motor vehicle.

For any offense involving the use, consumption, or possession of alcohol that is committed while driving, the court may order that an ignition interlock system be installed on any car the person is to drive.  For all DUI offenders (except first-time offenders with low alcohol concentrations) the court must order the use of an interlock.  The time that the interlock must be used begins after any period of driver's license loss, and the length of required use increases with the number of times an interlock has been ordered in the past.  The periods of required use range from one year to 10 years.

The Department of Licensing  is directed to "attach or imprint" a notation on the driver's license of any person who has been ordered to use an ignition interlock.  It is a misdemeanor "for a person with such a notation" to drive a vehicle without an interlock.

Apparently, in some instances persons who have been ordered to use an interlock have not had their driver's licenses marked, and courts have refused to convict them of violating the interlock law.

Summary:

Notations of required ignition interlock use are to be made on the driving records maintained by the Department of Licensing, rather than on the driver's license.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate490

Effective:  July 22, 2001