Bill Would Put Brakes On Unlicensed Drivers Police Could Impound Offenders’ Cars From 30 To 90 Days

Tue., March 10, 1998

Associated Press

A majority of lawmakers felt it was unfair to allow police to impound cars of accused drunken drivers, but the sentiment didn’t extend Monday to people caught driving with suspended licenses.

Voting unanimously, the House sent to the governor a Senate-amended measure that would allow police to impound for between 30 and 90 days the cars of drivers with suspended or revoked licenses. The length of impoundment would depend on the reasons behind the suspension or revocation.

Those with drunken-driving records, for example, would be treated more harshly. The owners of the impounded cars would be required to pay towing and impound fees in order to get back their vehicles.

In other action, the Legislature also shipped Gov. Gary Locke two more from a sheaf of bills to clamp down on drunken driving, and a bill permitting punishment of minors caught with tobacco.

Scurrying to act on scores of bills before the Thursday adjournment of the 60-day session, the Legislature also sent the governor a bill imposing mild regulations on the content of commercial fertilizer, a measure giving a tax break to the Emerald Downs horse-racing track and a bill requiring insurance coverage for victims of domestic violence.

Last week, the House killed a Senate measure allowing police to impound the cars of drunken drivers upon arrest, deciding it denied the drivers due process to prove their innocence and could be a hardship on their families.

But the chamber didn’t hesitate in approving the impound punishment for people who drive with suspended licenses. Lawmakers were told in hearings that police and prosecutors estimate there are 250,000 motorists in Washington driving with suspended or revoked licenses.

There is a difference between accused drunken drivers and people driving without a license, said Rep. Larry Sheahan, R-Rosalia. The latter already have been through the system and have had due process, he said.

Locke is expected to sign the bill.

The House also approved Senate amendments to a bill to punish minors for possessing tobacco. The chamber sent to Locke HB1746, allowing authorities to impose $50 fines on minors caught with tobacco. Minors also could be sentenced to four hours of community service and be required to enroll in smoking-cessation programs.

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