BILL REQ. #:  H-4978.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/10/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to extending the motor vehicle width limit for recreational vehicle appurtenances; and amending RCW 46.44.010.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.44.010 and 1997 c 63 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The total outside width of any vehicle or load ((thereon)) shall not exceed eight and one-half feet subject to the following: ((PROVIDED, That))
     (1) No rear vision mirror may extend more than five inches beyond the extreme limits of the body((: PROVIDED FURTHER, That));
     (2) Excluded from this calculation of width are safety appliances such as clearance lights, rub rails, flexible fender extensions, mud flaps, and splash and spray suppressant devices, and appurtenances such as door handles, door hinges, and turning signal brackets and such other safety appliances and appurtenances as the department may determine are necessary for the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles((: AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That));
     (3) No appliances or appurtenances may extend more than three inches beyond the extreme limits of the body;
     (4) Campers, motor homes, and travel trailers may exceed the maximum width established by this section if the excess width is attributable to an appurtenance that extends no more than six inches beyond the body of the vehicle and is affixed to the side of the vehicle at such a height that it does not impair the ability of the driver to see to the rear of the vehicle. For purposes of this subsection, the term "appurtenance" is limited to awnings and support hardware.