When a person gets a ticket for a moving violation, such as speeding or rolling through a stop sign, they can have their license suspended if they fail to either pay the ticket or appear in court. Then, if they are pulled over while driving with a suspended license, they can be charged with a criminal offense. SB 5226 would remove that charge as a criminal offense and make the matter of paying tickets and appearing in court for moving violations a civil issue so that people are not having charges piled on and needing to choose between using their vehicle for work and life events, and facing another charge for driving with a suspended license.

Driving While License Suspended (DWLS-3) is the most commonly-charged crime in Washington State and disproportionately impacts people of color, people in poverty, and young people. SB 5226 is out of Rules and is awaiting floor action.

ACTION: Email your Senator to urge them to vote for this bill.

Find Your Senator here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

Sample Script:

I urge you to support the Driving While License Suspended (DWLS-3) bill, SB 5226. This important criminal justice bill would make the DWLS-3 charge a civil matter rather than a criminal one. This charge disproportionately impacts people of color, people in poverty, and young people and is the most commonly-charged crime in WA State. Failing to pay a ticket or appear in court for a minor moving infraction should not force an individual to choose between facing a criminal charge by driving with a suspended license and being able to get to work or take care of their families because they cannot use their vehicle for transportation.

And don’t forget to register for Wednesday’s Monthly General Meeting here: https://www.mobilize.us/seattleindivisible/event/376884/