BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug; amending RCW 46.20.308, 46.20.3101, 46.61.502, 46.61.504, 46.61.506, 88.12.025, 46.20.355, 10.05.010, 10.05.120, 10.05.160, 46.01.260, 46.20.285, 46.20.391, 46.55.113, 46.55.120, 46.61.5058, and 46.12.240; reenacting and amending RCW 46.61.5055; adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

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

Sec. 1. RCW 46.20.308 and 1995 c 332 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person who operates a motor vehicle within this state is deemed to have given consent, subject to the provisions of RCW 46.61.506, to a test or tests of his or her breath or blood for the purpose of determining the alcohol concentration or presence of any drug in his or her breath or blood if arrested for any offense where, at the time of the arrest, the arresting officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or was in violation of RCW 46.61.503.

(2) The test or tests of breath shall be administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or the person to have been driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having alcohol in a concentration of 0.02 or more in his or her system and being under the age of twenty-one. However, in those instances where the person is incapable due to physical injury, physical incapacity, or other physical limitation, of providing a breath sample or where the person is being treated in a hospital, clinic, doctor's office, emergency medical vehicle, ambulance, or other similar facility in which a breath testing instrument is not present or where the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is under the influence of a drug, a blood test shall be administered by a qualified person as provided in RCW 46.61.506(4). The officer shall inform the person of his or her right to refuse the breath or blood test, and of his or her right to have additional tests administered by any qualified person of his or her choosing as provided in RCW 46.61.506. The officer shall warn the driver that:

(a) His or her license, permit, or privilege to drive will be revoked or denied if he or she refuses to submit to the test;

(b) His or her license, permit, or privilege to drive will be suspended, revoked, or denied((~~, or placed in probationary status~~)) if the test is administered and the test indicates the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood is ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more, in the case of a person age twenty-one or over, or 0.02 or more in the case of a person under age twenty-one; and

(3) Except as provided in this section, the test administered shall be of the breath only. If an individual is unconscious or is under arrest for the crime of vehicular homicide as provided in RCW 46.61.520 or vehicular assault as provided in RCW 46.61.522, or if an individual is under arrest for the crime of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs as provided in RCW 46.61.502, which arrest results from an accident in which there has been serious bodily injury to another person, a breath or blood test may be administered without the consent of the individual so arrested.

(4) Any person who is dead, unconscious, or who is otherwise in a condition rendering him or her incapable of refusal, shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided by subsection (1) of this section and the test or tests may be administered, subject to the provisions of RCW 46.61.506, and the person shall be deemed to have received the warnings required under subsection (2) of this section.

(5) If, following his or her arrest and receipt of warnings under subsection (2) of this section, the person arrested refuses upon the request of a law enforcement officer to submit to a test or tests of his or her breath or blood, no test shall be given except as authorized under subsection (3) or (4) of this section.

(6) If, after arrest and after the other applicable conditions and requirements of this section have been satisfied, a test or tests of the person's blood or breath is administered and the test results indicate that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood is ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more if the person is age twenty-one or over, or is 0.02 or more if the person is under the age of twenty-one, or the person refuses to submit to a test, the arresting officer or other law enforcement officer at whose direction any test has been given, or the department, where applicable, if the arrest results in a test of the person's blood, shall:

(a) Serve notice in writing on the person on behalf of the department of its intention to suspend, revoke, or deny((~~, or place in probationary status~~)) the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive as required by subsection (7) of this section;

(b) Serve notice in writing on the person on behalf of the department of his or her right to a hearing, specifying the steps he or she must take to obtain a hearing as provided by subsection (8) of this section;

(c) Mark the person's Washington state driver's license or permit to drive, if any, in a manner authorized by the department;

(d) Serve notice in writing that the marked license or permit, if any, is a temporary license that is valid for sixty days from the date of arrest or from the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, or until the suspension, revocation, or denial of the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive is sustained at a hearing pursuant to subsection (8) of this section, whichever occurs first. No temporary license is valid to any greater degree than the license or permit that it replaces; and

(e) Immediately notify the department of the arrest and transmit to the department within seventy-two hours, except as delayed as the result of a blood test, a sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 that states:

(i) That the officer had reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or was under the age of twenty-one years and had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or more;

(ii) That after receipt of the warnings required by subsection (2) of this section the person refused to submit to a test of his or her blood or breath, or a test was administered and the results indicated that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more if the person is age twenty-one or over, or was 0.02 or more if the person is under the age of twenty-one; and

(iii) Any other information that the director may require by rule.

(7) The department of licensing, upon the receipt of a sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 under subsection (6)(e) of this section, shall suspend, revoke, or deny((~~, or place in probationary status~~)) the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive or any nonresident operating privilege, as provided in RCW 46.20.3101, such suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) to be effective beginning sixty days from the date of arrest or from the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, or when sustained at a hearing pursuant to subsection (8) of this section, whichever occurs first.

(8) A person receiving notification under subsection (6)(b) of this section may, within thirty days after the notice has been given, request in writing a formal hearing before the department. The person shall pay a fee of one hundred dollars as part of the request. If the request is mailed, it must be postmarked within thirty days after receipt of the notification. Upon timely receipt of such a request for a formal hearing, including receipt of the required one hundred dollar fee, the department shall afford the person an opportunity for a hearing. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the hearing is subject to and shall be scheduled and conducted in accordance with RCW 46.20.329 and 46.20.332. The hearing shall be conducted in the county of the arrest, except that all or part of the hearing may, at the discretion of the department, be conducted by telephone or other electronic means. The hearing shall be held within sixty days following the arrest or following the date notice has been given in the event notice is given by the department following a blood test, unless otherwise agreed to by the department and the person, in which case the action by the department shall be stayed, and any valid temporary license marked under subsection (6)(c) of this section extended, if the person is otherwise eligible for licensing. For the purposes of this section, the scope of the hearing shall cover the issues of whether a law enforcement officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while having alcohol in his or her system in a concentration of 0.02 or more and was under the age of twenty-one, whether the person was placed under arrest, and (a) whether the person refused to submit to the test or tests upon request of the officer after having been informed that such refusal would result in the revocation of the person's license, permit, or privilege to drive, or (b) if a test or tests were administered, whether the applicable requirements of this section were satisfied before the administration of the test or tests, whether the person submitted to the test or tests, or whether a test was administered without express consent as permitted under this section, and whether the test or tests indicated that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more if the person was age twenty-one or over at the time of the arrest, or was 0.02 or more if the person was under the age of twenty-one at the time of the arrest. The sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 submitted by a law enforcement officer is prima facie evidence that the officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs, or both, or the person had been driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while having alcohol in his or her system in a concentration of 0.02 or more and was under the age of twenty-one and that the officer complied with the requirements of this section.

