Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

SB 5377

Brief Description:  Marking the gross weight on certain vehicles.

Sponsors:  By Senators Gardner, Horn and Haugen.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The statute that requires motor trucks, truck tractors, and tractors to paint their maximum gross weight or combined gross weight on the outside of the vehicle is repealed.

Hearing Date:  3/29/01

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background: 

All motor trucks, truck tractors, and tractors with a licensed gross weight in excess of 10,000 pounds are required to have the maximum gross weight or combined gross weight for which the vehicle is licensed painted on the outside of the vehicle in a conspicuous place in letters not less than two inches high.  The owner or operator of these vehicles cannot display a maximum gross weight or combined gross weight that is other than that shown on the current certificate of license registration of the vehicle.

Concern has been raised that this provision has outlived its usefulness because the certificate of license registration of the vehicle contains the information that is used by law enforcement, not the gross weight painted on the outside of the vehicle.

Summary of Bill: 

The statute that requires motor trucks, truck tractors, and tractors to paint their maximum gross weight or combined gross weight on the outside of the vehicle is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.