FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5883

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.

Background: In Washington, no vehicle or combination of vehicles may operate on the public highways with a gross load on any single axle in excess of 20,000 pounds or upon any group of axles in excess of that designated in statute, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each. Trucks are registered based on a declared gross vehicle weight with a graduated fee schedule in statute. Overweight permits are also available based on a graduated fee schedule.

The board of county commissioners of each county may, by resolution, limit or prohibit classes or types of vehicles on any county road or bridge and may limit the weight of vehicles which may travel on a county road or bridge. Any resolution must be effective for a definite period of time, which must be stated in the resolution.

A violation of the size, weight, and load laws is a traffic infraction. The basic penalty is $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense, and $100 for third or subsequent offenses. In addition to the base penalty, a graduated penalty for the number of pounds overweight is specified in statute.

Summary: The penalties for a violation of the gross vehicle weight laws are modified when the vehicle or combination of vehicles is carrying farm products, from the field where it was grown or harvested and the vehicle exceeds gross vehicle weight limits by 5 percent or less.

The penalties are not applicable and a written warning must be issued if the driver has not been issued a traffic infraction or has received no more than one written warning in a calendar year.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	94	3	(House amended)
Senate	47	1	(Senate concurred)