Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SB 5260
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 combination of vehicle provisions.
Sponsors: Senators King, Haugen, Eide, Swecker, Delvin, Hobbs and Ericksen; by request of Department of Transportation.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/8/11
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
A saddlemount combination is a combination of vehicles in which a truck or truck tractor tows one or more trucks or truck tractors. Each one is connected by a saddle or fifth wheel to the vehicle in front of it. The saddle is a mechanism that connects the front axle of the towed vehicle to the frame or fifth wheel of the vehicle in front and functions like a fifth wheel kingpin connection. When two vehicles are towed in this manner, the combination is called a double saddlemount combination. When three vehicles are towed in this manner, the combination is called a triple saddlemount combination. These combinations are used when there is a need to move multiple vehicles, for example, from a truck manufacturer to a truck dealer. Current Washington law prohibits a combination of these vehicles to exceed 75 feet in overall length. In 2005 the federal law was changed to prohibit any state to impose a length for these saddlemount combinations of less or more than 97 feet. Federal law states that non-compliance with the federally mandated saddlemount length could lead to a 10 percent reduction of federal aid for the National Highway System apportioned to the state for the next fiscal year.
When seeking to enforce a federal law or regulation, an agency, through the Washington Administrative Code, may adopt the federal rules and regulations as a state rule.
Summary of Bill:
The bill removes the 75-foot restriction from existing Washington statutes regarding the saddlemount combination.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.