Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1334
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning conversion kits on motorcycles.
Sponsors: Representatives Shea, Taylor, MacEwen, Schmick, Holy, Short, Kagi, Orcutt, Overstreet, Rodne, Klippert, Hargrove, Condotta and Parker.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/13
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, on which the driver:
rides on a seat or saddle and the motor vehicle is designed to be steered with a handlebar; or
rides on a seat in a partially or completely enclosed seating area that is equipped with safety belts and the motor vehicle is designed to be steered with a steering wheel.
Current motorcycle skills training programs are available for two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. The operator of a motorcycle must have the appropriate two-wheeled or three-wheeled driver's license endorsement in order to operate a two- or three-wheeled motorcycle in Washington.
Private industry has developed equipment kits that may be added to a motorcycle to provide additional stability. There are some states that authorize the use of stabilization kits.
Summary of Bill:
The definition of a motorcycle is revised to mean a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels not including any stabilizing conversion kits.
The definition of a "motorcycle" in the Motorcycle Skills Education Program is updated to be the same definition as the chapter definition and clarifies that it excludes off-road motorcycles.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.