FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5541

                          C 202 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Restricting the distance a vehicle may travel in a two‑way left‑turn lane.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Wood, Goings and Winsley; by request of Washington State Patrol).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation Policy & Budget

Background:  The existing statute regarding two-way left turn lanes only states that a vehicle may not pass another in a two-way left turn lane.  Drivers often travel significant distances in two-way left turn lanes before making a turn or entering traffic.  This increases the risk of right-of-way collisions, especially during peak traffic hours.

Summary:  The distance in which a vehicle can travel in a two-way left turn lane is 300 feet.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 45 3

House     91 6

Effective:  July 27, 1997