HB 2308 would reinforce Washington’s requirement that drivers carry valid auto insurance or other approved financial responsibility and give law enforcement better tools to respond when uninsured drivers repeatedly ignore the law or cause harm to others

Rep. David Stuebe has introduced legislation to better enforce Washington’s motor vehicle insurance requirements and improve accountability for repeat uninsured drivers.

House Bill 2308 would reinforce Washington’s long-standing requirement that drivers carry valid auto insurance or other approved financial responsibility and give law enforcement better tools to respond when uninsured drivers repeatedly ignore the law or cause harm to others.

“Driving without insurance puts everyone else on the road at risk,” said Stuebe, R-Washougal. “When uninsured drivers cause accidents, law-abiding people pay the price. This bill is about fairness, responsibility, and public safety.”

Under current law, drivers are required to carry at minimum liability insurance and present proof when requested by law enforcement. HB 2308 would strengthen enforcement by clarifying penalties and expanding the circumstances under which vehicles may be detained or impounded. The bill allows officers to detain a vehicle until proof of insurance is provided and requires impoundment when a driver has at least two prior insurance violations within three years or causes an accident resulting in damage to another person or property while uninsured.

“This legislation is designed to deter repeat offenders,” Stuebe said. “If someone forgets their proof but later shows they were insured, the citation is dismissed. However, if someone repeatedly drives without insurance or causes an accident while uninsured, they need to be held accountable.”

HB 2308 would also update Washington’s vehicle impoundment statute to explicitly include serious uninsured driving violations as grounds for impoundment, placing them alongside offenses such as DUI, driving with a suspended license, and illegal racing.

“Most Washingtonians follow the law and carry insurance,” said Stuebe. “They shouldn’t be forced to shoulder the financial burden created by a small number of drivers who refuse to take responsibility.”

The bill aims to reduce uninsured driving, promote safer roads, and help ensure that accident victims are not left without recourse.

“For me, this is about protecting responsible drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, and reinforcing a basic expectation of operating a vehicle in our state,” Stuebe concluded. “If you choose to drive without insurance, then you need to take responsibility for the consequences.”

HB 2308 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration and is awaiting a public hearing.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov

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