VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5442

                        May 20, 1991

To the Honorable, the Senate

  of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval, Senate Bill No. 5442, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to motorcycle permit restrictions."

      This bill restricts issuance of a motorcycle instruction permit to individuals who have satisfactorily completed a motorcycle rider course or individuals who wish to change endorsement categories.  Additionally, it removes the five-year experience standard on those who supervise a rider with an instruction permit.

      Presently, the instruction permit is provided to a licensed driver as an opportunity to master his or her skills for riding a motorcycle under the supervision of a veteran motorcyclist prior to seeking the motorcycle license.  Also, the department of licensing may require this person to pass the written portion of the motorcycle license examination prior to issuance of the instruction permit.

      Enactment of this legislation amends the permitting process by requiring a motorcycle rider course prior to obtaining the motorcycle instruction permit.  As such, a person would be required to locate a course, make an investment of time, and pay a $30 fee.  It is not clear that these courses are readily available in the various geographic locations of the state, as well as, conveniently accessible to the public.  As a result, the proposed change may unintentionally lead to greater numbers of "un-permitted" or "unlicensed" riders on our roadways.

      For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill No. 5442, in its entirety.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor