SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5032

As of January 23, 2004

Title: An act relating to safety belt exemptions for commercial delivery vehicles making frequent stops.

Brief Description: Exempting commercial delivery drivers from seat belt requirements.

Sponsors: Senator Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Highways & Transportation: 2/12/03; 1/29/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Under current law, persons 16 years of age and older must wear a seat belt when operating or riding in a motor vehicle. Failure to do so constitutes a traffic infraction.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) may adopt rules exempting operators or occupants of vehicles that make frequent stops from the seat belt use requirement. Currently, WSP has exempted four classes of drivers under this provision: (1) rural mail carriers; (2) rural newspaper carriers; (3) utility meter readers; and (4) refuse and recycling collectors.

Summary of Bill: Operators of commercial delivery vehicles making frequent stops, if the stops occur one city block at a time, are exempt from the seat belt use requirement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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