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Committee hears support for increasing distracted‑driving penalties in school and playground zones
Summary
ESSB 5705 would double base penalties for using a personal electronic device while driving in school playground and crosswalk speed zones, deposit doubled amounts into a school zone safety account, and include non‑waivable provisions; the Traffic Safety Commission and other witnesses urged support citing a rise in distracted‑driving fatalities.
Committee members heard a briefing and public testimony on Engrossed Senate Bill 5705, which raises penalties for use of personal electronic devices while driving in designated school playground and crosswalk speed zones.
Committee staff explained the bill’s mechanics: the base civil penalty for a first device‑use infraction would be increased (staff summarized the underlying fee structure, noting an illustrative total of $150 for a base first infraction that would increase to $248 when doubled for school/playground zones); second and subsequent infractions would be…
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