SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5276

BYSenators Barr, Smith, Hansen, and Benitz

Exempting recreational horse trailers from special driver licensing requirements.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 31, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Conner, DeJarnatt, Hansen, McMullen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cathy Mayo (786-7304)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Current administrative rules of the Department of Licensing state that any driver pulling a trailer with a weight of 5,000 pounds or more must have a combination endorsement on his or her driver's license.  Anyone hauling farm commodities within a 50-mile radius, and recreational vehicles are excluded from this requirement.

Many people who use a horse trailer to transport horses for recreational purposes are unaware that their horse trailer may weigh in excess of 5,000 pounds and that they are therefore required to have a commercial driver's license.

SUMMARY:

It is unlawful for any person to operate on any public road a motor truck and trailer that is found by the director to require special operating skills unless the driver has a commercial vehicle operator's license.  This requirement does not apply to a person driving a vehicle pulling a horse trailer for recreational use.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Alan Oates, Department of Licensing