A hearing officer shall conduct the hearing, may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents, and shall administer oaths to witnesses. The hearing officer shall not issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness at the request of the person unless the request is accompanied by the fee required by RCW 5.56.010 for a witness in district court. The sworn report or report under a declaration authorized by RCW 9A.72.085 of the law enforcement officer and any other evidence accompanying the report shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation and the certifications authorized by the criminal rules for courts of limited jurisdiction shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation. The person may be represented by counsel, may question witnesses, may present evidence, and may testify. The department shall order that the suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) either be rescinded or sustained.

(9) If the suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) is sustained after such a hearing, the person whose license, privilege, or permit is suspended, revoked, or denied((~~, or placed in probationary status~~)) has the right to file a petition in the superior court of the county of arrest to review the final order of revocation by the department in the same manner as an appeal from a decision of a court of limited jurisdiction. The appellant must pay the costs associated with obtaining the record of the hearing before the hearing officer. The filing of the appeal does not stay the effective date of the suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)). A petition filed under this subsection must include the petitioner's grounds for requesting review. Upon granting petitioner's request for review, the court shall review the department's final order of suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) as expeditiously as possible. If judicial relief is sought for a stay or other temporary remedy from the department's action, the court shall not grant such relief unless the court finds that the appellant is likely to prevail in the appeal and that without a stay the appellant will suffer irreparable injury. If the court stays the suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) it may impose conditions on such stay.

(10) If a person whose driver's license, permit, or privilege to drive has been or will be suspended, revoked, or denied((~~, or placed in probationary status~~)) under subsection (7) of this section, other than as a result of a breath test refusal, and who has not committed an offense ((~~within the last five years~~)) for which he or she was granted a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW, petitions a court for a deferred prosecution on criminal charges arising out of the arrest for which action has been or will be taken under subsection (7) of this section, the court may direct the department to stay any actual or proposed suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)) for at least forty-five days but not more than ninety days. If the court stays the suspension, revocation, or denial((~~, or placement in probationary status~~)), it may impose conditions on such stay. If the person is otherwise eligible for licensing, the department shall issue a temporary license, or extend any valid temporary license marked under subsection (6) of this section, for the period of the stay. If a deferred prosecution treatment plan is not recommended in the report made under RCW 10.05.050, or if treatment is rejected by the court, or if the person declines to accept an offered treatment plan, or if the person violates any condition imposed by the court, then the court shall immediately direct the department to cancel the stay and any temporary marked license or extension of a temporary license issued under this subsection.

A suspension, revocation, or denial imposed under this section, other than as a result of a breath test refusal, shall be stayed if the person is accepted for deferred prosecution as provided in chapter 10.05 RCW for the incident upon which the suspension, revocation, or denial is based. If the deferred prosecution is terminated, the stay shall be lifted and the suspension, revocation, or denial reinstated. If the deferred prosecution is completed, the stay shall be lifted and the suspension, revocation, or denial canceled.

(11) When it has been finally determined under the procedures of this section that a nonresident's privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended, revoked, or denied, the department shall give information in writing of the action taken to the motor vehicle administrator of the state of the person's residence and of any state in which he or she has a license.

Sec. 2. RCW 46.20.3101 and 1995 c 332 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

Pursuant to RCW 46.20.308, the department shall suspend, revoke, or deny the arrested person's license, permit, or privilege to drive as follows:

(1) In the case of a person who has refused a test or tests:

(a) For a first refusal ((~~within five years~~)), where there has not been a previous incident ((~~within five years~~)) that resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for one year;

(b) For a second or subsequent refusal ((~~within five years~~)), or for a first refusal where there has been one or more previous incidents ((~~within five years~~)) that have resulted in administrative action under this section, revocation or denial for two years or until the person reaches age twenty-one, whichever is longer. A revocation imposed under this subsection (1)(b) shall run consecutively to the period of any suspension, revocation, or denial imposed pursuant to a criminal conviction arising out of the same incident.

(2) In the case of an incident where a person has submitted to or been administered a test or tests indicating that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more:

(a) For a first incident ((~~within five years~~)), where there has not been a previous incident ((~~within five years~~)) that resulted in administrative action under this section, ((~~placement in probationary status as provided in RCW 46.20.355~~)) suspension for ninety days;

(b) For a second or subsequent incident ((~~within five years~~)), revocation or denial for two years.

(3) In the case of an incident where a person under age twenty-one has submitted to or been administered a test or tests indicating that the alcohol concentration of the person's breath or blood was 0.02 or more:

(a) For a first incident ((~~within five years~~)), suspension or denial for ninety days;

(b) For a second or subsequent incident ((~~within five years~~)), revocation or denial for one year or until the person reaches age twenty-one, whichever is longer.

Sec. 3. RCW 46.61.502 and 1994 c 275 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state:

(a) And the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or

(b) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug; or

(2) The fact that a person charged with a violation of this section is or has been entitled to use a drug under the laws of this state shall not constitute a defense against a charge of violating this section.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant consumed a sufficient quantity of alcohol after the time of driving and before the administration of an analysis of the person's breath or blood to cause the defendant's alcohol concentration to be ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more within two hours after driving. The court shall not admit evidence of this defense unless the defendant notifies the prosecution prior to the omnibus or pretrial hearing in the case of the defendant's intent to assert the affirmative defense.

