Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 5556

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning toll enforcement for infractions detected through the use of a photo enforcement system.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer, Carrell and Kauffman).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Prohibits reductions in the toll penalty, which is the portion of the toll infraction that is remitted to the Washington State Department of Transportation for deposit in the appropriate toll account.
Requires the payment of the appropriate toll by individuals who are found to have not committed a toll infraction.

Hearing Date: 3/19/09

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315)

Background:

Drivers that do not pay a toll when they cross the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge are subject to an infraction. The infraction is $40 plus an additional toll penalty of three times the cash toll for a standard passenger car during peak hours, which is currently $4. The court remits the toll penalty to the Washington State Department of Transportation and it is deposited into the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Account.

Any reduction by the courts of the total penalty imposed is made proportionally between the $40 infraction penalty and the toll penalty.

Summary of Bill:

Any reduction in the infraction must be made only to the infraction penalty. The toll penalty may not be reduced. If the driver is found by the courts to have not committed an infraction, the driver must pay the toll due at the time the photograph was taken.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on 3/19/09.

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