Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2862
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: Modifying the meaning of motorcycle to include other steering mechanisms.
Sponsors: Representative Orcutt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/20
Staff: Beth Redfield (786-7140).
Background:
The definition of motorcycle includes two variations, both of which may not have more than three wheels. The first and original definition is that the driver rides on a seat or saddle and the vehicle is steered with a handlebar. A second definition, added in 2009, is that the driver rides on a seat in a partially or completely enclosed seating area that is equipped with safety belts, and is steered with a steering wheel.
Meeting the definition of motorcycle confers certain privileges relating to high-occupancy vehicle access, exemption from high occupancy toll lane tolls, and for motorcycles with seatbelts and enclosed seating areas, an exemption from the requirement for a motorcycle endorsement on a driver's license.
Summary of Bill:
The second definition of a motorcycle in which the rider is seated in a partially or completely enclosed seating area, uses a seatbelt, and steers with a steering wheel is modified to also allow steering with a handlebar.
Corresponding definitions of motorcycle are also updated in several other laws: seat belt requirements, helmet requirements, and detection of motorcycles at intersections.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.