SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5878

BYSenators Patterson and Conner

Requiring identification on large trucks.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Senate Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Trucks operating in the state of Washington are required to display certain identification markings on the vehicles.  By law, trucks over 10,000 pounds are required to display the licensed gross weight on the cab in letters not less than two inches high. By Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) rule, intrastate common and contract carriers are required to display the company's name and operating authority permit number on the vehicle in letters three inches high.  All interstate common, contract and private carriers are required by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to display the company name and city of address on the vehicle.  Intrastate private carriers are subject only to the licensed gross weight marking.

SUMMARY:

The original bill was not considered.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Trucks over 26,000 pounds must display an identifying name or number on both sides of the power unit in letters no less than three inches high and in a contrasting color.  Leased trucks and trailers must display a placard indicating the name and permit number of the carrier leasing the equipment, in lieu of the permanent cab identification.  The Washington State Patrol may authorize the use of other identification devices that adequately identify the carrier.

For common and contract carriers the identification is:  (1) the name of the permittee or business name, and (2) UTC permit number if the carrier operates only in intrastate commerce, or the UTC or ICC permit number if the carrier holds both intrastate and interstate authority.  For a private carrier the identification is the name and address of the business operating the truck or the registered owner.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested