SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5983

As of January 25, 2002

Title:  An act relating to abandoned vehicles.

Brief Description:  Increasing penalties for vehicle abandonment.

Sponsors:  Senators Swecker, Hochstatter, Gardner, Haugen, T. Sheldon and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/24/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Dean Carlson (786‑7305)

Background:  Under current law, if a vehicle is found abandoned and removed at the direction of law enforcement, the last registered owner of record is guilty of a traffic infraction unless they follow proper redemption procedures.  The penalty for the traffic infraction is $86.

Summary of Bill:  A classification of traffic infraction titled "litteringBabandoned vehicle" is created.  The Department of Licensing suspends the license of an individual for committing the infraction of litteringBabandoned vehicle or for failing to respond to such infraction.  A person who has his or her license revoked for any reason must provide among other things evidence from the court that all penalties have been paid and restitution has been made. 

The 24-hour notice that is required to be sent out by tow truck operators when they tow an abandoned vehicle must state the penalties for the traffic infraction litteringBabandoned vehicle.  When a law enforcement office finds an abandoned vehicle, it must affix a notice on the vehicle entitled "LitteringBAbandoned Vehicle," and give notice of the monetary penalty.

The Legislature respectfully requests the Washington State Supreme Court to set the fine for "litteringBabandoned vehicle" at $250.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 2002.

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