FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1348

                                   C 52 L 89

BYRepresentatives Ferguson, O'Brien, Betrozoff, Haugen, May, Winsley, Sayan, Beck, Crane, Silver, Jones, Holland, Moyer, Horn, Patrick, Wood, Hankins and Miller

Authorizing excess weight permits for emergency vehicles.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues overweight permits to vehicles that have non-reducible loads.  A fire truck that is prepared to respond to a fire is considered a non-reducible load.

An overweight permit fee is imposed to offset the pavement damage caused by heavier vehicles.  For public service agencies, such as fire districts, these permits are issued free of charge.  Under permit authority, the vehicle may carry 22,000 pounds on a single axle and 43,000 pounds on a tandem axle as long as the vehicle meets the statutory axle spacing and tire size requirements.

The Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs estimates that 25 to 30 percent of the fire trucks operating on Washington's public highways exceed the overweight permit legal weight limitation of 22,000 pounds on the single rear axle when the vehicle is loaded with water.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized to issue overweight permits to fire trucks in excess of the statutory overweight limitations for non- reducible loads if the maximum gross weight on a single axle does not exceed 24,000 pounds, and 43,000 pounds on a tandem axle.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 89   0

      Senate    42     0

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989