Brief Description: Requiring vehicle sound system components to be securely attached.

Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Pearson, Lovick, Kristiansen, Morrell, P. Sullivan, Murray, Wallace, Chase and Ormsby.

Hearing Date: 2/7/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

It is increasingly popular for motor vehicle owners to install stereo speakers in the back seat of a car or in the bed of a passenger truck. Certain stereo speakers are manufactured only for residential use, rather than automotive use. These speakers, as well as unsecured automotive speakers, can become projectiles in the event of a vehicle collision.

There are no state laws or rules specifically prohibiting or restricting the placement of sound system components (such as stereo speakers) on or within a vehicle.

Summary of Bill:

All vehicle sound system components must be securely attached to the vehicle so that they cannot become dislodged or loose during operation of the vehicle. Failure to do so is a traffic infraction.

Law enforcement officers may only issue tickets for this infraction as a secondary violation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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