H-1164              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1684

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Nelson, Betrozoff and Spanel

Read first time 2/1/89 and referred to Committee on Transportation.

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 state patrol 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 713, chapter 330, Laws of 1987 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 patrol, 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 patrol.

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

          The commissioner, jointly with the state patrol, and in consultation with other persons or organizations interested in or concerned with motor vehicle safety, shall, pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW:

          (1) 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

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

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