H-1214              _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 460

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Nelson and Lux

Read first time 1/28/87 and referred to Committee on Financial Institutions & Insurance.

AN ACT Relating to motor vehicles; amending RCW 46.37.270 and 46.37.280; adding a new section to chapter 46.37 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 48.02 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 46.37 RCW to read as follows:

          A motor vehicle may be equipped with two clear or amber running lights, facing forward near each front corner of the vehicle.  Running lights shall be installed so that they are illuminated whenever the vehicle's engine is running and may be combined with other lights on the vehicle to serve a dual purpose.  The commission on equipment may adopt rules with additional specifications for running lights.

        Sec. 2.  Section 46.37.270, chapter 12, Laws of 1961 as amended by section 23, chapter 355, Laws or 1977 ex. sess. and RCW 46.37.270 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) At all times specified in RCW 46.37.020, at least two lighted head lamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the regulations governing lights on parked vehicles.

          (2) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with head lamps as herein required is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps or a spot lamp or any other lamp on the front ((thereof)) of the vehicle projecting a beam of intensity greater than three hundred candlepower, not more than a total of two of any such additional lamps on the front of a vehicle, other than running lights, shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.

        Sec. 3.  Section 46.37.280, chapter 12, Laws of 1961 as last amended by section 24, chapter 355, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. and RCW 46.37.280 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) During the times specified in RCW 46.37.020, any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than head lamps, spot lamps, auxiliary lamps, running lights, flashing turn signals, emergency vehicle warning lamps, warning lamps authorized by the state commission on equipment, and school bus warning lamps, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than three hundred candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the high intensity portion of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than seventy-five feet from the vehicle.

          (2) Except as required in RCW 46.37.190 no person shall drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device thereon displaying a red light visible from directly in front of the center thereof.

          (3) Flashing lights are prohibited except as required in RCW 46.37.190, 46.37.200, 46.37.210, 46.37.215, and 46.37.300, and warning lamps authorized by the state commission on equipment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 48.02 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) The commissioner, jointly with the state commission on equipment, and in consultation with other persons or organizations interested in or concerned with motor vehicle safety, shall, pursuant to chapter 34.04 RCW:

          (a) Review the availability for purchase of motor vehicle running lights and establish a list of those lights and lighting devices that have been proven effective in increasing the visibility of motor vehicles during the daytime or in poor visibility conditions; and

          (b) Provide standards for their proper installation, maintenance, and operation; and

          (c) Determine a rate for motor vehicle insurance premium reduction based on the likelihood that vehicles using running lights will be involved in fewer accidents.

          (2) Any insurance policy covering a motor vehicle duly licensed or an operator duly licensed in Washington state shall qualify for a premium rate reduction as specified in subsection (1)(c) of this section for the next and subsequent insurance periods when approved running lights or devices have been properly installed and maintained on the insured vehicle in a manner consistent with subsection (1)(b) of this section.