Brief Description: Allows vehicles with hydraulics to operate on public roadway under certain conditions.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Clements, Kenney and Skinner).

House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Vehicle hydraulic systems may be 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.

The Washington Administrative Code prohibits vehicle hydraulic systems from being activated while the vehicle is driven on a public roadway. Safety concerns include the vehicle losing control due to system or brake failure and distraction of other drivers.

Summary:

Vehicles with aftermarket hydraulic systems are allowed on public roads under the following conditions:

• the posted speed limit on the road is less than 25 miles per hour;
• the vehicle is traveling less than15 miles per hour;
• no portion of the tire leaves the surface of the roadway; and
• the hydraulic system does not cause or emit sparks.

An exception to the speed limit restrictions is granted when the vehicle is lawfully participating in a permitted parade.

If a driver receives three or more citations for a violation of this provision, he or she must remove all hydraulics from the vehicle.

Local jurisdictions may enact stricter regulations for aftermarket vehicle hydraulics on a public road.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   0
Senate   42   2   (Senate amended)
House   95   0   (House concurred)