SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1257

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Gallagher, S. Wilson, Baugher, Crane, R. Meyers, Day, Cantwell, Walk, Haugen and R. Fisher) 

Regulating overdimensional load service.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 22, 1989; February 14, 1990

Senate Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

                  February 13, 1990

AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires escort vehicles to accompany overdimensional loads when the load is (1) over 14 feet 6 inches high, (2) over 11 feet wide on a two-lane highway - two pilot cars, (3) over 14 feet wide on the Interstate - one pilot car, (4) over 16 feet wide on the Interstate - DOT determination on number of cars, and (5) at any other time at the department's discretion.  Cities and counties may also require pilot cars when overdimensional loads are transported on streets and roads under their jurisdiction.  The DOT has various rules governing the equipment required on escort cars; however, there are no minimum state standards for the testing and certification of escort car drivers.

SUMMARY:

Minimum standards are established for the testing, licensing and certification of drivers escorting overdimensional loads upon the public highways.  The testing program is administered by the Department of Licensing (DOL).

An escort driver is a person operating a pilot car accompanying an overdimensional load as required by the state, city or county.  An escort driver is authorized to regulate traffic flow while performing a move.  An escort vehicle is defined as a properly equipped vehicle accompanying an overdimensional load as required by the state, city or county.

Every escort driver must:  (1) have a valid driver's license; (2) comply with the driver permit regulations and vehicle equipment standards and rules of the road; (3) have passed a certification test, or in the case of a nonresident, have proof of certification from the licensing state if that state requires certification; and (4) carry proof of insurance in an amount imposed on mobile home pilot car operators ($100,000/$300,000/$50,000). Failure to maintain insurance is a gross misdemeanor.  Failure to carry or disclose evidence of insurance is a misdemeanor.  A person under the age of 18 is not eligible to become an escort driver.

A driver of a vehicle is required to yield the right of way when an escort vehicle or driver displays the proper signing and flashing lights.

An escort driver who (1) is a police officer, (2) escorts military convoys or political subdivision vehicles, or (3) is a resident of another state performing an interstate movement (as long as the vehicle meets Washington's escort vehicle equipment standards), is exempt from the escort driver certification provisions.

DOL and the DOT are to jointly develop a testing program for escort vehicle drivers.  DOL is responsible for administering the certification test.  No examination waiver may be granted for escort drivers.  A fee of $10 is imposed for each certification examination.  The proceeds are divided evenly between the highway safety fund and motor vehicle fund.  An pamphlet outlining rules pertaining to escort drivers and vehicle equipment will be published by the DOT and made available to the public.

A law enforcement officer may require the driver to submit to a vehicle, operator's license or certification inspection and show proof of insurance.  A vehicle may be placed out-of-service until any deficiency is corrected.

Violation of the operator's licensing or certification requirements, or equipment standards is a traffic infraction.  (The fine is $47.50 total for each violation.)

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested