SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2387

BYRepresentatives Ballard, R. Meyers, McLean and Hankins

Impounding abandoned vehicles within eight hours.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Whenever law enforcement discovers an unattended, disabled or an apparently abandoned vehicle, they place an impound notice sticker on that vehicle.  The sticker contains information notifying the owner of the vehicle that the vehicle may be impounded into the custody of a registered tow truck operator and stored at the owner's expense if the vehicle is not removed within 24 hours.

Current statute also provides that any vehicle which represents a hazard to the traveling public at any place on, or alongside the roadway is to be impounded immediately.  The current practice of the Washington State Patrol is to immediately impound any vehicle along urban roadsides.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that law enforcement give a 24-hour notification to remove a disabled or abandoned vehicle is shortened to 16 hours.  The 16-hour notice provision applies only to those unauthorized vehicles standing alongside a state highway.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested