HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6138
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: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Ericksen).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Transportation: 2/24/12 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Eddy, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hansen, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Liias, Vice Chair.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Single trucks are defined as non-articulating 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) an 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 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. The substitute bill removes the exemptions for the auto stage, private carrier bus, school bus, and motor home exemptions since these vehicles would be included within the new 46-foot length limit.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The committee needs to move the bill even if the scope of the bill needs to be narrowed to, for example, 31 feet.
(Neutral) The State of Washington already has single vehicles up to 46 feet in length, for example, auto stages, private carrier buses, school buses, and motorhomes.
(Opposed) These vehicles are not safe due to the overhang off the rear axle, which allows the rear of the vehicle to swing wide on turns and corners. This provides a safety risk to people and vehicles around the longer vehicles. The reason this is more of a risk on these trucks than motorhomes is due to the larger number of these trucks than motorhomes on the roadways.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Gary Smith, Independent Business Association.
(Neutral) Jason Berry, Washington State Patrol.
(Opposed) Jim Richards, Teamsters Joint Council 28.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.