SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5147

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.

As of January 30, 2017

Title: An act relating to exemptions from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Brief Description: Providing an exemption from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs and King.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/23/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

Exempts public transit vehicles with bike racks from a three foot vehicle front extension limitation.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)

Background: Current law requires that the load or any portion of a vehicle on a public highway may not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper, or front wheels if not equipped with a front bumper. Current law includes an exemption for front-loading garbage and recycling trucks doing collections on route at speeds no more than 20 miles per hour.

The Washington State Department of Transportation may issue special permits for vehicles exceeding the length limitations set forth in statute. Washington Administrative Code currently allows special permits for a vehicle with a front overhang "not exceeding four feet beyond the three foot legal limit." The citation amount for a violation of the statute without such a permit is $179.

Summary of Bill: Public transit vehicles equipped with a bike rack are exempt from the requirement that a vehicle's load shall not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper or front wheels.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: This is a good bill that helps all communities around the state. The bill would accommodate buses with bike racks holding three bikes, rather than bike racks that hold just two bikes as under the current limit. The bill will provide intermodal connections, help WSDOT and transit agencies avoid the bureaucratic annual permit process, and provide a long-term solution. A four-foot limit would probably be acceptable to the transit agencies as an alternative to the underlying bill.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Hobbs, Prime Sponsor; Justin Leighton, Washington State Transit Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.