The bill amends RCW 46.61.500 to redefine reckless driving, specifying that a person is guilty of reckless driving if they drive a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety or intentionally exceed the posted speed limit by more than 30 miles per hour. The penalties for reckless driving are established as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $5,000. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a person's driving license will be suspended for at least 30 days upon conviction, with provisions for credit towards any suspension already served if the reckless driving charge originated from a violation of specific speeding laws.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of reckless driving with prior offenses within seven years must install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles they operate, particularly if the conviction stems from certain alcohol-related charges. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.61.500
Substitute Bill: 46.61.500