BILL REQ. #:  S-0290.1 

Read first time 01/15/09.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to public transit vehicle stops at unmarked stop zones; and amending RCW 46.61.560.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 46.61.560 and 1991 c 319 s 408 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Outside of incorporated cities and towns no person may stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the roadway.
     (2) Subsection (1) of this section and RCW 46.61.570 and 46.61.575 do not apply to the driver of any vehicle that is disabled in such manner and to such extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the vehicle in such position. The driver shall nonetheless arrange for the prompt removal of the vehicle as required by RCW 46.61.590.
     (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to the driver of a public transit vehicle who temporarily stops the vehicle upon the roadway for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers at a marked transit vehicle stop zone approved by the state department of transportation or a county upon highways under their respective jurisdictions. However, public transportation service providers, including private, nonprofit transportation providers regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW, may allow the driver of a transit vehicle to stop upon the roadway momentarily to receive or discharge passengers at an unmarked stop zone only under the following circumstances: (a) The driver stops the vehicle as far to the right side of the roadway as is practicable so as to not significantly impede traffic; (b) the driver activates four-way flashing lights; and (c) the driver stops at a portion of the highway with an unobstructed view, for an adequate distance so as to not create a hazard, for other drivers who might approach from the same direction.
     (4) Subsection (1) of this section and RCW 46.61.570 and 46.61.575 do not apply to the driver of a solid waste collection company or recycling company vehicle who temporarily stops the vehicle as close as practical to the right edge of the right-hand shoulder of the roadway or right edge of the roadway if no shoulder exists for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the collection of solid waste or recyclables, or both, under chapters 81.77, 35.21, and 35A.21 RCW or by contract under RCW ((36.58.030 [36.58.040])) 36.58.040.