HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5206
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
April 9, 2007
Title: An act relating to tires with retractable studs.
Brief Description: Addressing the use of tires with retractable studs.
Sponsors: By Senators Haugen and Swecker.
Brief History:
Transportation: 3/26/07, 3/28/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/9/07, 97-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hudgins, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Hankins.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Current law prohibits the use of studded tires between April 1 and November 1. The use of
studded tires between April 1 and November 1 is a traffic infraction subject to a $101 fine.
Any tire studs on tires offered for sale in Washington must be "lightweight tire studs."
Summary of Bill:
A vehicle may be equipped year round with tires that have retractable tire studs so long as the
tire studs: retract below the tire wear bar; and, are only used between November 1 and April
1. Retractable tire studs are exempt from the provisions that require tire studs offered for sale
in Washington to be "lightweight tire studs."
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The studs on the tire are retractable so there is no need for having two sets of
tires. Between April 1 and November 1, you retract the studs. During the time it is legal to
use studs, you press a button which pushes the tire studs beyond the tread to provide traction
when required. The cost of the tires will be approximately 35 percent higher than regular
tires, but you only need to have one set of tires instead of one set for winter driving and then
a regular set of tires for between April 1 and November 1. Idaho and Montana are working
on similar legislation.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: John M. O'Brien, Q Tire.