Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
ESB 5616
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: Concerning the use of farm vehicles on public highways.
Sponsors: Senators Sheldon, Smith, Schoesler, Hargrove, Hatfield, Hewitt and Shin.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/26/13
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
A farmer may apply to the Department of Licensing for a farm-exempt decal at a cost of $5 for farm implements, tractors, trailers, and other farm vehicles operated within a radius of 15 miles of the farm where they are principally used or garaged. Farm-exempt vehicles include trailers designed as cook or bunk houses, trailers used exclusively for animal herding and temporarily operating upon the public highways, and trailers used exclusively to transport farm implements from one farm to another during daylight hours or at night when the trailer is equipped with lights that comply with applicable laws. The decal must be displayed on the farm vehicle so that it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle to identify that the vehicle is exempt from registration.
When applying for a farm decal, the farmer or the farmer's representative must provide a full description of the vehicle, vehicle purpose, where the vehicle is used or garaged, and any other information required by the Department of Licensing. A farm-exempt decal does not require renewal, and the exempt vehicle continues to be exempt until the status is suspended or revoked for misuse, or when the vehicle is no longer used as a farm vehicle.
Summary of Bill:
The 15-mile radius is changed to 25 miles for a farm-exempt vehicle which may be used incidentally on public highways where it is principally used to travel between farms or other locations to engage in activities that support farming operations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.