FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1334

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: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Shea, Taylor, MacEwen, Schmick, Holy, Short, Kagi, Orcutt, Overstreet, Rodne, Klippert, Hargrove, Condotta and Parker).

Background:

Motorcycle means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, on which the driver:

rides on a seat or saddle and the motor vehicle is designed to be steered with a handlebar; or
rides on a seat in a partially or completely enclosed seating area that is equipped with safety belts and the motor vehicle is designed to be steered with a steering wheel.

Motorcycle skills training programs are available for two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. The operator of a motorcycle must have the appropriate two-wheeled or three-wheeled driver's license endorsement in order to operate a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle in Washington.

Private industry has developed equipment kits that may be added to a motorcycle to provide additional stability. There are some states that authorize the use of stabilization kits.

Summary:

The definition of a "motorcycle" in the motor vehicle code is revised to mean a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels not including any stabilizing conversion kits.

The definition of a "motorcycle" in the Motorcycle Skills Education Program is updated to be the same as the motor vehicle code definition and to clarify that it excludes off-road motorcycles.

The use of stabilizing conversion kits on motorcycles is authorized. A person operating a motorcycle with a stabilizing conversion kit must have a valid driver's license specially endorsed for a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	92
Senate	47	(Senate amended)
House	95	(House concurred)