The bill aims to improve traffic safety in Washington by enhancing compliance, enforcement, and data collection related to vehicle violations. It establishes a grant program under the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to support local initiatives targeting nonmoving violations for low-income road users, emphasizing nonpunitive interventions like helmet and repair vouchers. Additionally, the bill mandates that peace officers log the primary reason for vehicle stops and restricts the enforcement of certain nonmoving violations, which is intended to reduce biased traffic stops and enhance overall road safety. Key provisions include prohibiting peace officers from stopping vehicles for nonmoving violations unless there is an immediate safety threat and requiring comprehensive reporting of traffic stops, including demographic data.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to expand the authority of Washington state patrol officers regarding vehicle inspections and driver compliance. It allows officers to require drivers to stop and present their licenses and submit their vehicles for inspection during daylight hours, introducing a ten-day grace period after a warning ticket is issued for identified defects before any criminal citation can be given. The legislation also includes a provision for its liberal interpretation to ensure its intended purpose is fulfilled, stating that it will take precedence over conflicting statutes or regulations, along with a severability clause to maintain enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.32.005, 46.37.005, 46.37.320, 46.37.365, 46.37.470, 46.64.030, 46.64.070