BILL REQ. #:  S-2235.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/10/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to vehicles driven side by side in a single lane; amending RCW 46.61.608; and adding a new section to chapter 46.04 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 46.04 RCW to read as follows:
     "Ultranarrow vehicle" means a vehicle having a maximum width of forty-two inches from mirror to mirror.

Sec. 2   RCW 46.61.608 and 1975 c 62 s 46 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All motorcycles and ultranarrow vehicles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle or ultranarrow vehicle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles or ultranarrow vehicles operated two abreast in a single lane, under subsection (4) of this section.
     (2) The operator of a motorcycle or ultranarrow vehicle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
     (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle or ultranarrow vehicle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
     (4) Motorcycles ((shall not)) and ultranarrow vehicles may be operated ((more than)) up to two abreast in a single lane.
     (5) Subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.