ANALYSIS OF HB 1139

HOUSE AGRICULTURE & ECOLOGY COMMITTEE   JANUARY 30, 2001

$Authorizes a 30-day special permit for overweight vehicles having cereal grains, dry peas, lentils or canola.

Background:

State law prescribes size and weight limitations for motor vehicles traveling in Washington.  Maximum gross weights for motor vehicles and combinations of vehicles are specified in statute, based generally on the number of axles and the distance between axles.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) may issue special permits for oversize or overweight vehicles under specified circumstances.  Examples of movements for which a special permit may be issued include a mobile or manufactured home exceeding length limitations and a solid waste or recycling collection truck exceeding weight limitations.

Vehicle operators must apply to the DOT for special permits to carry loads exceeding the statutory weight limitations.  The DOT may issue these special permits upon a showing of good cause, and a statutory fee is imposed for any of these special permits.  Administrative regulations adopted by the DOT state a special permit may issue when, among other conditions, the applicant has demonstrated the load cannot reasonably be dismantled or disassembled.

Federal law specifies weight and width limitations for interstate highways.  Federal regulations require states to certify, on an annual basis, that state weight laws and regulations are adequately enforced and conform to federal weight requirements for interstate and federally aided highways.  If a state fails to certify or to adequately enforce weight laws, federal funds to the state may be reduced by 10 percent for the following fiscal year.

Summary:

A fee of $3.50 per 1,000 pounds is specified for a 30-day special permit for overweight trucks hauling cereal grains, dry peas, lentils or canola.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) may issue the special permit and assess the fee for overweight two-axle and three-axle trucks hauling cereal grains, dry peas, lentils, or canola no more than 35 miles to the point of storage or sale.

Appropriation:None.

Fiscal Note:Requested on January 18, 2001.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of regular session.