SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5895

BYSenators Barr, Hansen, Benitz, Patterson and Bauer

Permitting farm vehicles licensed on a monthly basis to purchase trip permits.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman, Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, Conner, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Mary McLaughlin (786-7309)

                  March 16, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Certain farm vehicles may be specially licensed under a reduced fee formula based on the declared gross weight of the vehicle.  The vehicle must be owned and operated by a farmer, and meet at least one of the following conditions:

1.  A vehicle used to transport a farmer's supplies to the farm or farm products from the point of production to market or a warehouse.  Forestry products are not considered farm products.

2.  A vehicle used for infrequent or seasonal transportation by one farmer for another farmer in the neighborhood when transporting the other farmer's (a) farm products from the point of production to market or a warehouse, or (b) supplies to be used on the other farm, and (c) compensation is other than money.

Vehicle trip permits are issued in lieu of vehicle registration or prorate.  This $10 permit authorizes the operation of a single vehicle for a three-day period.  No more than three permits may be issued in 30 consecutive days.  The permit authorizes movement into, out of, through and point-to- point within the state.  Blank permits may be purchased from the Department of Licensing or its agents, Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol or another person with a permit.

The annual vehicle licensing fee for trucks is based on the gross weight of the vehicle.  Vehicles over 12,000 pounds may purchase the gross weight licensing permit on a monthly or yearly basis.  In 1987 legislation was enacted which prohibits the use of a three-day trip permit in lieu of purchasing monthly gross weight licensing permits.  The purpose was to eliminate potential abuse of trip permits.  Prior to 1987, a farm vehicle operated on an infrequent basis could use a three-day trip permit in lieu of the monthly gross weight licensing permit.

SUMMARY:

A farmer who meets the special reduced fee farm vehicle licensing provisions, may, in lieu of obtaining a monthly license permit based on the gross weight of the vehicle, purchase a three-day trip permit.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 15, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: No one