The bill seeks to improve young driver safety by implementing new requirements for obtaining a driver's license for individuals aged 18 to 25, effective January 1, 2027. It mandates that applicants complete a driver training education course, with specific behind-the-wheel instruction hours based on age: six hours for those aged 18 to 21 and three hours for those aged 22 to 24. A condensed traffic safety education course is also introduced for those aged 22 to 25, requiring at least eight hours of classroom instruction and three hours of behind-the-wheel training. The bill allows for waivers of the education requirement under certain conditions and tasks the Department of Licensing with monitoring the implementation of these new regulations.
Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to driver training education and establishes a voucher program to assist low-income novice drivers. It introduces a "driver education safety improvement account" to fund various driver education programs, with revenue generated from speed safety camera systems in highway work zones being allocated to this account. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol regarding speed safety camera systems, including penalties for violations and a public awareness campaign. Furthermore, it addresses the distribution of earnings from the treasury income account, ensuring that various state accounts benefit from these earnings while specifying effective dates for certain provisions.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 46.20.100, 46.20.181, 46.82.280, 46.20.120, 46.20.055, 46.68.041, 46.17.025, 46.68.220, 46.63.200