SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1543
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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 21, 2011
Title: An act relating to limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.
Brief Description: Limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Rolfes, Frockt, Anderson and Kirby).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 93-3.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/14/11, 3/21/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Ericksen, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Shin and Swecker.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: A person holding a valid driver's license who wishes to learn to ride a motorcycle may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The Department of Licensing (DOL) may issue an instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the motorcycle examination other than the driving test. A person holding an instruction permit may drive a motorcycle upon the public highways but may not carry passengers on his or her motorcycle and may not operate his or her motorcycle during the hours of darkness. An instruction permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Currently, DOL may issue more than two instruction permits if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve his or her driving proficiency.
Summary of Bill: DOL may issue a third motorcycle instruction permit only upon presentation of documented evidence that the permittee is enrolled in an authorized motorcycle skills education program with a class start date prior to the expiration of the third instruction permit. DOL may not issue more than three motorcycle instruction permits to an applicant within a five-year period.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: We support the original House version, which limits motorcyclists to three instruction permits within a five-year period.
Persons Testifying: OTHER: Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association; David Wendell, WRRA.