SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 254

BYRepresentatives Walk, Schmidt and Gallagher; by request of Department of Licensing

Imposing a penalty fee for the renewal of drivers' licenses that have expired.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987; February 18, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Conner, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 19, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The law requires that a person whose license is expired must take the written portion of the driver's license test prior to renewal and pay a $7 fee for the test in addition to the $14 renewal fee.  Department officials feel that many drivers who have let their licenses expire continue to drive without a renewed license because they are reluctant to submit to a written driver's examination.

It is estimated that there are at least 20,000 drivers in Washington state who do not hold a valid driver's license.

SUMMARY:

A new license is defined as one issued to a driver who has not been licensed previously in the state or to a driver whose previously issued Washington driver's license has been expired for more than four years.

A $10 penalty fee shall be charged on applications for renewal of a driver's license which has been expired for more than 60 days and less than four years.

The penalty fee is not assessed to those persons who were outside the state or incapacitated at the time of license expiration, provided an application for renewal is filed with the department within 60 days of returning to the state or 60 days from the end of the incapacity.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Bonner, DOL