SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5646

                            AS OF JANUARY 27, 1992

Brief Description:  Requiring snowmobilers to wear helmets.

SPONSORS:Senators Saling and West.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Hearing Dates:March 5, 1991; January 30, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Current regulations require that snowmobiles be operated at a safe speed, with lights after night, and with adequate brakes and mufflers.  Violation of these requirements constitutes a traffic infraction.   

Snowmobile fatality accidents have occurred on an annual basis.  It is believed that many of these deaths would not have occurred if the person had worn a helmet.  There is no law requiring operators or riders of snowmobiles to wear helmets.

SUMMARY:

All snowmobile operators and riders must wear a protective helmet that is attached with a chin or neck strap and has full ear protection.  The helmet must conform to the helmet rules adopted by the State Patrol.  The helmet is not required to be worn while loading or unloading the snowmobile from a trailer.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested