FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5138

C 254 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Increasing the weight of vehicles exempted from scale stops.

Sponsors:  Senators Morton, Hochstatter, Benton, Oke, Stevens, McCaslin, Honeyford, Swecker, Sheahan, Johnson, Zarelli, Hale and Rossi.

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background:  The Washington State Patrol is responsible for the operation of the weigh  stations  located throughout the state.  The weigh stations are open on a random basis.  Commercial motor carriers over 16,000 pounds and all carriers of hazardous materials are required to stop at a weigh station when it is open.  In addition to weighing the vehicle, a commercial vehicle enforcement officer may examine the carrier's log books and check for proper permits and driver qualifications.

In 1999, the weight requirement was increased from 10,000 to 16,000 pounds.

Idaho and Oregon require only vehicles over 26,000 pounds to stop at an open weigh station.

Buses, recreational vehicles used for noncommercial purposes, and a vehicle towing a horse trailer for a noncommercial purpose are not required to stop at the scales.

Summary:  Farm vehicles carrying farm produce with a gross weight of 26,000 pounds or less and unladen tow trucks are exempt from stopping at open weigh stations.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate452

House922(House amended)

Senate382(Senate concurred)

Effective:  June 13, 2002