(4) Analyses of blood or breath samples obtained more than two hours after the alleged driving may be used as evidence that within two hours of the alleged driving, a person had an alcohol concentration of ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more in violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, and in any case in which the analysis shows an alcohol concentration above 0.00 may be used as evidence that a person was under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug in violation of subsection (1)(b) or (c) of this section.

(5) A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

Sec. 4. RCW 46.61.504 and 1994 c 275 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A person is guilty of being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person has actual physical control of a vehicle within this state:

(a) And the person has, within two hours after being in actual physical control of the vehicle, an alcohol concentration of ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or

(b) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug; or

(2) The fact that a person charged with a violation of this section is or has been entitled to use a drug under the laws of this state does not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section. No person may be convicted under this section if, prior to being pursued by a law enforcement officer, the person has moved the vehicle safely off the roadway.

(3) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section which the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant consumed a sufficient quantity of alcohol after the time of being in actual physical control of the vehicle and before the administration of an analysis of the person's breath or blood to cause the defendant's alcohol concentration to be ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more within two hours after being in such control. The court shall not admit evidence of this defense unless the defendant notifies the prosecution prior to the omnibus or pretrial hearing in the case of the defendant's intent to assert the affirmative defense.

(4) Analyses of blood or breath samples obtained more than two hours after the alleged being in actual physical control of a vehicle may be used as evidence that within two hours of the alleged being in such control, a person had an alcohol concentration of ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 or more in violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, and in any case in which the analysis shows an alcohol concentration above 0.00 may be used as evidence that a person was under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug in violation of subsection (1)(b) or (c) of this section.

(5) A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

Sec. 5. RCW 46.61.506 and 1995 c 332 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Upon the trial of any civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by any person while driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, if the person's alcohol concentration is less than ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08, it is evidence that may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

(2) The breath analysis shall be based upon grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath. The foregoing provisions of this section shall not be construed as limiting the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question whether the person was under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

(3) Analysis of the person's blood or breath to be considered valid under the provisions of this section or RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 shall have been performed according to methods approved by the state toxicologist and by an individual possessing a valid permit issued by the state toxicologist for this purpose. The state toxicologist is directed to approve satisfactory techniques or methods, to supervise the examination of individuals to ascertain their qualifications and competence to conduct such analyses, and to issue permits which shall be subject to termination or revocation at the discretion of the state toxicologist.

(4) When a blood test is administered under the provisions of RCW 46.20.308, the withdrawal of blood for the purpose of determining its alcoholic or drug content may be performed only by a physician, a registered nurse, or a qualified technician. This limitation shall not apply to the taking of breath specimens.

(5) The person tested may have a physician, or a qualified technician, chemist, registered nurse, or other qualified person of his or her own choosing administer one or more tests in addition to any administered at the direction of a law enforcement officer. The failure or inability to obtain an additional test by a person shall not preclude the admission of evidence relating to the test or tests taken at the direction of a law enforcement officer.

(6) Upon the request of the person who shall submit to a test or tests at the request of a law enforcement officer, full information concerning the test or tests shall be made available to him or her or his or her attorney.

Sec. 6. RCW 88.12.025 and 1993 c 244 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in a reckless manner.

(2) It shall be a violation for a person to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug. A person is considered to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if:

(a) The person has ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath, as shown by analysis of the person's breath made under RCW 46.61.506; or

(b) The person has ((~~0.10~~)) 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood, as shown by analysis of the person's blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or

(d) The person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor and any drug.

The fact that any person charged with a violation of this section is or has been entitled to use such drug under the laws of this state shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section. A person cited under this subsection may upon request be given a breath test for breath alcohol or may request to have a blood sample taken for blood alcohol analysis. An arresting officer shall administer field sobriety tests when circumstances permit.

(3) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable as provided under RCW 9.92.030. In addition, the court may order the defendant to pay restitution for any damages or injuries resulting from the offense.

Sec. 7. RCW 46.20.355 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 17 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Upon ((~~placing a license, permit, or privilege to drive in probationary status under RCW 46.20.3101(2)(a), or upon~~)) receipt of an abstract indicating a deferred prosecution has been granted under RCW 10.05.060, or upon receipt of a notice of conviction of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, the department of licensing shall order the person to surrender any Washington state driver's license that may be in his or her possession. The department shall revoke the license, permit, or privilege to drive of any person who fails to surrender it as required by this section for one year, unless the license has been previously surrendered to the department, a law enforcement officer, or a court, or the person has completed an affidavit of lost, stolen, destroyed, or previously surrendered license, such revocation to take effect thirty days after notice is given of the requirement for license surrender.

(2) The department shall place a person's driving privilege in probationary status as required by RCW 10.05.060((~~, 46.20.308,~~)) or 46.61.5055 for a period of five years from the date the probationary status is required to go into effect.

(3) Following receipt of an abstract indicating a deferred prosecution has been granted under RCW 10.05.060, ((~~or following receipt of a sworn report under RCW 46.20.308 that requires immediate placement in probationary status under RCW 46.20.3101(2)(a),~~)) or upon reinstatement or reissuance of a driver's license suspended or revoked as the result of a conviction of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, the department shall require the person to obtain a probationary license in order to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Washington, except as otherwise exempt under RCW 46.20.025. The department shall not issue the probationary license unless the person is otherwise qualified for licensing, and the person must renew the probationary license on the same cycle as the person's regular license would have been renewed until the expiration of the five-year probationary status period imposed under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) For each original issue or renewal of a probationary license under this section, the department shall charge a fee of fifty dollars in addition to any other licensing fees required. Except for when renewing a probationary license, the department shall waive the fifty-dollar fee if the person has a probationary license in his or her possession at the time a new probationary license is required.

(5) A probationary license shall enable the department and law enforcement personnel to determine that the person is on probationary status. The fact that a person's driving privilege is in probationary status or that the person has been issued a probationary license shall not be a part of the person's record that is available to insurance companies.

