| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
SB 5088
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.
Brief Description: Regulating ferry queues.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker and Shin.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/15/07
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Vehicles using the state ferry system are loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, in
order protect public health, safety, and commerce and encourage more efficient use of the ferry
system, preferential loading privileges are granted to certain classes of vehicles according to rules
adopted by the Washington State Ferries. This includes emergency vehicles, school buses, and
public transit vehicles.
Summary of Bill:
It is a traffic infraction for a driver of a motor vehicle intending to board a Washington State
ferry to: (1) block a residential driveway while waiting to board the ferry; or (2) move in front of
another vehicle in a queue already waiting to board the ferry without the authorization of a state
ferry system employee. Vehicles qualifying for preferential loading privileges are exempt from
these requirements. For a vehicle which moves in front of another vehicle, there is an additional
penalty that requires the driver to move his or her vehicle to the end of the ferry queue.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.