SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5727

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Transportation, February 27, 1997

Title:  An act relating to rearview mirrors on trucks.

Brief Description:  Requiring rearview mirrors on certain delivery trucks.

Sponsors:  Senators Wood, Haugen, Jacobsen, Hargrove, Finkbeiner, Deccio, Heavey, Goings, McAuliffe, Patterson, Prentice, Winsley, Kohl and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/25/97, 2/27/97 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5727 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Prince, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Haugen, Goings, Heavey, Jacobsen, Oke, Patterson, Prentice, Rasmussen and Sellar.

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786-7322)

Background:  The state has the ability to adopt certain motor vehicle safety standards so long as the standards are at least as stringent as federal law, and so long as the federal government has not preempted state regulation of the subject matter.

Currently, there is no requirement under either federal or state law that delivery trucks be equipped with rear "crossview" mirrors.  These mirrors better enable the driver of a truck to see objects directly behind the vehicle.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Delivery-type trucks registered in Washington that are up to 18 feet long must be equipped with rear crossview mirrors at the top left corner of the truck's cargo box (rear of truck).

The rear crossview mirrors must be of a type approved by the Washington State Patrol.

Whenever possible, delivery trucks must park in such a manner so as to avoid having to back up.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute clarifies that the requirement for rear crossview mirrors does not apply to trucks engaged in interstate commerce or to u-haul-type rental trucks.  If the federal government adopts standards that conflict with the state equipment standards, the federal standards prevail.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  These mirrors, which cost only $50, eliminate a serious hazard for drivers who must back up blindly.  This is the most cost-effective solution to save children=s lives.

Testimony Against:  The federal government is currently testing such equipment, and the state should wait for new federal standards before requiring trucks to install these mirrors.

Testified:  Senator Wood, prime sponsor; Dee Norton (pro); Robert Hasegawa, Teamsters LU174 (pro); Mike Ryherd, Teamsters (pro); Marsh Pugh, WA State Patrol (pro); Jim Mathes, WA State Police Council (pro); Bill Hanson, WSP Troopers Assn. (pro); Larry Pursley, Andy Shafrue, WA Trucking Assn. (con); Steve Lind, Traffic Safety Comm. (neutral).