HB 1662 - DIGEST

Finds and declares the following: (1) Under chapter 46.44 RCW, vehicles must meet certain gross vehicle weight restrictions to travel on state roadways. In addition, most states regulate the allowable gross weight on a single axle or set of axles. In this state, the maximum allowable gross weight on a single axle is 20,000 pounds and on a set of tandem axles is 40,000 pounds. Often, however, these axle weight limits are violated because containers are loaded with cargo well beyond any vehicle's axle or overall weight-bearing capacity.

(2) Transporting overweight containers on public roadways presents significant dangers to the driver and the public. Due to the weight, balance, and force of the load, a driver transporting an overweight or improperly loaded container requires increased braking distance to reach a complete stop. Moreover, a higher center of gravity coupled with an overweight or unbalanced load increases the risk of chassis separation and flipped rigs when a driver makes a turn.

(3) The Washington state patrol should pursue more strict enforcement of existing state and federal laws regarding improperly packed and unsafely loaded intermodal containers, and maximum vehicle weight restrictions.