FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1322

                         C 201 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Adding information to motorist information signs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mitchell, Romero, Fisher and Murray; by request of Department of Transportation.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

State law authorizes the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs that provide information to the traveling public.  The signs are placed on panels that include motorist service information on gas, food, recreation, or lodging that is off of an interstate, primary or scenic highway.

An information sign assembly consists of a back panel on which business panels are placed.  Information panels can have up to six business signs on interchanges and up to four signs at intersections.  The Department of Transportation is authorized to seek reimbursement for the businesses signs on these panels.  However, the Department of Transportation is not authorized to charge fees for the erection and maintenance of the back panels.

Tourist oriented directional signs (TODs) is another category of informational signs that are only permitted on non-interstate highways.  This is consistent with the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.  State and federal law do not permit TODs on the interstate system. However, a recent committee on National Uniform Traffic Control Devices authorization of TODs is expected to permit this form of signing nationwide within the next two years.

Summary:

State law relating to motorist information signs is clarified.  The categories for the designation of motorist information signs are changed from an interstate system, primary system and scenic byway system to a "non-interstate" and "interstate" system.

The Department of Transportation is authorized to charge fees to defray the costs of installing and maintaining information sign panels.  The fee is determined by administrative rule making.

Tourism oriented directional signs are permitted on the interstate system, pending a final Federal Highway Administration decision.

Votes on Final Passage:

House898

Senate470

Effective:July 25, 1999