BILL REQ. #:  H-0664.1 

Read first time 02/07/11.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring proof of insurance to redeem a motor vehicle from impoundment; adding a new section to chapter 46.55 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 46.55 RCW to read as follows:
     If a motor vehicle is impounded as a result of a traffic infraction, the registered owner of the vehicle must provide proof of financial responsibility or motor vehicle insurance before the vehicle can be redeemed. If the registered owner fails to provide proof of financial responsibility or motor vehicle insurance within fourteen calendar days of the impound, the registered owner must pay the costs associated with the tow and impound, a fine of three hundred fifty dollars to the department for deposit into the motor vehicle fund, and an additional fine of twenty dollars to the registered tow truck operator for each day the vehicle is kept in impoundment after the fourteen-day period.