Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

ESSB 6359

Brief Description:  Penalizing failure to use required traction equipment.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Stevens, Haugen, Rossi and Benton).

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill

$Failure to use traction equipment is a traffic infraction.

$Technical amendments are made to terminology.

Hearing Date:  3/4/02

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background:

Under current law, failure to use particular tires, tire chains or traction equipment when advised to do so by the Department of Transportation (DOT) is a misdemeanor.  A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1000, or both.

Summary of Bill:

Failure to use required traction equipment is reclassified as a traffic infraction with a fine of $500.

Technical amendments are made to update the terminology for road conditions to reflect those actually used by the DOT.   Different recommendations can be made by the DOT or the state patrol for four-wheel drive vehicles in gear.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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