Sec. 8. RCW 46.61.5055 and 1997 c 229 s 11 and 1997 c 66 s 14 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has no prior offense ((~~within five years~~)) shall be punished as follows:

(a) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was less than 0.15, or for whom for reasons other than the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

(i) By imprisonment for not less than one day nor more than one year. Twenty-four consecutive hours of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(ii) By a fine of not less than three hundred fifty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. Three hundred fifty dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

(iii) By suspension of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of ninety days. The period of license, permit, or privilege suspension may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall suspend the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

(b) In the case of a person whose alcohol concentration was at least 0.15, or for whom by reason of the person's refusal to take a test offered pursuant to RCW 46.20.308 there is no test result indicating the person's alcohol concentration:

(i) By imprisonment for not less than two days nor more than one year. Two consecutive days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(ii) By a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. Five hundred dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

(iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of one year. The period of license, permit, or privilege suspension may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall suspend the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

(2) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has one prior offense ((~~within five years~~)) shall be punished as follows:

(i) By imprisonment for not less than thirty days nor more than one year. Thirty days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of two years. The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

(i) By imprisonment for not less than forty-five days nor more than one year. Forty-five days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(ii) By a fine of not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. Seven hundred fifty dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

(iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of nine hundred days. The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

(3) A person who is convicted of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 and who has two or more prior offenses ((~~within five years~~)) shall be punished as follows:

(i) By imprisonment for not less than ninety days nor more than one year. Ninety days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(ii) By a fine of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. One thousand dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

(iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of three years. The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege; or

(i) By imprisonment for not less than one hundred twenty days nor more than one year. One hundred twenty days of the imprisonment may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds that the imposition of this mandatory minimum sentence would impose a substantial risk to the offender's physical or mental well-being. Whenever the mandatory minimum sentence is suspended or deferred, the court shall state in writing the reason for granting the suspension or deferral and the facts upon which the suspension or deferral is based; and

(ii) By a fine of not less than one thousand five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars. One thousand five hundred dollars of the fine may not be suspended or deferred unless the court finds the offender to be indigent; and

(iii) By revocation of the offender's license or permit to drive, or suspension of any nonresident privilege to drive, for a period of four years. The period of license, permit, or privilege revocation may not be suspended. The court shall notify the department of licensing of the conviction, and upon receiving notification of the conviction the department shall revoke the offender's license, permit, or privilege.

(4) In exercising its discretion in setting penalties within the limits allowed by this section, the court shall particularly consider whether the person's driving at the time of the offense was responsible for injury or damage to another or another's property.

(5) An offender punishable under this section is subject to the alcohol assessment and treatment provisions of RCW 46.61.5056.

(6) After expiration of any period of suspension or revocation of the offender's license, permit, or privilege to drive required by this section, the department shall place the offender's driving privilege in probationary status pursuant to RCW 46.20.355.

(7)(a) In addition to any nonsuspendable and nondeferrable jail sentence required by this section, whenever the court imposes less than one year in jail, the court shall also suspend but shall not defer a period of confinement for a period not exceeding two years. The court shall impose conditions of probation that include: (i) Not driving a motor vehicle within this state without a valid license to drive and proof of financial responsibility for the future; (ii) not driving a motor vehicle within this state while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours after driving; and (iii) not refusing to submit to a test of his or her breath or blood to determine alcohol concentration upon request of a law enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe the person was driving or was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. The court may impose conditions of probation that include nonrepetition, installation of an ignition interlock or other biological or technical device on the probationer's motor vehicle, alcohol or drug treatment, supervised probation, or other conditions that may be appropriate. The sentence may be imposed in whole or in part upon violation of a condition of probation during the suspension period.

(b) For each violation of mandatory conditions of probation under (a)(i) and (ii) or (a)(i) and (iii) of this subsection, the court shall order the convicted person to be confined for thirty days, which shall not be suspended or deferred.

(c) For each incident involving a violation of a mandatory condition of probation imposed under this subsection, the license, permit, or privilege to drive of the person shall be suspended by the court for thirty days or, if such license, permit, or privilege to drive already is suspended, revoked, or denied at the time the finding of probation violation is made, the suspension, revocation, or denial then in effect shall be extended by thirty days. The court shall notify the department of any suspension, revocation, or denial or any extension of a suspension, revocation, or denial imposed under this subsection.

(8)((~~(a)~~)) A "prior offense" means any of the following:

((~~(i)~~)) (a) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or an equivalent local ordinance;

((~~(ii)~~)) (b) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.504 or an equivalent local ordinance;

((~~(iii)~~)) (c) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.520 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;

((~~(iv)~~)) (d) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.522 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug;

((~~(v)~~)) (e) A conviction for a violation of RCW 46.61.5249 or 9A.36.050, or an equivalent local ordinance, if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522;

((~~(vi)~~)) (f) An out-of-state conviction for a violation that would have been a violation of (a)((~~(i)~~)), ((~~(ii)~~)) (b), ((~~(iii)~~)) (c), ((~~(iv)~~)) (d), or ((~~(v)~~)) (e) of this subsection if committed in this state;

((~~(vii)~~)) (g) A deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW granted in a prosecution for a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance; or

((~~(viii)~~)) (h) A deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW granted in a prosecution for a violation of RCW 46.61.5249, or an equivalent local ordinance, if the charge under which the deferred prosecution was granted was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522.

((~~(b) "Within five years" means that the arrest for a prior offense occurred within five years of the arrest for the current offense.~~))

Sec. 9. RCW 10.05.010 and 1985 c 352 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

In a court of limited jurisdiction a person charged with a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor may petition the court to be considered for a deferred prosecution program. The petition shall be filed with the court at least seven days before the date set for trial but, upon a written motion and affidavit establishing good cause for the delay and failure to comply with this section, the court may waive this requirement subject to the defendant's reimbursement to the court of the witness fees and expenses due for subpoenaed witnesses who have appeared on the date set for trial.

A person charged with a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor under Title 46 RCW shall not be eligible for a deferred prosecution program unless the court makes specific findings pursuant to RCW 10.05.020. Such person shall not be eligible for a deferred prosecution program more than once ((~~in any five-year period~~)). Separate offenses ((~~committed more than seven days apart~~)) may not be consolidated in a single program.

