Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1328

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Van De Wege, DeBolt, Blake, Klippert, Hinkle, Ross, Hasegawa, Kirby, Billig, Liias, Takko, Stanford, Finn, Alexander, Short, Angel, Dammeier, Zeiger, Upthegrove, Tharinger, Green, Kelley, Hurst, McCune, Kenney and Maxwell.

Brief Summary of Bill

Replaces the Chief of the State Patrol with the local police chief as the authority who may temporarily suspend certain provisions related to motorcycle equipment standards and helmet use with respect to the operation of motorcycles in parades or public demonstrations.

Background:

The Chief of the Washington State Patrol may temporarily suspend the following provisions with respect to the operation of motorcycles in connection with a parade or public demonstration:

With certain exceptions, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle that does not meet certain equipment standards for mirrors and windshields. However, certain older and antique motorcycles are exempt from the mirror requirements.
Motorcycle riders must meet certain requirements in terms of riding position in relation to permanent seats and foot pegs, and operators are prohibited from carrying passengers unless there is proper seating for the passenger.
Motorcycles must meet requirements for handlebar height.
With certain exceptions, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing a helmet.
It is unlawful to transport a child under the age of five on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.

Summary of Bill:

The Chief of the State Patrol is replaced with the local police chief as the authority who may temporarily suspend certain provisions related to motorcycle equipment standards and helmet use with respect to the operation of motorcycles in parades or public demonstrations.