Title: An act relating to allowing vehicles with aftermarket hydraulic systems to operate on public roadways.

Brief Description: Allowing vehicles with aftermarket hydraulic systems to operate on public roadways.

Sponsors: Representatives Clements, Kenney, Upthegrove and Strow.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/06, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/20/06, 2/27/06 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Jacobsen, Vice Chair; Poulsen, Vice Chair; Benson, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Eide, Esser, Finkbeiner, Kastama, Mulliken, Oke, Sheldon, Spanel, Swecker and Weinstein.

Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Benton.

Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)

Background: After-market vehicle hydraulic systems are sometimes installed on cars that have been lowered and have limited ground clearance. Vehicle hydraulics are used to temporarily raise the vehicle to drive over speed bumps or rough roads, or for recreation.

Prior to November 2005, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) prohibited after-market vehicle hydraulic systems from being activated while a vehicle was being driven on a public roadway. The 2005 Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 1381, which allowed the use of vehicle hydraulics on public roads under certain conditions. This bill was vetoed by the Governor due to technical concerns. The Governor directed the Washington State Patrol to implement the intent of the bill by WAC, which took effect in November 2005.

Summary of Bill: If a vehicle with after-market hydraulics is lawfully participating in a parade permitted by a local jurisdiction, the hydraulics may be activated while the vehicle is moving.

After-market vehicle hydraulic system use on moving vehicles is also allowed on public roads under the following conditions:

• the posted speed limit on the road is 25 miles per hour or less;
• 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.

Local jurisdictions may implement stricter regulations relating to use of after-market vehicle hydraulics on public roadways. These restrictions do not apply to original manufacturer-installed vehicle hydraulic systems.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This is a good bill.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Jeff DeVere, Washington State Patrol.