Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1371
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Modifying limitations on the use of intermediate licenses.
Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong, Hunt, Ross, Walsh, Ormsby, Miloscia, Van De Wege, Shea, Priest, Hasegawa, Hope and Upthegrove.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/09
Staff: David Munnecke (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. Drivers who hold an IDL are also prohibited from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless a licensed driver 25 or older is also in the vehicle. These restrictions may only be enforced as secondary infractions.
Beginning with the issuance of the IDL and until the age of 18:
If a driver commits a traffic infraction, violates any IDL license restrictions, or is involved in an accident, the driver is sent a warning letter by the Department of Licensing.
If a second offense is committed, a letter suspending the driver for six months (or until age 18, whichever is shorter) is sent to the driver.
For a third offense the driver is suspended until age 18.
The driver's parents also receive a copy of any warning or suspension letter sent to the driver.
After a year of driving safely without an infraction, violation, or accident, the IDL driving restrictions expire and will not be reimposed. However, the driver is still subject to receiving the intermediate license warning letter and license suspension penalties until age 18. Driving with a suspended IDL is a misdemeanor.
Summary of Bill:
The extension of the intermediate license restrictions for involvement in an accident is limited to accidents for which an intermediate license holder also receives a related traffic infraction.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/31/09.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.