Brief Description: Allowing small motorcycles to stop and proceed through traffic signals.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Woods, Kirby, Rockefeller, Darneille, Haigh, Hatfield, Orcutt, Mielke, Delvin, Condotta, Simpson, G., Hunt and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

Vehicle operators are required to obey traffic control devices. Traffic control devices include traffic signals at intersections. Some traffic signals are equipped with detection devices that use sensors to determine when a vehicle has approached the intersection. Once detected by the sensor, an actuated signal will initiate a change in, or extension of, a traffic signal phase (e.g., changing a red light to green).

The rules governing traffic control devices are prescribed in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and chapter 468-95 WAC.

Summary of Bill:

After stopping at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal using a vehicle detection device, a motorcyclist may proceed with due caution if the traffic signal does not change because the motorcycle was too small to be detected by the vehicle detection device.

Belief that a traffic signal is actuated by a vehicle detection device when it is not, is not a defense to a traffic citation for failure to obey a traffic signal. Similarly, belief that the device is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle is not a defense when the device is not inoperative.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2004.