Commercial Motor Vehicle Licensing and Training Requirements.

No person may drive a commercial motor vehicle unless the person holds, and is in immediate possession of, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements valid for the vehicle the person is driving–subject to certain limited exceptions, and except when driving under a commercial learner's permit and valid driver's license and accompanied by the holder of a CDL.

No person may be issued a commercial driver's license unless that person:

1. is a resident of the state;
2. has successfully completed a course of instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that has been approved by the Department of Licensing (DOL), or has been certified by an employer as having the skills and training necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely;
3. has been issued a commercial learner's permit; and
4. has passed a knowledge and skills examination for driving a commercial motor vehicle that complies with minimum federal standards established by federal regulation, in addition to other requirements imposed by state law or federal regulation.

Minimum course length requirements for courses certified by the DOL are mandated in administrative code and vary by license classification.  Required topics of training include street driving training and backing maneuvers.  Minimum course length requirements do not apply to employer training.  Training must include classroom instruction and a combination of lab training, range training, and observation. 

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enforcement Fee.

Commercial motor vehicle carriers with terminals in the state are required to pay a $16 annual fee.  This fee is apportioned for interstate vehicles operating under the International Registration Plan.  After deduction by the DOL for costs of administration, fees must be deposited in the State Patrol Highway Account of the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Establishment of the Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council.

The Washington State Commercial Truck Safety and Education Council (Council) is established in the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (Commission) to deliver programs and projects that improve the safety of the commercial trucking industry.  The Council is authorized to exercise powers necessary to carry out its purposes, including, but not limited to:

1. development of programs and projects, including enhancing safety and training, providing for research and development, and educating the public;
2. providing for the payment of Council costs;
3. coordinating Council activities with industry associations and others to provide the efficient delivery of services;
4. authority to contract with entities to carry out the purpose of the Council;
5. authority to apply for, receive, and accept grants, loans, and gifts;
6. authority to enter into cooperative endeavor agreements with the Trucking Foundation of Washington, or its successor entity, a non-profit corporation, for the use of staff and resources; and
7. authority to provide grants targeted at improving commercial motor vehicle safety and training.

The Council must meet quarterly, with an initial meeting to be convened by the Commission no later than January 2027. 

Beginning December 31, 2027, the Council is required to annually report its activities, findings, and recommendations during the preceding year to the Transportation Committees of the Legislature.

Council Membership.

The following Council members are required to be appointed by the Governor:

• the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, or the Chief's designee;
• the Director of the DOL, or the Director's designee;
• the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation, or the Secretary's designee;
• the Executive Director of the Washington Trucking Associations (WTA) or the Executive Director's designee;
• the Director of the Commission, or the Director's designee;
• the Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, or the Executive Director's designee;
• one member of the general public; and
• three members from a trucking industry association or associations, with consideration given to a list of six nominees submitted by the WTA.

The Council may consult with other governmental entities or individuals from the public or private sector who have a unique interest or expertise in commercial vehicle safety, training, and efficient operations.

Funding for Council Activities.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement Fee assessed on commercial motor vehicles is increased from $16 to $32.  The additional revenue is directed to the Commercial Truck Safety and Education Account (Commercial Truck Safety Account), which is created as a non-appropriated account to be used only for commercial vehicle safety and training improvement activities, administrative support, and grant projects and programs administered by the Council.  Only the Director of the Commission or the Director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account.

The Council is authorized to oversee expenditures of the Commercial Truck Safety Account.  Not more than 5 percent of the funds deposited in the Commercial Truck Safety Account may be expended for administrative expenses related to its use.

Information Privacy and Liability.

Documents prepared by, or for, Council activities are inadmissible and may not be used in a civil or administrative proceeding, unless admissible for other reasons.  The Council may not publicly disclose confidential information, nor may a person in attendance at a meeting of the Council or who participated in document production or retention for the Council be permitted to testify regarding confidential information.

The Council may review, only to the extent otherwise permitted by law or court rule when determined to be relevant or necessary, law enforcement incident documentation, supplemental reports, probable cause statements, 911 dispatcher reports, and any other information relevant to the review.

Representatives of the Council are immune from civil liability for an activity related to reviews of particular fatalities and serious injuries if acting in good faith, without malice, and within the parameters of their responsibilities.