Brief Description: Regulating motorcycles at traffic control signals.

Sponsors: Representatives DeBolt, Blake, Hinkle, Warnick, Seaquist, Kagi, Kirby, Hunt, Wood, Dickerson, Conway, Lovick, Roach, Chase, Dunn, Flannigan, McCune, Priest, McDermott, Santos, Williams, McDonald, Newhouse, Alexander, Strow, Kretz, Condotta, Roberts, Ormsby, Haigh, Rolfes and Moeller.

Hearing Date: 2/12/07

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 the vehicle is 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).

The rules governing traffic control devices are prescribed in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and WAC chapter 468-95.

Summary of Bill:

After stopping at an intersection controlled by a traffic signal using a vehicle detection device, a motorcyclist may proceed through the intersection, after exercising due care, if a full cycle of the traffic signal has passed without the 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: Requested on February 9, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect August 1, 2007.