SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1149

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 March 20, 2017

Title: An act relating to exemptions from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Brief Description: Providing exemptions from certain maximum vehicle length limitations.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Chapman, Clibborn, Orcutt and Fey).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/17, 91-6.

Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/20/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

Exempts public transit vehicles with bike racks up to four feet long from a front extension limitation.
Excludes bike racks up to four feet long when determining the overall length of articulated vehicles.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Erica Bramlet (786-7321)

Background: Current law requires that the load or any portion of a vehicle on a public highway may not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper, or front wheels if not equipped with a front bumper. Current law includes an exemption for front-loading garbage and recycling trucks doing collections on route at speeds no more than 20 miles per hour. Current law also includes an exemption from the overall vehicle length limitation for municipal transit vehicles.

The Washington State Department of Transportation may issue special permits for vehicles exceeding the length limitations set forth in statute. Washington Administrative Code currently allows special permits for a vehicle with a front overhang not exceeding four feet beyond the three foot legal limit. The citation amount for a violation of the statute without such a permit is $179.

Summary of Bill: Public transit vehicles equipped with a bike rack that extends no more than four feet from the bumper are exempt from the requirement that a vehicle's load may not extend more than three feet beyond the vehicle's front bumper or front wheels.

Additionally, for articulated vehicles, up to four feet of bike rack length is exempted from the overall vehicle length limitation of 61 feet.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Senate or House version of this bill would be good for transit. The amended versions alleviate concern about bike racks that would be too long going around corners.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Mike Chapman, Prime Sponsor; Justin Leighton, Washington State Transit Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.