SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6357
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 of January 27, 2016
Title: An act relating to vehicle maximum gross weight values.
Brief Description: Concerning vehicle maximum gross weight values.
Sponsors: Senators King and Hobbs; by request of Department of Transportation.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/25/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Brian Connell (786-7346)
Background: Current state law sets forth the maximum gross load that any vehicle or combination of vehicles may carry on a single axle, two consecutive sets of tandem axles, or any group of two or more axles when operating on state public highways. Some exceptions to these limitations are provided for in statute.
State law sets forth these limitations in a weight chart which is based on federal code weight limits calculated by using the Bridge Gross Weight Formula. States are required to comply with federal weight limits to preserve the Interstate Highway System. Current state law does not include the formula the weight chart is based on.
The weight chart in state law does not include maximum gross loads for some vehicle configurations in use today.
Summary of Bill: The bill provides clarification on how the maximum gross loads in the weight chart are calculated, and includes the Bridge Gross Weight Formula.
The weight chart is updated with weight limits for vehicle configurations that currently do not have weight limits displayed in statute.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: None.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill makes a needed correction to include vehicle configurations in use today which are not represented in the current chart. The bill follows Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance that state statute should be updated with the Bridge Gross Weight Formula to be compliant with federal code and to avoid any confusion.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Allison Camden, WSDOT.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.