FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1561

                         C 208 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Allowing solid rubber tires on farm machinery.

Sponsors:  Representatives Schoesler, Grant, McMorris, Mastin, G. Chandler, Lisk, Parlette, Mulliken, Delvin and Cox.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

A vehicle operating on a public highway must be equipped with pneumatic rubber tires (filled with compressed air), except when equipped with temporary spare tires that meet federal standards.  Farm machinery with pneumatic tires and protuberances that do not damage the roadway may be moved along a state highway without a permit.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) may issue special permits for the movement of vehicles with movable tracks, farm tractors, and farm equipment.

Farm equipment is currently being manufactured that is equipped with solid rubber tracks that allow the operator to transverse any type of terrain while keeping the tractor weight evenly distributed.  These tracks place less pounds per square inch on the surface than a conventional tire.

The DOT is authorized to prohibit the use of vehicles with solid rubber tracks that cause damage to the highway.

Summary:

Farm machinery equipped with solid rubber tracks may be moved along a state highway, without a special permit, as long as the tracks do not damage the highway.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate460

Effective:July 25, 1999