(1) The limousine carrier shall, before a chauffeur operates a limousine, provide proof in a form approved by the department to the appropriate regulating authority that each chauffeur hired to operate a limousine meets the following criteria administered or monitored by the department or an authority approved by the department: (a) Is at least twenty-one years of age; (b) holds a valid Washington state driver’s license; (c) has successfully completed a training course approved by the department; (d) has successfully passed a written examination which, to the greatest extent practicable, the department must administer in the applicant’s language of preference; (e) has successfully completed a background check performed by the Washington state patrol or a credentialing authority approved by the department that meets standards adopted by rule by the department; (f) has passed an initial test and is participating in a random testing program designed to detect the presence of any controlled substances determined by the department; (g) has a satisfactory driving record that meets moving accident and moving violation conviction standards adopted by rule by the department; and (h) has submitted a medical certificate certifying the individual’s fitness as a chauffeur. Upon initial application and every two years thereafter, a chauffeur must file a physician’s certification with the limousine carrier validating the individual’s fitness to drive a limousine. The department shall determine by rule the scope of the examination and standards for denial based upon the chauffeur’s physical examination. The director may require a chauffeur to undergo an additional controlled substance test or physical examination if the chauffeur has failed a controlled substance test or his or her physical fitness has been called into question.

(2) The limousine carrier shall keep on file and make available for inspection all documents required by this section.

Report by internal work group on issuance of chauffeur licenses—2011 c 374: “The department of licensing shall convene an internal work group regarding the issuance of chauffeur licenses. The department shall provide a report on its recommendations on this issue to the transportation committees of the legislature by November 15, 2012.” [ 2011 c 374 § 13.]

Effective date—2011 c 374 §§ 1-12: See note following RCW 46.72A.010.