Brief Description: Allowing intermediate drivers to carry unrelated underage passengers.

Sponsors: Representatives Nixon and Kirby.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Jill Satran (786-7315).

Background:

Washington's Intermediate Drivers' License (IDL) law prohibits drivers who hold an IDL from carrying passengers under 20 years of age in their car for the first six months after issuance of the license, unless the passenger is an immediate family member. During the remaining period of the IDL (up to the age of 18), the driver may not carry more than three non-family member passengers under the age of 20.

After the first year, the restriction on the number and relatedness of passengers may be suspended if the IDL holder:

      •    has not been involved in a car accident,

      •    has not been convicted of a traffic violation, and

      •    has not violated the IDL restrictions.

Summary of Bill:

House Bill 2376 modifies the Intermediate Driver License Law passenger restrictions. The bill would allow an intermediate licensee to carry up to three non-family members under the age of 20 during the first six months after issuance of the license (or the driver turns 18, which ever is first). If the driver is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver over the age of 25, the driver may carry any number of under-age passengers.

The bill also removes any passenger restrictions after the first six months have passed since the IDL was issued.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.