SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6404

                    As of January 26, 1998

Title:  An act relating to backup alert devices on delivery trucks.

Brief Description:  Requiring backup alerts on delivery trucks.

Sponsors:  Senators Goings, Wood, Haugen, Rasmussen and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/27/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jerry Long (786-7306)

Background:  The state has the ability to adopt certain motor vehicle equipment 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.  Currently, there is no requirement under either federal or state law that small delivery trucks be equipped with a backup device that alerts the driver that a person or object is directly behind the vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute (NHTSA) is currently testing the effectiveness of various backup devices on the market in an effort to promulgate federal rules on uniform equipment standards.  NHTSA is looking at rear-view mirrors, infra-red devices and radar warning devices.  The earliest the federal rules are anticipated to be put in place is September, 1998.  Once the rules are finalized, all states must comply with the new equipment standards.

Summary of Bill:  Small delivery trucks registered or based in Washington that are up to 18 feet long must be equipped with a backup device to alert the driver that a person or object is behind the truck.  Administrative rules for equipment specification, installation and operating condition must be developed by the Washington State Patrol.  The new standards take effect September 30, 1998.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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