FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5763

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.

C 195 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning collector truck operators.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Wagoner, Takko and Honeyford).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: A person must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) to legally drive a commercial vehicle in Washington. Several types of vehicles are characterized as commercial vehicles under Washington law. Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more is a commercial vehicle. This designation also covers any combination of vehicles if the vehicle being driven has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds when the combined GVWR equals 26,001 pounds or more.

Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers are considered commercial vehicles, as are school buses. Certain vehicles carrying hazardous materials are also considered commercial vehicles.

To obtain a CDL, a person must apply to the Department of Licensing (DOL) and pay the application fee. DOL will not issue a CDL unless the applicant is a resident of the state; has successfully completed an approved commercial-driver instruction course; has passed a knowledge and skills test that complies with state and federal requirements; and has fulfilled the requirements of the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act, together with any other state laws or other federal regulations. A medical examiner must certify that a person is physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle.

The federal government also regulates commercial drivers under the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include driver's license standards and driver qualifications. States must comply with certain federal requirements, and the secretary of Transportation can withhold a portion of federal funding from noncomplying states.

Summary: A collector truck operator is exempted from CDL licensing requirements. To qualify as a collector truck, the vehicle must:

The collector truck cannot be used in the operations of a common or contract motor carrier or used for commercial purposes.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

46

2

House

98

0

Effective:

October 1, 2019.