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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Washington State Senator Mike Carell (R-Lakewood) wants everyone on the state's roads to be able to know which drivers have been caught driving drunk. He is sponsoring a bill which would require fluorescent-yellow license plates to be placed on the cars of convicted drunk drivers for a year, starting when their driving privileges are restored.

Carrell says that it could it could aid law-abiding drivers in giving a wider berth to drivers who could be a risk.

However, there is some disagreement that public designation is the best way to work towards cracking down on drunk drivers.

Senator Brian Weinstein (D-Mercer) said that the first thing he was reminded of was reading "The Scarlet Letter," a novel in which the protagonist was punished for adultery by being ordered to wear the letter "A" on her chest.

Weinstein said he is obviously opposed to drunk driving, but he doesn't think the bill would solve anything and would only serve to public embarrass many people.

The bill received approval last week from the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now before the Transportation Committee.

DUI offenders would incur charges of $10 for each plate for cars and $2 for motorcycles and mopeds.

There are similar requirements for DUI offenders in the states of Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oregon.