Brief Description: Allowing motorcycles to stop and proceed through traffic signals.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Woods, Darneille, Condotta, Kirby, Orcutt, Simpson, Haigh, Nixon, Chase, Strow, Hunt, Blake, Campbell and Kagi.

Hearing Date: 2/28/05

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

All vehicle operators are required to obey traffic control devices, including traffic signals at intersections. Some of these traffic signals are equipped with sensors that determine when a vehicle has approached the intersection. Once detected by the sensor, the traffic signal will initiate a change in, or extension of, a traffic signal phase (e.g., change a red light to green).

Summary of Bill:

After stopping at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal using a vehicle detection device, a motorcyclist may proceed to turn left, after exercising due care, if a full cycle of the traffic signal has passed without the left turn signal operating.

A belief that a traffic signal is equipped with a vehicle detection device, when it is not, is not a defense to a traffic citation for failure to obey a traffic signal. Similarly, a belief that the device is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle is not a defense when the device is not inoperative.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2005.