SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 280

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

Changing provisions relating to the suspension of a driver's license for failure to report an accident.

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, McMulluen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  February 19, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

A driver who is involved in an accident that results in death or injury, or $500 in property damage is required to file an accident report with the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours.  If the accident is not investigated by a law enforcement officer, the original accident report must be immediately forwarded to the chief of the Washington State Patrol, and the second copy forwarded to the Department of Licensing.

In many instances the person who fills out the accident report inadvertently mails it to the wrong agency.  The driver is under the impression that the law has been fulfilled, however the Department of Licensing has not received a copy of the report.  The department is reluctant to suspend a driver's license in this instance, and would prefer that such a suspension be left to the discretion of the department rather than being mandatory.

Drivers' licenses and permits, as well as driving privileges for nonresidents, must be suspended for failure to report an accident until the accident report is filed.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing is granted discretion over whether to suspend a driver's license, a permit, and nonresident driving privileges for failure to file an accident report.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Bonner, DOL