Brief Description: Authorizing police officers to impound vehicles operated by drivers without specially endorsed licenses.

Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker, Rasmussen and Delvin; by request of Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing and Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation

Background: Current law specifies the circumstances under which a police officer may take custody of a motor vehicle and have it impounded. The circumstances under which an officer may have a vehicle impounded include: (1) if the vehicle's driver is arrested for certain offenses or taken into custody; (2) when the officer finds the vehicle unattended upon a highway where the vehicle is an obstruction to traffic or jeopardizes public safety; (3) when the vehicle is stolen; (4) when the vehicle is illegally parked; and (5) upon a determination that a person is operating the vehicle without a valid driver's license; etc.

Special driver's license endorsements are required to lawfully operate certain motor vehicles, including commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

Summary: The list of circumstances under which a police officer may take custody of a motor vehicle and have it impounded is expanded. Upon a determination that a person does not possess a special endorsement required for the type of motor vehicle operated, an officer may impound the vehicle.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      32   16
House      66   31

Effective:   July 22, 2007