HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2430
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation
Title: An act relating to maximum vehicle lengths.
Brief Description: Increasing the allowable maximum length for vehicles operated on public highways.
Sponsors: Representatives Overstreet, Armstrong, Clibborn, Buys and Moscoso.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 1/26/12, 2/1/12 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 29 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Asay, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Ryu, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Single trucks are defined as nonarticulating cargo carrying commercial motor vehicles. The trucks are subject to federal weight and width requirements, but not to federal length requirements. The regulations on the length of these commercial trucks remains with the states. A person operating one of these single vehicles with a manufacturer's weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more would also be required to have a commercial driver's license.
Presently a person cannot legally operate a single vehicle in the State of Washington having an overall length in excess of 40 feet. This restriction does not apply to: (1) a municipal transit vehicle; (2) auto stage, private carrier bus, school bus, or motor home with an overall length not to exceed 46 feet; or (3) an articulating auto stage with an overall length not to exceed 61 feet.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
The substitute bill increases the length of a single vehicle that a person can operate in the State of Washington from 40 feet to 46 feet. Vehicles excluded from the maximum length remain unchanged.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill removes the exemptions for the auto stage, private carrier bus, school bus, and motor home exemptions since these vehicles, with the passage of the bill, will be within the new 46-foot length limit.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Some car haulers that carry two vehicles are over 40 feet. The trucks that are a little longer than the existing 40 feet are critical to their business to allow for the cargo needing to be hauled. These trucks are standard trucks that are manufactured and have no modifications to make them longer. One company has owned their truck since 2003. Several states have lengths that are longer than 40 feet. Most of the drivers of these vehicles must have a commercial driver's license. Several vehicles in the state, like a motor home, can already be up to 46 feet long, and the driver is not required to have a commercial driver's license.
(Neutral) This bill will standardize the length of vehicles. There are no public safety implications as long as there is not an overhang at the rear of the back axle longer than 15 feet.
(With concerns) There is concern that this bill will encourage overconsumption and more shipping of products.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Overstreet, prime sponsor; Gary Smith, Independent Business Association; and Bob Volkman, Gundies.
(Neutral) Jason Berry, Washington State Patrol.
(With concerns) Yoshe Revelle.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.