Sec. 10. RCW 10.05.120 and 1994 c 275 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~Upon~~)) Three years after receiving proof of successful completion of the two-year treatment program, but not before five years following entry of the order of deferred prosecution, the court shall dismiss the charges pending against the petitioner.

Sec. 11. RCW 10.05.160 and 1985 c 352 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:

The prosecutor may appeal an order granting deferred prosecution on any or all of the following grounds:

(1) Prior deferred prosecution has been granted to the defendant ((~~within five years~~));

(2) Failure of the court to obtain proof of insurance or a treatment plan conforming to the requirements of this chapter;

(3) Failure of the court to comply with the requirements of RCW 10.05.100;

(4) Failure of the evaluation facility to provide the information required in RCW 10.05.040 and 10.05.050, if the defendant has been referred to the facility for treatment. If an appeal on such basis is successful, the trial court may consider the use of another treatment facility.

Sec. 12. RCW 46.01.260 and 1997 c 66 s 11 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the director, in his or her discretion, may destroy applications for vehicle licenses, copies of vehicle licenses issued, applications for drivers' licenses, copies of issued drivers' licenses, certificates of title and registration or other documents, records or supporting papers on file in his or her office which have been microfilmed or photographed or are more than five years old. If the applications for vehicle licenses are renewal applications, the director may destroy such applications when the computer record thereof has been updated.

(2)(a) The director shall not destroy records of convictions or adjudications of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, 46.61.520, and 46.61.522 and shall maintain such records permanently on file.

(b) The director shall not((~~, within ten years from the date of conviction, adjudication, or entry of deferred prosecution,~~)) destroy records of the following:

(i) ((~~Convictions or adjudications of the following offenses: RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504;~~

~~(ii)~~)) If the offense was originally charged as one of the offenses designated in (a) ((~~or (b)(i)~~)) of this subsection, convictions or adjudications of the following offenses: RCW 46.61.500 ((or)), 46.61.5249, 9A.36.050, or any other violation that was originally charged as one of the offenses designated in (a) ((~~or (b)(i)~~)) of this subsection; or

((~~(iii)~~)) (ii) Deferred prosecutions granted under RCW 10.05.120.

(c) For purposes of RCW 46.52.100 and 46.52.130, offenses subject to this subsection shall be considered "alcohol-related" offenses.

Sec. 13. RCW 46.20.285 and 1996 c 199 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall forthwith revoke the license of any driver for the period of one calendar year unless otherwise provided in this section, upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of any of the following offenses, when the conviction has become final:

(1) For vehicular homicide the period of revocation shall be two years. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;

(2) Vehicular assault. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;

(3) Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle, ((upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the second such conviction for the driver within a period of five years. Upon a showing that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of five years, the period of revocation shall be two years)) for the period prescribed in RCW 46.61.5055;

(4) Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;

(5) Failure to stop and give information or render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or resulting in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by another;

(6) Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the department under Title 46 RCW or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles;

(7) Reckless driving upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of two years.

Sec. 14. RCW 46.20.391 and 1995 c 332 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person licensed under this chapter who is convicted of an offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of the driver's license is mandatory, other than vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, may submit to the department an application for an occupational driver's license. The department, upon receipt of the prescribed fee and upon determining that the petitioner is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that the petitioner operate a motor vehicle, may issue an occupational driver's license and may set definite restrictions as provided in RCW 46.20.394. No person may petition for, and the department shall not issue, an occupational driver's license that is effective during the first thirty days of any suspension or revocation imposed for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504. A person aggrieved by the decision of the department on the application for an occupational driver's license may request a hearing as provided by rule of the department.

(2) An applicant for an occupational driver's license is eligible to receive such license only if:

(a) Within one year immediately preceding the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction, the applicant has not committed any offense relating to motor vehicles for which suspension or revocation of a driver's license is mandatory; and

(b) ((~~Within five years immediately preceding~~)) Prior to the date of the offense that gave rise to the present conviction, the applicant has not committed any of the following offenses: (i) Driving or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor; (ii) vehicular homicide under RCW 46.61.520; or (iii) vehicular assault under RCW 46.61.522; and

(c) The applicant is engaged in an occupation or trade that makes it essential that he or she operate a motor vehicle; and

(d) The applicant files satisfactory proof of financial responsibility pursuant to chapter 46.29 RCW.

(3) The director shall cancel an occupational driver's license upon receipt of notice that the holder thereof has been convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of its restrictions, or of an offense that pursuant to chapter 46.20 RCW would warrant suspension or revocation of a regular driver's license. The cancellation is effective as of the date of the conviction, and continues with the same force and effect as any suspension or revocation under this title.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 15. A new section is added to chapter 46.61 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Immediately before the court orders a sentence, or deferred prosecution under RCW 10.05.120, for any offense listed in subsection (2) of this section, the court and prosecutor shall verify the defendant's criminal history and driving record. The order shall include specific findings as to the criminal history and driving record. For purposes of this section, the criminal history shall include all previous convictions and orders of deferred prosecution, as reported through the judicial information system or otherwise available to the court or prosecutor, current to within the periods specified in subsection (3) of this section before the date of the order. For purposes of this section, the driving record shall include all information reported to the court by the department of licensing.

(2) The offenses to which this section applies are violations of (a) RCW 46.61.502 or an equivalent local ordinance; (b) RCW 46.61.504 or an equivalent local ordinance; (c) RCW 46.61.520 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug; (d) RCW 46.61.522 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug; and (e) RCW 46.61.5249 or 9A.36.050, or an equivalent local ordinance, if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, or of RCW 46.61.520 or 46.61.522.

(3) The periods applicable to previous convictions and orders of deferred prosecution are: (a) One working day, in the case of previous actions of courts that fully participate in the state judicial information system; and (b) seven calendar days, in the case of previous actions of courts that do not fully participate in the judicial information system. For purposes of this subsection, "fully participate" means regularly providing records to and receiving records from the system by electronic means on a daily basis.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 16. The legislature finds that driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug is a serious threat to public safety and a major contributor to accidental deaths, injuries, and damage to property on the public highways, streets, and roads. Substantial law enforcement resources are devoted to enforcing laws against this conduct and apprehending violators. The legislature intends to establish and strengthen remedial measures to prevent from driving persons who have driven under the influence. The impoundment or forfeiture of a vehicle operated in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is intended to be a civil, in rem action against the vehicle in order to remove it from the public highways and reduce the risk posed to traffic safety by a vehicle accessible to a driver who is reasonably believed to have violated these laws.

