BILL REQ. #:  H-4186.1 

Read first time 01/20/2004.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to facilitation of traffic flow over Snoqualmie Pass; amending RCW 46.61.100; and adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 46.61.100 and 1997 c 253 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
     (a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;
     (b) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided, any person so doing shall yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate hazard;
     (c) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes and providing for two-way movement traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or
     (d) Upon a street or highway restricted to one-way traffic.
     (2) Upon all roadways having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, except (a) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, (b) when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow, (c) when moving left to allow traffic to merge, ((or)) (d) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted, or (e) under conditions permitted in section 2 of this act. On any such roadway, a vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds shall be driven only in the right-hand lane except under the conditions enumerated in (a) through (((d))) (e) of this subsection.
     (3) No vehicle towing a trailer or no vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds may be driven in the left-hand lane of a limited access roadway having three or more lanes for traffic moving in one direction except when preparing for a left turn at an intersection, exit, or into a private road or driveway when a left turn is legally permitted. This subsection does not apply to a vehicle using a high-occupancy vehicle lane. A high-occupancy vehicle lane is not considered the left-hand lane of a roadway. The department of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules specifying (a) those circumstances where it is permissible for other vehicles to use the left lane in case of emergency or to facilitate the orderly flow of traffic, and (b) those segments of limited access roadway to be exempt from this subsection due to the operational characteristics of the roadway.
     (4) It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.
     (5) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway except when authorized by official traffic control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use such lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (1)(b) of this section. However, this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 46.61 RCW to read as follows:
     The department of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state patrol, shall adopt rules for dividing vehicular traffic over Snoqualmie Pass during winter driving conditions or other hazardous driving conditions. The paramount guideline in establishing the rules is to provide for the highest level of safety and safe driving conditions for drivers and passengers. Furthermore, the department shall incorporate the following guidelines:
     (1) A vehicle towing a trailer or a vehicle or combination over ten thousand pounds may be driven only in the right-hand lane, except to pass. All other vehicles are to keep left;
     (2) The department must notify the traveling public that the rules are in effect with the use of existing variable message signs and the traffic advisory radio message system;
     (3) This section only applies to Interstate 90;
     (4) Implementation of divided vehicular traffic may not be implemented when only two or fewer lanes of traffic are operational for the direction of traffic on the section affected.