Feb. 9, 2009

Armstrong's change to teen drivers' license restrictions advances
Intermediate licensees would no longer be penalized for accidents not their fault

Teenage drivers holding an intermediate license who have been involved in an accident that was not their fault would no longer receive a warning letter against their driving record if Rep. Mike Armstrong has his way.

Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, has sponsored legislation that would modify the limitations of the state's intermediate driver's license law.

"The way the law is now written, if you are a 16- or 17-year-old driver with an intermediate driver's license and you are sitting at a stop light and somebody slams into you, the Department of Licensing will issue you a warning letter, even though the accident was not your fault. That's not fair for our younger drivers and it is time to change that law," said Armstrong.

Armstrong noted a second warning letter for a traffic infraction comes with a six-month suspension (or until the driver turns 18, whichever comes first). For a third traffic offense, the driver is suspended until 18.

House Bill 1371 clarifies the law so that the restrictions are limited to those who committed a traffic infraction related to the accident.

"You actually would have to be the cause of a wreck instead of an innocent bystander in order to receive a warning letter," added Armstrong.

The measure passed the House Transportation Committee unanimously last week and is in the House Rules Committee waiting to be sent to the floor for further action.

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