BILL REQ. #:  H-2014.2 

Read first time 02/23/09.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to extending the length of commercial and farm vehicle permits; and amending RCW 46.16.162 and 46.44.095.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 46.16.162 and 2006 c 337 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The owner of a farm vehicle licensed under RCW 46.16.090 purchasing a monthly license under RCW 46.16.135 may, as an alternative to the first partial month of the license registration, secure and operate the vehicle under authority of a farm vehicle trip permit issued by this state. The licensed gross weight may not exceed eighty thousand pounds for a combination of vehicles nor forty thousand pounds for a single unit vehicle with three or more axles.
     (2) If a monthly license previously issued has expired, the owner of a farm vehicle may, as an alternative to purchasing a full monthly license, secure and operate the vehicle under authority of a farm vehicle trip permit issued by this state. The licensed gross weight may not exceed eighty thousand pounds for a combination of vehicles nor forty thousand pounds for a single unit vehicle with three or more axles.
     (3) Each farm vehicle trip permit shall authorize the operation of a single vehicle at the maximum legal weight limit for the vehicle for ((the period remaining in the first month of monthly license)) thirty days, commencing with the day of first use. No more than four such permits may be used for any one vehicle in any twelve-month period. Every permit shall identify, as the department may require, the vehicle for which it is issued and shall be completed in its entirety and signed by the operator before operation of the vehicle on the public highways of this state. Correction of data on the permit such as dates, license number, or vehicle identification number invalidates the permit. The farm vehicle trip permit shall be displayed on the vehicle to which it is issued as prescribed by the department.
     (4) Vehicles operating under authority of farm vehicle trip permits are subject to all laws, rules, and regulations affecting the operation of like vehicles in this state.
     (5) Farm vehicle trip permits may be obtained from the department of licensing or agents and subagents appointed by the department. The fee for each farm vehicle trip permit is six dollars and twenty-five cents. Farm vehicle trip permits sold by the department's agents or subagents are subject to fees specified in RCW 46.01.140 (4)(a), (5)(b), or (6).
     (6) The proceeds from farm vehicle trip permits received by the director shall be forwarded to the state treasurer to be distributed as provided in RCW 46.68.035(2).
     (7) No exchange, credits, or refunds may be given for farm vehicle trip permits after they have been purchased.
     (8) The department of licensing may adopt rules as it deems necessary to administer this section.

Sec. 2   RCW 46.44.095 and 1993 c 102 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) When a combination of vehicles has been licensed to a total gross weight of 80,000 pounds or when a three or more axle single unit vehicle has been licensed to a total gross weight of 40,000 pounds, a temporary additional tonnage permit to haul loads in excess of these limits may be issued. This permit is valid for periods of not less than five days at two dollars and eighty cents per day for each two thousand pounds or fraction thereof. The fee may not be prorated. The permits shall authorize the movement of loads not exceeding the weight limits set forth in RCW 46.44.041 and 46.44.042.
     (2) Permits purchased under this section are valid for thirty days, commencing with the day of first use.