SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5141
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. |
As of January 21, 2011
Title: An act relating to limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.
Brief Description: Limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.
Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Haugen, Delvin, Benton, Kilmer, Swecker, Hatfield, Sheldon, Shin and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/20/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: A person holding a valid driver's license who wishes to learn to ride a motorcycle may apply for a motorcycle instruction permit. The Department of Licensing may issue an instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all parts of the motorcycle examination other than the driving test. A person holding an instruction permit may drive a motorcycle upon the public highways but may not carry passengers on his or her motorcycle and may not operate his or her motorcycle during the hours of darkness. An instruction permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Currently, the department may issue more than two instruction permits if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve his or her driving proficiency.
Summary of Bill: The department may issue a third and final motorcycle instruction permit only upon presentation of documented evidence that the permittee is enrolled in an authorized motorcycle skills education program with a class start date prior to the expiration of the third instruction permit. The department may not issue more than three instruction permits.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Currently, some motorcyclists are gaming the system and using instructional permits indefinitely, as opposed to passing the required motorcycle driving test and receiving a motorcycle endorsement.
CON: Ninety days is not a sufficient amount of time to get all the requirements and tests taken care of or passed in order to get a motorcycle endorsement. Some of the motorcycle driving classes are hard.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rockefeller, prime sponsor; Dave Wendell, Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Safety; "Texas" Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association; Derek Goudriaan, DOL.
CON: Darcy Mugartegui, A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments Washington.