Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee
ESB 5081
Brief Description: Revising the provisions around unattended motor vehicles.
Sponsors: Senators Fortunato, Christian, McCune and Wilson, J..
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
  • Exempts a motor vehicle with an engine that has been activated by a remote starter system from the prohibition against leaving a vehicle unattended if it is locked and the keys to the ignition are not in the vehicle. 
Hearing Date: 3/13/25
Staff: Jennifer Harris (786-7143).
Background:

A person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle is prohibited from permitting the vehicle to stand unattended without first turning the vehicle off, removing the key from the ignition, and setting the vehicle's break.  When the vehicle is standing on a road with a grade, the front wheels of the vehicle must be turned to the curb or side of the roadway.

 

The most recent driver of a motor vehicle that has been left standing unattended who learns that the vehicle has become set in motion and has struck another vehicle or property, or has caused injury to a person, must:

  • If only the vehicle or property is damaged and has been left unattended:  take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property or leave in a conspicuous place a written notice, with his or her name and address; and report the collision.
  • If there is damage to property with a person present or if there is injury to a person:  provide his or her name, address, insurance company, insurance policy number, and vehicle license number; show his or her vehicle driver's license to the person involved; and provide reasonable assistance to any person injured.

 

If a person fails to stop or comply with these requirements:

  • In the case of a collision resulting in death to a person, the person is guilty of a Class B felony.
  • In the case of a collision resulting in injury to a person, the person is guilty of a Class C felony.
  • In the case of a collision resulting only in vehicle or property damage where a person is attending the vehicle, the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
  • In the case of a collision resulting only in vehicle or property damage where a person is not attending the vehicle, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor.  

 

Class B felonies have a penalty of up to 10 years in a state correctional institution and/or a fine of not more than $20,000.  Class C felonies have a penalty of up to five years in a state correctional institution and/or a fine of not more than $10,000.  Gross misdemeanors have a penalty of up to one year in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.   Misdemeanors have a penalty of up to 90 days in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. 

 

The driver's license or instruction permit of a person convicted for failure to stop and give information or render aid following a collision must be revoked.
Summary of Bill:

A motor vehicle with an engine that has been activated by a remote starter system is not considered unattended if the motor vehicle is locked and the keys to the ignition are not in the motor vehicle. 

 

A person who has left a motor vehicle standing after starting the engine by remote starter system who learns that the vehicle has become set in motion and has struck another vehicle or property, or has caused injury to a person, must comply with the same requirements as apply to the most recent driver of a motor vehicle that has been left standing unattended in the same circumstances.

 

"Remote starter system" is defined as any device installed in a motor vehicle that allows the engine of the vehicle to be started by remote or radio control.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.