A bill introduced near the end of the 2021 legislative session will get a hearing this week in the Senate Transportation Committee.

SB 5485, sponsored by Senator Joe Nguyen (D–Seattle), would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping or detaining a driver of a motor vehicle to enforce multiple moving violations, parking violations, and other violations such as failure to maintain proof of vehicle insurance.

Additionally, law enforcement could not stop or detain a driver for suspected DUI solely based on the odor of marijuana.

The violations listed in the bill could only be enforced as a secondary offense when the driver has been detained for a moving violation.

AWC has concerns about preemption as local departments can already limit the reasons for traffic stops.  AWC will continue to monitor the legislation.

Date to remember

SB 5485 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday, February 3 at 4 pm.