US EditionState Senate Approves Lower Drunk Driving Limit
The bill aims to reduce alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, with 409 deaths linked to impaired drivers in 2023, and mandates a public education campaign and impact report.
- On Jan. 28, the Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 5067 by a 26-23 vote to lower the BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05%, sending it to the House.
- Data from Washington Traffic Safety Commission show 2021 had 674 traffic deaths, including 345 alcohol-related, and supporters cited Utah's 20% fatal crash drop after lowering the BAC limit.
- Senate Bill 5067 requires the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to run a statewide public education campaign and the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to report on the law's first two years by March 1, 2029.
- Opponents argued the.05% limit could increase legal exposure for servers and bartenders, with Sen. Keith Wagoner calling it a potential 'business killer' for Washington hospitality businesses.
- If the House and governor approve it, the change would take effect on July 1 and the House will likely hold public hearings while a companion bill by Rep. Brandy Donaghy, D-Snohomish County awaits committee action.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Bill to lower legal blood-alcohol limit for WA drivers clears hurdle
A bill to lower Washington’s blood-alcohol limit for drivers has cleared a major hurdle. Senate Bill 5067, which would lower the limit from .08 to .05, passed the state Senate Wednesday. “This legislation is about community safety,” Democratic Senator John Lovick, a prime sponsor of the bill, said. “It’s about changing the culture of driving in our state.” Lovick has served as the Snohomish County Sheriff and as a Washington State Trooper. “I i…
WA Senate hands proposal to reduce drunk driving limit to .05 over to House Dems
(The Center Square) - The Washington State Senate passed a bill on Wednesday lowering blood alcohol limits for impaired driving that critics warn may increase legal exposure for servers and
Bellevue Reporter
State Senate approves lower drunk driving limit
The bill drops it to 0.05% from 0.08%; still needs House approval
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