Legislation pre-filed for the 2024 session in Olympia could lead to stricter penalties for drivers without liability insurance, potentially including vehicle impoundment. The bill, House Bill 1865, sponsored by Republican Rep. Leonard Christian of Spokane Valley, seeks to allow impoundment of vehicles following a third violation for lacking insurance coverage.
The measure comes amid growing concern about the impact of uninsured drivers, who can cause significant harm to lives and property, and exacerbate injuries in the event of an accident. Washington state law mandates that drivers carry motor vehicle liability insurance or demonstrate sufficient financial responsibility to cover damages they may cause to others. Lawmakers hope these changes will help improve compliance.
The proposed legislation aims to modify the enforcement mechanisms already in place, deterring repeat offenders, and preventing those who have already caused harm while driving uninsured from continuing to violate the law. Under the proposed bill, law enforcement officers would have the discretion to intervene under certain circumstances if they discover a driver in violation of insurance requirements.
Specifically, if a driver has received citations for this violation at least twice in the past three years, or has caused an accident resulting in damage while driving uninsured within that same timeframe, officers will have the authority to take action to prevent further violations. This includes detaining both the driver and their vehicle until a licensed driver with valid insurance or financial responsibility arrives to take control.
Furthermore, officers are empowered to authorize the impoundment of the vehicle in these circumstances. If a driver meets both criteria — multiple citations and causing an accident without insurance — law enforcement would be required to impound the vehicle.
The legislation seeks to curb uninsured driving and hold accountable those who repeatedly disregard insurance mandates or cause accidents without coverage. The bill will be discussed when the legislative session convenes in January.
