Special treatment -- state legislators get a pass on speeding tickets



SEATTLE -- Washington state legislators headed to work are constitutionally protected from getting speeding tickets, according to the Washington State Patrol. Lawmakers are exempt from receiving non-criminal traffic tickets during the legislative session and 15 days before the session begins, WSP spokesman Bob Calkins said.

The protection extends throughout the state -- not just near the capitol in Olympia. According to Article II, Section 16 of the Washington State Constitution: "Members of the legislature shall be privileged from arrest in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace; they shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the legislature, nor for fifteen days next before the commencement of each session."

The law was created to prevent legislators from being delayed when heading to the capitol for a vote.