Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2447
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Categorizing certain new entrants to the vehicle market as wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Barkis and Shea.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/20
Staff: Mark Matteson (786-7145).
Background:
An off-road vehicle (ORV) is a vehicle that is used for recreational purposes on nonhighway roads, trails, and other natural terrain. Off-road vehicles include all-terrain vehicles, certain motorcycles, dune buggies, and certain four-wheel drive vehicles. Off-road vehicles are a subset of a broader category of vehicles regulated under state law called nonhighway vehicles, which includes any motorized vehicle, other than watercraft, snowmobiles, and certain agricultural and logging vehicles, when used for recreational purposes on nonhighway roads, trails, or other natural terrain.
A wheeled all-terrain vehicle (WATV) is a specific category of an ORV that is regulated separately from other ORVs under some aspects of a state law first enacted in 2013 that also allow the vehicle to be used on public roads under certain conditions. There are two types of WATVs that are regulated with respect to travel on public roads. One is a motorized nonhighway vehicle with certain specifications: handlebars of 50 inches or less in width; a seat with a height of at least 20 inches; a maximum weight of 1,500 pounds; and four tires with a maximum diameter of 30 inches. The second is a utility-type vehicle (UTV) designed for and capable of travel over designated roads with certain specifications: four or more low-pressure tires of 20 pounds per square inch or less; a maximum width of less than 74 inches; a maximum weight of less than 2,000 pounds; and a wheelbase of 110 inches or less. The latter category of WATV must satisfy one of three additional specifications: a minimum width of 50 inches; a minimum weight of 900 pounds; or a wheelbase of over 61 inches.
Summary of Bill:
The class of UTVs that is regulated as WATVs under state law is expanded to include vehicles with a maximum weight of less than 4,000 pounds and no limitations on tire pressure.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.