Brief Description: Outlawing studded tires.

Sponsors: Representatives Romero, Nixon, Dunshee, Tom, Hunt and McIntire; by request of Department of Transportation.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

The Legislature and the Governor formed the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation (BRCT) in 1998 to assess the local, regional, and state transportation system; ensure that current and future money is spent wisely; make the system more accountable and predictable; and prepare a 20-year plan for funding and investing in the transportation system.

The BRCT made 18 recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. Recommendation Five outlined several ways to invest in maintenance, preservation, and improvement of the entire transportation system so that transportation benchmarks can be achieved. The BRCT concluded that one method for preserving the transportation system was to phase out studded tires or establish a surcharge to recognize the cost of studded tire damage to the roadways.

In 1999 the Legislature enacted a bill requiring wholesalers to sell only lightweight studs for tires. Starting January 1, 2000, wholesalers could sell only lightweight studded tires to tire dealers in Washington. Tire dealers could sell heavier metal studs only until July 1, 2001.

Current law allows tires with imbedded metal studs to be used between the months of November 1st and April 1st.

Summary of Bill:

The bill removes reference to studded tires as traction equipment and removes reference to use of studded tires allowed between the months of November 1st and April 1st including use on school buses and fire trucks.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2004.