SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6287

BYSenators Barr and Madsen

Prohibiting bicyclists from wearing headphones.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988; February 2, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Owen.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 3, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 2, 1988

BACKGROUND:

It is unlawful for a person to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or earphones connected to any electronic device capable of receiving a radio broadcast, or to play a recording for the purpose of transmitting a sound to the human auditory senses muffles or excludes other sounds.

SUMMARY:

The current law restriction for use of headphones in a motor vehicle is applied to bicyclists.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Restriction for use of a headset or earphones applies only when the sound is muffled or excluded from both ears.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Lazar, Bicycle Federation of Washington (for); Marty Sangster, WTA (pro)