FINAL 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.

C 246 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Limiting the issuance of motorcycle instruction permits.

Sponsors: Senators Rockefeller, Haugen, Delvin, Benton, Kilmer, Swecker, Hatfield, Sheldon, Shin and Roach.

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

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 (DOL) 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 DOL 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: DOL may issue a third 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. DOL may not issue more than three motorcycle instruction permits to an applicant within a five-year period.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

44

2

House

95

0

(House amended)

Senate

44

4

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

July 22, 2011.