Brief Description: Allowing vehicles with hydraulics to operate on public roadways.

Sponsors: Representatives Clements, Kenney and Skinner.

Hearing Date: 2/14/05

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

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.

Current 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 of Bill:

Vehicle 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.
• The hydraulic system does not cause or emit sparks.

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

Local jurisdictions may enact stricter regulations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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