PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Emergency operations of tow trucks.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 46.44.090 Special permits for oversize and overweight movements.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Permits for oversize/overweight moves on an emergent need have been available after business hours through the state patrol manned ports of entry. Effective July 1, 2003, permits will no longer be available at these locations. A rule change, amending WAC 468-38-265, will be necessary to provide a process for making approved emergency moves after business hours.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Enforcement of the rule is the responsibility of the Washington State Patrol. The department will meet with the state patrol in order to get concurrence on the new process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making, the new rule will be a negotiated product between the department, state patrol and the tow truck industry.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Barry Diseth, Administrator, Motor Carrier Services, P.O. Box 47367, Olympia, WA 98504-7367, phone (360) 704-6346, fax (360) 704-6350.
May 20, 2003
John F. Conrad
Assistant Secretary
Engineering and Operations