SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6522

BYSenator Nelson

Granting the driver of a vehicle with a minor defect seventy-two hours to fix it.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988; February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

It is a traffic infraction for any person to drive or knowingly permit any vehicle or combination of vehicles to be driven which are in such an unsafe condition as to endanger others.  It is an infraction also if any vehicles contain parts such as lamps and other equipment that are not in proper condition.

SUMMARY:

The operator of any vehicle with a single, minor equipment defect that, in the opinion of the officer, does not impair safety to any degree shall not be issued a traffic infraction without first being provided an opportunity to correct the defect.

A minimum of 72 hours is allowed for repair of the equipment defect.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Chief George Tellevick, Washington State Patrol (for)