Washington State DOL clarifies driving requirements for minors in the workplace
July, 2005
The Washington State Department of Labor recently updated its policy to steer employers away from liability when employees, ages 16 and 17, are driving for non-agricultural jobs.
These new driving requirements and restrictions should serve as a guide to employers.
Driving Requirements and Restrictions
No employee 16 years of age or under may drive on public roadways. 17 year olds may drive on public roadways only if specific requirements are met. Requirements include completion of a Washington State approved driver ed course, no previous moving violation records, and driving during day time hours.
Under State law, the driving may only be occasional and incidental to the 17 year olds employment; not the primary job activity. Federal laws mandate that 17 year olds spend no more than one-third of the work time in any workday and no more than 20 percent of the work time in any workweek driving.
Prohibited Duties – on a Public Roadway
Minors are prohibited from being involved in the following on public roadways: towing a vehicle or piece of equipment, driving a motorcycle, ATV, golf car, or bus, driving a delivery route, transportation for hire, urgent, time-sensitive deliveries, transporting more than three passengers, driving beyond a 30-mile radius from the youth's place of employment, making more than two trips away from the youth's primary place of employment in a single day for deliveries, and driving on a logging, saw-milling, or mining operation, or in any excavation activity.
Other Related Restrictions on Private Property
Finally, all minors are prohibited from work which involves directing moving motor vehicles in or around warehouses or loading and unloading areas. 16 and 17 year olds may drive on a private employer's premises if the driving is occasional and incidental to their job and does not violate any other prohibition listed in child labor regulations involving operation of heavy equipment. Moving cars on private property for an auto repair shop or moving cars at a car wash are examples of driving that is incidental to the job of washing or repairing cars.
For more information, please contact your Bullivant employment lawyer.