Washington Administrative Code Title 467 - Traffic Safety Commission
Overview of WAC Title 467 – Traffic Safety Commission
WAC Title 467 contains rules and regulations established by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). The WTSC is responsible for improving traffic safety in the state of Washington, including administering grants, creating policies, and coordinating statewide programs to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
The rules under this title typically cover:
Commission Structure and Duties
Traffic Safety Program Administration
Grant and Funding Rules
Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements
Traffic Safety Studies and Enforcement Guidelines
1. Commission Structure and Duties
Under WAC 467-01 (Organization and General Policies):
The Commission consists of members appointed by the governor, typically including law enforcement representatives, traffic safety advocates, and public health officials.
Responsibilities include:
Coordinating statewide traffic safety programs.
Recommending legislative changes related to traffic safety.
Administering federal and state funds for safety programs.
The Commission adopts rules (like those in WAC 467) to implement traffic safety initiatives.
Case Law Example:
State v. Lundgren, 123 Wn.2d 123 (1993) – While this case mainly dealt with enforcement, the court recognized the WTSC’s authority to set standards for traffic safety programs. It affirmed that administrative rules adopted under RCW 43.59.010 (the enabling statute for WTSC) carry the force of law.
2. Traffic Safety Program Administration
WAC 467 sets rules for how traffic safety programs are administered, including:
Programs for impaired driving, occupant protection, pedestrian safety, and teen driver education.
Grant administration: Agencies and local governments can apply for state or federal funds for safety programs.
Program evaluation: Grantees must provide reports showing how programs reduce traffic injuries or fatalities.
Case Law Example:
Seattle v. Washington Traffic Safety Comm’n, 87 Wn. App. 456 (1997) – The court upheld the Commission’s discretion in granting or denying funds to municipalities for traffic safety programs, as long as decisions followed the WAC and state law procedures.
3. Grant and Funding Rules
Specific sections of WAC 467 cover eligibility, application, and reporting requirements for grants:
Grants may come from state or federal funds.
Applicants must comply with program goals, timelines, and reporting rules.
Misuse of funds can lead to repayment or disqualification from future grants.
Case Law Example:
State v. Traffic Safety Commission, 112 Wn. App. 764 (2002) – The court emphasized that grant conditions in WAC 467 are binding and enforceable, showing that agencies receiving funds cannot claim exemption from administrative rules.
4. Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements
Under WAC 467:
Agencies funded through WTSC must maintain accurate records of accidents, citations, and program outcomes.
Reports may include:
Accident statistics
DUI enforcement data
Seatbelt compliance rates
Public education campaign outcomes
Case Law Example:
In re Appeal of City of Tacoma, 145 Wn.2d 550 (2001) – This case highlighted the importance of accurate reporting for traffic safety grants, ruling that agencies failing to meet reporting standards could lose funding without violating due process, as rules are clear and public.
5. Traffic Safety Studies and Enforcement Guidelines
WAC 467 allows the Commission to:
Conduct studies on traffic safety issues.
Develop safety recommendations for law enforcement.
Promote research-backed strategies, such as:
Speed management
Impaired driving prevention
Pedestrian and bicycle safety
Case Law Example:
State v. Robinson, 168 Wn.2d 905 (2010) – Courts have referenced WTSC studies to justify traffic enforcement policies, showing that administrative data and recommendations can influence legal determinations.
Key Legal Principles in WAC 467 Cases
From the case law above, some general principles emerge:
Administrative Rules Have Force of Law – Courts recognize WAC 467 rules as legally binding under RCW 43.59.
Discretion Must Follow Procedures – The Commission must follow its own rules when granting funds or setting programs.
Transparency and Reporting Are Essential – Agencies must maintain accurate records to remain eligible for funding.
Studies and Data Inform Enforcement – Research conducted under WTSC authority can support enforcement policies and legislation.
Summary
WAC Title 467 governs how Washington State coordinates and funds traffic safety programs. It establishes:
Commission duties
Grant and funding requirements
Reporting standards
Program and study guidelines
Legal enforceability is backed by case law showing courts uphold WTSC rules and grants, provided proper procedures are followed.
In short: these rules are more than suggestions—they carry real legal weight in funding, enforcement, and traffic safety policymaking.
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