Brief Description: Modifying penalties for violating conditions of an intermediate driver's license.

Sponsors: Representatives Schindler, Simpson, Ahern, Clibborn and Woods.

Hearing Date: 3/2/05

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

Washington's Intermediate Driver's License (IDL) law prohibits drivers who hold an IDL from carrying passengers under 20 years of age in their car for the first six months after issuance of the license, unless the passenger is an immediate family member. During the remaining period of the IDL (up to the age of 18), the driver may not carry more than three non-family member passengers under the age of 20.

Drivers who hold an intermediate license are also prohibited from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a license driver 25 or older is also in the vehicle. Driving for agricultural purposes is an exception to the late night hours driving restriction.

Beginning with the issuance of the Intermediate Driver's License and until the age of eighteen:

• If a driver commits a driving violation, or a violation of license restrictions, the driver is       sent a warning letter by the Department of Licensing.
• If two driving violations are committed a letter suspending the driver for six months (or       until age 18, whichever is shorter) is sent to the driver.
• For a third driving violation the driver is suspended until age 18.
• The driver's parents also receive a copy of any warning or suspension letter sent to the       driver.

After a year of driving safely without a driving violation, offense or collision, the driving restrictions expire and will not be reimposed. However, the driver is still subject to receiving the intermediate license warning letter and license suspension penalties until age 18. Driving with a suspended intermediate license is a misdemeanor.

Summary of Bill:

The first time the holder of an intermediate license commits a driving violation, or violation of license restrictions, the driver will have their license suspended for six months.

The holder of an intermediate license who is in the vehicle when another intermediate license holder commits a driving violation, or a violation of license restrictions, will have their license suspended for six months or until the age of 18, whichever comes first.

The second time the holder of an intermediate license is in the vehicle when another intermediate license holder commits a driving violation, or a violation of license restrictions, they will have their license suspended for six months or until the age of 18, whichever comes first.

The third time the holder of an intermediate license is in the vehicle when another intermediate license holder commits a driving violation, or a violation of license restrictions, they will have their license suspended until the age of 18.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.