Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2494
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. |
Brief Description: Creating a motorcycle road guard certificate.
Sponsors: Representatives Shea, Blake, Van De Wege, Short, DeBolt, Fagan, Condotta, Christian and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/29/14
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Law enforcement primarily has provided "road guarding" at intersections during group motorcycle runs and motorcycle charity events. Under current state law, an authorized flagger, a police officer, or a firefighter has the authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic. A Motorcycle Road Guard Certificate Program for training Motorcycle Road Guards is a newer concept with Minnesota enacting legislation in 2012. Both Ohio and Illinois have legislation that was introduced during their 2013-14 legislative session to establish a Motorcycle Road Guard Certification Program. A Motorcycle Road Guard holds a Motorcycle Road Guard Certificate and meets the safety and equipment standards for operating under the certificate. The person acts as a flagger escorting a motorcycle group ride by directing operators of motorcycles within a motorcycle group ride or other vehicles, not withstanding any contrary indication of a traffic control device including stop signs or traffic control signals.
Summary of Bill:
The bill establishes a Motorcycle Road Guard Certification Course that is developed and offered by the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program at the Department of Licensing (DOL). The Director of the DOL (Director) must establish by rule a applicant fee to cover the DOL's cost.
The bill directs the Director to create and issue a Motorcycle Road Guard Certificate to a person who satisfies the requirements of the course, which are:
is at least 18 years of age;
possesses a valid driver's license; and
completes the Motorcycle Road Guard Certification Course.
The bill directs the Director, in consultation with motorcycle skills education course instructors, to establish safety and equipment standards for the motorcycle road guards including reflective safety vests and adopting rules to implement the program.
The bill authorizes a Motorcycle Road Guard to direct motorcycles within the group ride or other vehicle traffic until it is safe to proceed or to operate contrary to traffic signals if law enforcement is not available.
The bill establishes that a violation of the Motorcycle Road Guard Program is a misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.