Committee reviews bill widening unattended-vehicle rules, creates exception for remote starters

Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, heard March 13 before the Washington State House Transportation Committee, would require a person who leaves a motor vehicle unattended to turn it off, remove the key, and set the brake; it creates a limited exception for vehicles started by remote starter systems that remain locked and without ignition keys inside.

The proposal was presented to the committee by Jennifer Harris, committee staff, who summarized the bill’s operations and penalties. Under the bill, the last driver who left a vehicle unattended but later learns the vehicle set in motion and struck another vehicle, property or person must try to locate and notify the owner or leave a conspicuous written note with name and address, and then report the collision. If there is injury or death, the statute requires providing name, address, insurance information and…