HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6273

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 Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

Title: An act relating to the nondivisible gross weight limit of farm implements on public highways.

Brief Description: Addressing the nondivisible gross weight limit of farm implements on public highways.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Rasmussen).

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/21/08, 2/27/08 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Increases the weight restriction on farm implements from 45,000 pounds to 65,000 pounds.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

Current law restricts the length, width, and weight of vehicles that may operate on public highways. The Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized to issue special permits to vehicles that exceed the length, width, or weight restrictions. The DOT may issue three-month or annual permits to farm implements with a gross weight less than 45,000 pounds. This permit allows a farmer or dealer to move the equipment from one location to another. The implement must move on pneumatic tires or solid rubber tracks. Many modern farm implements have a gross weight greater than 45,000 pounds.

Summary of Bill:

The weight restriction for vehicles that may operate on a farm implement special permit is increased to 65,000 pounds. Vehicles operating on a farm implement special permit must comply with the statute that governs the distribution of the vehicle's weight over a specified wheelbase and number of axles.

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:

None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.