SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6816

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.

Background: It is unlawful for any vehicle or load to exceed a height of 14 feet above the ground's surface. There is an exception to this requirement for authorized emergency vehicles or repair equipment of a public utility engaged in a reasonably necessary operation.

To move self-propelled farm implements that exceed 16 feet in width but are less than 20 feet wide, a special permit is required. However, the 14-foot height limit applies to these implements. To obtain a special permit to move farm implements, the person must be a farmer, or be engaged in the business of selling, repairing, and/or maintaining farm implements.

Generally, the special permit to move farm implements is restricted to six counties or less. When transporting the farm implement, several safety precautions must be used including oversized load signs, adherence to published curfew or commuter hour restrictions, the use of red flags on implement's corners, the use of warning lights and slow moving vehicle emblems, and the use of escort vehicles. Farmers and farm implement dealers are exempt from escort vehicle operator certification requirements and the use of height measuring devices on escort vehicles.

Summary of Bill: Farm implements that are less than 16 feet in height must receive the same exemptions and be subject to the same special permit requirements as other farm implements. However, farm implements that exceed 14 feet in height but are less than 16 feet in height must have only one escort vehicle with a height measuring device in front of the farm implement while moving. The escort vehicle may have an uncertified operator.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The goal is to allow farm implements that exceed the current 14-foot height limitation to be moved using the same special permit procedures that applies to other farm implements.

OTHER: Making the change in the law makes it apply statewide. Department of Transportation (DOT) has concerns with damage to bridges caused by over-height equipment. The agency prefers to address this issue through the rule adoption process which could limit the geographic area and specify the conditions when movement of over-height farm implements could occur.