Sec. 17. RCW 46.55.113 and 1997 c 66 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever the driver of a vehicle is arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, the arresting officer may take custody of the vehicle and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety, and, if authorized by local ordinance or state agency rule, the vehicle is subject to impoundment at the direction of a law enforcement officer. In addition, a police officer may take custody of a vehicle and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety under any of the following circumstances:

(1) Whenever a police officer finds a vehicle standing upon the roadway in violation of any of the provisions of RCW 46.61.560, the officer may provide for the removal of the vehicle or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the vehicle to a position off the roadway;

(2) Whenever a police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon a highway where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic or jeopardizes public safety;

(3) Whenever a police officer finds an unattended vehicle at the scene of an accident or when the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is physically or mentally incapable of deciding upon steps to be taken to protect his or her property;

(4) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is arrested and taken into custody by a police officer;

(5) Whenever a police officer discovers a vehicle that the officer determines to be a stolen vehicle;

(6) Whenever a vehicle without a special license plate, card, or decal indicating that the vehicle is being used to transport a disabled person under RCW 46.16.381 is parked in a stall or space clearly and conspicuously marked under RCW 46.61.581 which space is provided on private property without charge or on public property;

(7) Upon determining that a person is operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license in violation of RCW 46.20.005 or with a license that has been expired for ninety days or more, or with a suspended or revoked license in violation of RCW 46.20.342 or 46.20.420.

Nothing in this section may derogate from the powers of police officers under the common law. For the purposes of this section, a place of safety may include the business location of a registered tow truck operator.

Sec. 18. RCW 46.55.120 and 1996 c 89 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Vehicles or other items of personal property registered or titled with the department that are impounded by registered tow truck operators pursuant to RCW 46.55.080, 46.55.085, or 46.55.113 may be redeemed only under the following circumstances:

(a) Only the legal owner, the registered owner, a person authorized in writing by the registered owner or the vehicle's insurer, a person who is determined and verified by the operator to have the permission of the registered owner of the vehicle or other item of personal property registered or titled with the department, or one who has purchased a vehicle or item of personal property registered or titled with the department from the registered owner who produces proof of ownership or written authorization and signs a receipt therefor, may redeem an impounded vehicle or items of personal property registered or titled with the department. In addition, any person redeeming a vehicle impounded because the driver was arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 must prior to redemption establish with the agency that ordered the vehicle impounded that he or she has a valid driver's license and is in compliance with RCW 46.30.020. A vehicle impounded because the driver is arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 may be released only pursuant to a written order from the agency that ordered the vehicle impounded.

(b) The vehicle or other item of personal property registered or titled with the department shall be released upon the presentation to any person having custody of the vehicle of commercially reasonable tender sufficient to cover the costs of towing, storage, or other services rendered during the course of towing, removing, impounding, or storing any such vehicle. Commercially reasonable tender shall include, without limitation, cash, major bank credit cards, or personal checks drawn on in-state banks if accompanied by two pieces of valid identification, one of which may be required by the operator to have a photograph. If the towing firm can determine through the customer's bank or a check verification service that the presented check would not be paid by the bank or guaranteed by the service, the towing firm may refuse to accept the check. Any person who stops payment on a personal check or credit card, or does not make restitution within ten days from the date a check becomes insufficient due to lack of funds, to a towing firm that has provided a service pursuant to this section or in any other manner defrauds the towing firm in connection with services rendered pursuant to this section shall be liable for damages in the amount of twice the towing and storage fees, plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

(2)(a) The registered tow truck operator shall give to each person who seeks to redeem an impounded vehicle, or item of personal property registered or titled with the department, written notice of the right of redemption and opportunity for a hearing, which notice shall be accompanied by a form to be used for requesting a hearing, the name of the person or agency authorizing the impound, and a copy of the towing and storage invoice. The registered tow truck operator shall maintain a record evidenced by the redeeming person's signature that such notification was provided.

(b) Any person seeking to redeem an impounded vehicle under this section has a right to a hearing in the district court for the jurisdiction in which the vehicle was impounded to contest the validity of the impoundment or the amount of towing and storage charges. The district court has jurisdiction to determine the issues involving all impoundments including those authorized by the state or its agents. Any request for a hearing shall be made in writing on the form provided for that purpose and must be received by the district court within ten days of the date the opportunity was provided for in subsection (2)(a) of this section. If the hearing request is not received by the district court within the ten-day period, the right to a hearing is waived and the registered owner is liable for any towing, storage, or other impoundment charges permitted under this chapter. Upon receipt of a timely hearing request, the district court shall proceed to hear and determine the validity of the impoundment.

(3)(a) The district court, within five days after the request for a hearing, shall notify the registered tow truck operator, the person requesting the hearing if not the owner, the registered and legal owners of the vehicle or other item of personal property registered or titled with the department, and the person or agency authorizing the impound in writing of the hearing date and time.

(b) At the hearing, the person or persons requesting the hearing may produce any relevant evidence to show that the impoundment, towing, or storage fees charged were not proper. The court may consider a written report made under oath by the officer who authorized the impoundment in lieu of the officer's personal appearance at the hearing.

(c) At the conclusion of the hearing, the district court shall determine whether the impoundment was proper, whether the towing or storage fees charged were in compliance with the posted rates, and who is responsible for payment of the fees. The court may not adjust fees or charges that are in compliance with the posted or contracted rates.

(d) If the impoundment is found proper, the impoundment, towing, and storage fees as permitted under this chapter together with court costs shall be assessed against the person or persons requesting the hearing, unless the operator did not have a signed and valid impoundment authorization from a private property owner or an authorized agent.

