BILL REQ. #:  H-0720.1 

Read first time 01/23/13.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to conversion kits on motorcycles; amending RCW 46.04.330; reenacting and amending RCW 46.81A.010; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that persons with disabilities, including many veterans, have a right to recreational enjoyment of the great outdoors. Washington state is known for its scenic beauty and abundant resources, which are frequently enjoyed by its residents. As such, it is the intent of the legislature to ensure that certain privileges, including the use of a motorcycle, extend to persons with disabilities whenever responsible accommodations can be made to fulfill the person's enjoyment of what the state has to offer in recreational enjoyment.

Sec. 2   RCW 46.04.330 and 2009 c 275 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels ((in contact with the ground)), not including any stabilizing conversion kits, on which the driver:
     (1) Rides on a seat or saddle and the motor vehicle is designed to be steered with a handlebar; or
     (2) 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.
     "Motorcycle" excludes a farm tractor, a power wheelchair, an electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized foot scooter, an electric-assisted bicycle, and a moped.

Sec. 3   RCW 46.81A.010 and 2003 c 353 s 11 and 2003 c 41 s 4 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Motorcycle skills education program" means a motorcycle rider skills training program to be administered by the department.
     (2) "Department" means the department of licensing.
     (3) "Director" means the director of licensing.
     (4) "Motorcycle" ((means a motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, on which the driver rides astride the motor unit or power train and is designed to be steered with a handlebar, but excluding farm tractors, electric personal assistive mobility devices, mopeds, motorized foot scooters, motorized bicycles,)) has the same meaning as provided in RCW 46.04.330 and excludes off-road motorcycles.