SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5800
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 Passed Senate, March 4, 2011
Title: An act relating to authorizing the use of modified off-road motorcycles on public roads.
Brief Description: Authorizing the use of modified off-road motorcycles on public roads.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Haugen and Shin).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/23/11, 2/24/11 [DPS, w/oRec].
Passed Senate: 3/04/11, 46-2.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5800 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Hill, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Prentice, Ranker, Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Ericksen.
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: Currently, Washington State law does not permit the conversion of off-road motorcycles for on-street use.
Summary of Substitute Bill: A person may operate an off-road motorcycle upon a public road, street, or highway in Washington, if the person complies with the following requirements:
file a motorcycle use declaration, in which the Department of Licensing (DOL) certifies conformance with all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards and state standards;
obtain and have in full force and effect a current and proper off-road vehicle (ORV) registration or temporary ORV use permit;
obtain a valid driver's license and motorcycle endorsement issued to Washington residents; and
install various outlined motorcycle components, if not already present on the off-road motorcycle.
An off-road motorcycle is defined. In order to be registered for on-road use, an off-road motorcycle must travel on two wheels with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and have handlebar-type steering control.
DOL must establish a declaration, which must be submitted by an off-road motorcycle owner when applying for on-road registration of an off-road motorcycle. The declaration must include the following:
documentation of a safety inspection conducted by a licensed dealership or repair shop;
documentation that the licensed dealership or repair shop did not charge more than $100 for the inspection, all of which goes to the dealership or repair shop;
verification of the vehicle identification number; and
a release signed by the owner that releases the state from liability.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute as Heard in Committee: PRO: People in the off-road motorcycle community want to ride on-road legally, and similar programs have worked well in other states. This act helps off-road users connect to trails and non-public roads, increases money spent at stores and restaurants during off to on-road motorcycle trips, increases fees for the state; off-road motorcycles have more efficient gas use; the fiscal impact is not too high; and it benefits the motorcycle recreation community.
OTHER: Increase the fee for safety inspections and fenders should not be required on off-road to on-road motorcycles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Daniel Huff, Yakima Valley Dust Dodgers Motorcycle & ATV Club; John Keates, Washington Off Highway Vehicle Alliance; Tod Petersen, Washington State Motorsports Dealer Association; Larry Walker, Washington Road Riders Association.
OTHER: Jason Berry, Washington State Patrol.