Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

SB 5138

Brief Description:  Increasing the weight of vehicles exempted from scale stops.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Hochstatter, Benton, Oke, Stevens, McCaslin, Honeyford, Swecker, Sheahan, Johnson, Zarelli, Hale and Rossi.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Commercial vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or less are not required to stop at weigh stations operated by the Washington State Patrol.

Hearing Date:  2/20/02

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background:

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) currently has a total of 52 stationary scale facilities located throughout the state.  Five of the stationary scales are Ports of Entry, which are strategically located on major interstate routes that are entry points for trucks into Washington.  These Ports of Entry are operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are staffed by commercial vehicle enforcement officers (CVEOs) and commercial vehicle officers (CVOs) that perform weighing and inspections of trucks.

The 47 interior scales are operated on an intermittent basis.  Regular hours are not kept at these scales so as not to establish a pattern of when the scales are open.  In addition, there are not sufficient personnel to staff all the interior scales all of the time.

Currently, all trucks or truck combinations with a gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 pounds or less do not have to stop at weigh stations.  Buses, recreational vehicles used for noncommercial purposes, and vehicles towing a horse trailer for noncommercial purposes are also not required to stop at the scales.

All trucks carrying hazardous materials, regardless of weight, are required to stop at weigh stations.

Summary of Bill:

Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or combination weight of 26,000 pounds or less are not required to stop at stationary scale facilities operated by the WSP.  Trucks carrying hazardous materials, regardless of weight, are required to stop at weigh stations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.