HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2643
As Passed House:
February 14, 2006
Title: An act relating to allowing vehicles with aftermarket hydraulic systems to operate on public roadways.
Brief Description: Allowing vehicles with aftermarket hydraulic systems to operate on public roadways.
Sponsors: By Representatives Clements, Kenney, Upthegrove and Strow.
Brief History:
Transportation: 1/23/06, 1/25/06 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/14/06, 96-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 27 members: Representatives Murray, Chair; Wallace, Vice Chair; Woods, Ranking Minority Member; Skinner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Buck, Campbell, Clibborn, Curtis, Dickerson, Ericksen, Flannigan, Hankins, Holmquist, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kilmer, Lovick, Nixon, Rodne, Schindler, Shabro, Simpson, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove and Wood.
Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).
Background:
Vehicle hydraulic systems are sometimes installed on cars that have been lowered and have
limited ground clearance. Hydraulics are used to temporarily raise the car to drive over speed
bumps or rough roads, or for recreation or show.
Prior to November 2005, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) prohibited aftermarket
vehicle hydraulic systems from being activated while the vehicle is driven on a public
roadway. The 2005 Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1381, which allowed the use of
vehicle hydraulics on public roads under certain conditions. This bill was vetoed by the
Governor due to technical concerns. The Governor directed the Washington State Patrol to
implement the intent of the bill by WAC, which took effect in November 2005.
Summary of Bill:
Aftermarket vehicle hydraulic systems are allowed on public roads under the following
conditions:
Local jurisdictions may enact stricter regulations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Testimony For: This bill was vetoed last year due to technical grounds. The bill is tightly written and would allow aftermarket hydraulics under limited conditions with no adverse impact on safety.
Testimony Against: None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Skinner; and Jeff Devere, Washington State Patrol.