FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5284

C 356 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Penalizing failure to use required traction equipment.

Sponsors: Senators Stevens, Horn, Benton, Haugen, Oke, Swecker, Esser and Mulliken.

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: Under current law, failure to use particular tires, tire chains or traction equipment when advised to do so by the Department of Transportation (DOT) is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1000, or both.

Summary: Failure to use required traction equipment is reclassified as a traffic infraction with a fine of $500. Technical amendments are made to update the terminology for road conditions to reflect those actually used by DOT. Different recommendations can be made by DOT or the State Patrol for four-wheel drive vehicles in gear.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       37  11

House       98   0

Effective: July 27, 2003