Brief Description:    Increasing the highway weight limit for certain farm implements.

Sponsors: Representatives Ericksen, Linville, Newhouse, Buri, Strow and B. Sullivan.

Hearing Date: 1/24/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Current law exempts farm implements that weigh less than 45,000 pounds, are 70 feet long or less, and 14 feet wide or less from state highway weight and size limits (state size and weight limits mirror federal requirements). In order to travel on a state highway, the overweight or oversize farm implement must be patrolled, flagged, lighted, and signed. Violation of this law is a traffic infraction.

Summary of Bill:

This bill raises the highway weight limit to up to 160,000 pounds for farm implements that transport dairy nutrients.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: January 19, 2005

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.