(e) If the impoundment is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the registered and legal owners of the vehicle or other item of personal property registered or titled with the department shall bear no impoundment, towing, or storage fees, and any security shall be returned or discharged as appropriate, and the person or agency who authorized the impoundment shall be liable for any towing, storage, or other impoundment fees permitted under this chapter. The court shall enter judgment in favor of the registered tow truck operator against the person or agency authorizing the impound for the impoundment, towing, and storage fees paid. In addition, the court shall enter judgment in favor of the registered and legal owners of the vehicle, or other item of personal property registered or titled with the department, for reasonable damages for loss of the use of the vehicle during the time the same was impounded, for not less than fifty dollars per day, against the person or agency authorizing the impound. However, if an impoundment arising from an alleged violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is determined to be in violation of this chapter, then the law enforcement officer directing the impoundment and the local government or state agency employing the officer are not liable for damages if the officer had probable cause to believe the driver of the vehicle was in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504. If any judgment entered is not paid within fifteen days of notice in writing of its entry, the court shall award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs against the defendant in any action to enforce the judgment. Notice of entry of judgment may be made by registered or certified mail, and proof of mailing may be made by affidavit of the party mailing the notice. Notice of the entry of the judgment shall read essentially as follows:

TO: . . . . . .

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED JUDGMENT was entered against you in the . . . . . . Court located at . . . . . . in the sum of $. . . . . ., in an action entitled . . . . . ., Case No. . . . . YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that attorneys fees and costs will be awarded against you under RCW . . . if the judgment is not paid within 15 days of the date of this notice.

DATED this . . . . day of . . . . . ., 19. . .

Signature ..................

Typed name and address

of party mailing notice

(4) Any impounded abandoned vehicle or item of personal property registered or titled with the department that is not redeemed within fifteen days of mailing of the notice of custody and sale as required by RCW 46.55.110(2) shall be sold at public auction in accordance with all the provisions and subject to all the conditions of RCW 46.55.130. A vehicle or item of personal property registered or titled with the department may be redeemed at any time before the start of the auction upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees.

Sec. 19. RCW 46.61.5058 and 1995 c 332 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((Upon the arrest of a person or upon the filing of a complaint, citation, or information in a court of competent jurisdiction, based upon probable cause to believe that a person has violated RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or any similar municipal ordinance, if such person has a prior offense within five years as defined in RCW 46.61.5055, and where the person has been provided written notice that any transfer, sale, or encumbrance of such person's interest in the vehicle over which that person was actually driving or had physical control when the violation occurred, is unlawful pending either acquittal, dismissal, sixty days after conviction, or other termination of the charge, such person shall be prohibited from encumbering, selling, or transferring his or her interest in such vehicle, except as otherwise provided in (a), (b), and (c) of this subsection, until either acquittal, dismissal, sixty days after conviction, or other termination of the charge. The prohibition against transfer of title shall not be stayed pending the determination of an appeal from the conviction.

~~(a) A vehicle encumbered by a bona fide security interest may be transferred to the secured party or to a person designated by the secured party;~~

~~(b) A leased or rented vehicle may be transferred to the lessor, rental agency, or to a person designated by the lessor or rental agency; and~~

(c) A vehicle may be transferred to a third party or a vehicle dealer who is a bona fide purchaser or may be subject to a bona fide security interest in the vehicle unless it is established that (i) in the case of a purchase by a third party or vehicle dealer, such party or dealer had actual notice that the vehicle was subject to the prohibition prior to the purchase, or (ii) in the case of a security interest, the holder of the security interest had actual notice that the vehicle was subject to the prohibition prior to the encumbrance of title.

(2) On conviction for a violation of either RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or any similar municipal ordinance where the person convicted has a prior offense within five years as defined in RCW 46.61.5055, the motor vehicle the person was driving or over which the person had actual physical control at the time of the offense, if the person has a financial interest in the vehicle, is subject to seizure and forfeiture pursuant to this section.

(3) A vehicle subject to forfeiture under this chapter may be seized by a law enforcement officer of this state upon process issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. Seizure of a vehicle may be made without process if the vehicle subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a forfeiture proceeding based upon this section.

(4) Seizure under subsection (3) of this section automatically commences proceedings for forfeiture. The law enforcement agency under whose authority the seizure was made shall cause notice of the seizure and)) If a vehicle is impounded because the operator is arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, the vehicle may be held for up to fifteen days at the written direction of the agency ordering the vehicle impounded and must not be released until a person eligible to redeem it under RCW 46.55.120(1)(a) pays all towing, removal, and storage fees, notwithstanding the fact that the impoundment was ordered by a government agency. However, if the department's records show that the operator has a prior offense, as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(8), and the operator has a financial interest in the vehicle, the vehicle is subject to forfeiture. If the vehicle is forfeited, then the forfeiting agency shall pay all the impoundment, towing, and storage fees for the vehicle and shall be entitled to recover those fees from the operator of the forfeited vehicle, including any attorneys' fees, costs of collection, and interest at the statutory rate for judgment interest from the date of payment by the agency of such fees.

(2) A forfeiture proceeding is commenced by the law enforcement agency causing notice of the intended forfeiture of the seized vehicle to be served ((~~within fifteen~~)) not less than ten days after the seizure on the registered tow truck operator that impounded the vehicle, on the owner of the vehicle seized, on the person in charge of the vehicle when it was seized, and on any person having a known right or interest in the vehicle, including a community property interest. The notice ((~~of seizure~~)) may be served by any method authorized by law or court rule, including but not limited to service by certified mail with return receipt requested. Service by mail is complete upon mailing ((~~within the fifteen-day period after the seizure~~)). Notice ((~~of seizure~~)) in the case of ((~~property~~)) a vehicle subject to a security interest that has been perfected on a certificate of title shall be made by service upon the secured party or the secured party's assignee at the address shown on the financing statement ((or)), the certificate of title, or the transitional ownership record. Once the registered tow truck operator that impounded the vehicle receives notice, the vehicle must not be released except upon written order of the chief law enforcement officer of the agency directing the impoundment or his or her designee, an administrative law judge, or a court.

((~~(5)~~)) (3) If no person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the seized vehicle within forty-five days of the seizure, the vehicle is deemed forfeited.

