FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1328
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 332 L 11
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning the operation of motorcycles.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Van De Wege, DeBolt, Blake, Klippert, Hinkle, Ross, Hasegawa, Kirby, Billig, Liias, Takko, Stanford, Finn, Alexander, Short, Angel, Dammeier, Zeiger, Upthegrove, Tharinger, Green, Kelley, Hurst, McCune, Kenney and Maxwell).
House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation
Background:
The Chief of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) may temporarily suspend the following provisions with respect to the operation of motorcycles in connection with a parade or public demonstration:
With certain exceptions, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle that does not meet certain equipment standards for mirrors and windshields; however, certain older and antique motorcycles are exempt from the mirror requirements.
Motorcycle riders must meet certain requirements in terms of riding position in relation to permanent seats and foot pegs, and operators are prohibited from carrying passengers unless there is proper seating for the passenger.
Motorcycles must meet requirements for handlebar height.
With certain exceptions, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing a helmet.
It is unlawful to transport a child under the age of 5 on a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) issues special vehicle license plates that may be used in lieu of standard plates. A governmental or nonprofit organization seeking to sponsor a special plate either makes an application with the Special License Plate Review Board or requests legislation to create the special plate. Generally, the organization seeking to sponsor the special plate is required to reimburse the DOL for the costs of establishing the new special plate. After the DOL is reimbursed for the costs, the revenue generated from the plate goes into an account for the benefit of an organization that supports a particular cause or institution.
The DOL may issue some types of special license plates to passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers while other special plate types are restricted to certain vehicle types. Certain special license plate types may not be issued to motorcycles or trailers.
Summary:
Certain provisions related to motorcycle equipment standards and helmet use are temporarily suspended with respect to the operation of motorcycles on closed roads during a parade or public demonstration that has been permitted by a local jurisdiction.
The types of special license plates that the DOL may issue to motorcycles is expanded.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 95 | 2 | |
Senate | 49 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 97 | 0 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | July 22, 2011 |