((~~(6)~~)) (4) If a person notifies the seizing law enforcement agency in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the seized vehicle within forty-five days of the seizure, the law enforcement agency shall give the person or persons a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right. At the hearing, if the seizing agency proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the vehicle was operated by a person in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, and that person has a prior offense as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(8), and has an ownership interest in the vehicle, then the vehicle shall be forfeited. The hearing shall be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or the chief law enforcement officer's designee, except where the seizing agency is a state agency as defined in RCW 34.12.020, the hearing shall be before the chief law enforcement officer of the seizing agency or an administrative law judge appointed under chapter 34.12 RCW, except that any person asserting a claim or right may remove the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction. Removal may only be accomplished according to the rules of civil procedure. The person seeking removal of the matter must serve process against the state, county, political subdivision, or municipality that operates the seizing agency, and any other party of interest, in accordance with RCW 4.28.080 or 4.92.020, within forty-five days after the person seeking removal has notified the seizing law enforcement agency of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession. The court to which the matter is to be removed shall be the district court when the aggregate value of the vehicle is within the jurisdictional limit set forth in RCW 3.66.020. A hearing before the seizing agency and any appeal therefrom shall be under Title 34 RCW. In a court hearing between two or more claimants to the vehicle involved, the prevailing party shall be entitled to a judgment for costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The burden of producing evidence shall be upon the person claiming to be the legal owner or the person claiming to have the lawful right to possession of the vehicle. The seizing law enforcement agency shall promptly return the vehicle to the claimant upon a determination by the chief law enforcement officer or designee, the administrative law judge, or the court that the claimant is the present legal owner under Title 46 RCW or is lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle.

((~~(7)~~)) (5) When a vehicle is forfeited under this chapter the seizing law enforcement agency may sell the vehicle, retain it for official use, or upon application by a law enforcement agency of this state release the vehicle to that agency for the exclusive use of enforcing this title; provided, however, that the agency shall first satisfy any bona fide ((~~security interest to which the vehicle is subject under subsection (1)(a) or (c) of this section~~)) community property interest in the vehicle of a person other than the person whose operation of the vehicle in violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 led to the forfeiture, and any bona fide security interest to which the vehicle is subject. The community property interest shall be calculated as one-half of the sale price of a vehicle sold at auction, or one-half of the fair market value of a vehicle retained or otherwise disposed of, without deduction of towing, removal, and storage fees.

((~~(8)~~)) (6) When a vehicle is forfeited, the seizing agency shall keep a record indicating the identity of the prior owner, if known, a description of the vehicle, the disposition of the vehicle, the value of the vehicle at the time of seizure, and the amount of proceeds realized from disposition of the vehicle.

((~~(9)~~)) (7) Each seizing agency shall retain records of forfeited vehicles for at least seven years.

((~~(10)~~)) (8) Each seizing agency shall file a report including a copy of the records of forfeited vehicles with the state treasurer each calendar quarter.

((~~(11)~~)) (9) The quarterly report need not include a record of a forfeited vehicle that is still being held for use as evidence during the investigation or prosecution of a case or during the appeal from a conviction.

((~~(12)~~)) (10) By January 31st of each year, each seizing agency shall remit to the state treasurer an amount equal to ten percent of the net proceeds of vehicles forfeited during the preceding calendar year. Money remitted shall be deposited in the public safety and education account.

((~~(13)~~)) (11) The net proceeds of a forfeited vehicle is the value of the forfeitable interest in the vehicle after deducting the cost of satisfying a bona fide community property and security interest to which the vehicle is subject at the time of seizure and all towing, removal, and storage fees; and in the case of a sold vehicle, after deducting the cost of sale, including reasonable fees or commissions paid to independent selling agents.

((~~(14)~~)) (12) The value of a sold forfeited vehicle is the sale price. The value of a retained forfeited vehicle is the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of seizure, determined when possible by reference to an applicable commonly used index, such as the index used by the department of licensing. A seizing agency may, but need not, use an independent qualified appraiser to determine the value of retained vehicles. If an appraiser is used, the value of the vehicle appraised is net of the cost of the appraisal.

(13) When a vehicle is forfeited under this chapter, the seizing law enforcement agency shall send to the department a copy of the order of forfeiture. Upon receipt of that order, the department shall cancel the registration and license plates of the vehicle. A new registration and license plates may be issued for the vehicle only to: (a) A person who purchases the vehicle from the seizing law enforcement agency; (b) the seizing law enforcement agency; or (c) another law enforcement agency.

(14) Notwithstanding RCW 46.52.120(2), in any hearing under this section to contest the validity of the forfeiture, an abstract of the person's driving record may be admitted as and is prima facie evidence that the person was convicted of each offense shown by the abstract. In addition, a certified vehicle registration of the vehicle sought to be forfeited shall be admissible without further evidentiary foundation.

(15) No determination of facts made by a person conducting a hearing under this section or RCW 46.55.120 shall have any collateral estoppel effect on a subsequent criminal prosecution, and such a determination shall not preclude litigation of those same facts in a subsequent criminal prosecution.

Sec. 20. RCW 46.12.240 and 1987 c 388 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal by the director of any license or certificate provided for in chapters 46.12 and 46.16 RCW is conclusive unless the person whose license or certificate is suspended, revoked, canceled, or refused appeals to the superior court of Thurston county, or at his option to the superior court of the county of his residence, for the purpose of having the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal of the license or certificate set aside. Notice of appeal must be filed within ten days after receipt of the notice of suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal. Upon the filing of the notice of appeal the court shall issue an order to the director to show cause why the license should not be granted or reinstated, which order shall be returnable not less than ten days after the date of service thereof upon the director. Service shall be in the manner prescribed for service of summons and complaint in other civil actions. Upon the hearing on the order to show cause, the court shall hear evidence concerning matters with reference to the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal of the license or certificate and shall enter judgment either affirming or setting aside the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal.

(2) This section does not apply to vehicle registration cancellations under RCW ((~~46.16.710 through 46.16.760~~)) 46.61.5058(13).